Where is the OBD-II plug in port located?

The OBD-II diagnostic port is typically found under the driver's side of the dashboard, near the steering column. It uses a 16-pin connector (J1962) and is usually accessible behind a small cover or knee panel. If it isn’t visible there, it may hide behind a fuse panel, inside a panel near the glove box, or near the center console depending on the vehicle model.

Common locations you’ll encounter

The following locations are the most typical across US-market and many global vehicles since the mid-1990s. Use them as starting points when searching your car.

• Under the driver's side dash, close to the steering column. This is the standard spot for most cars, trucks, and SUVs in the United States.


• Behind a removable knee bolster or panel in the lower dash or footwell, often near the fuse box.


• Behind a small door or cover along the edge of the lower dash or near the center console.


• Near the fuse box or inside the glove box area in some models, particularly certain European or Asian makes.


• On larger vehicles (like some trucks), the port may be located slightly to the left of the steering column or inside a panel near the pedal area.

In all cases, the port is the standardized 16-pin OBD-II connector designed for diagnostic tools and scan devices.

How to locate it in your specific vehicle

Use these steps to pinpoint the exact location for your model, since placement can vary by make and year.

• Consult the owner’s manual and look up “OBD-II port” or “diagnostic port” for the exact location.


• Inspect the area beneath the steering wheel—check the knee area, left footwell, and the vicinity of the fuse box for a recessed connector.


• Search for a trapezoid-shaped, 16-pin connector inside a recessed port with a hinged cover or flip-down door.


• If not visible under the dash, check behind interior panels, including behind the glove box or near the center console, as certain makes place it there.


• When in doubt, ask a dealer or qualified mechanic to confirm the port’s location for your specific model and year.

Conclusion: While the exact spot can vary by model, the OBD-II port is most often found under the driver’s side dash near the steering column or knee area, with alternative placements behind panels near the fuse box, glove box, or center console.

Summary: The OBD-II port is a standardized 16-pin diagnostic connection typically located under the driver’s side dash near the steering column. If not immediately visible, check knee panels, fuse boxes, glove box areas, or center-console panels, and refer to the vehicle’s manual or a professional to confirm the exact location for your model.

Where is the OBD-II port location?

It. Your vehicle may also have a cover that you'll need to remove in order to get to it. But if the port's not there. Check around or under the center console.

What does an OBD port look like on a car?

While the exact location of an OBD port varies on a car-by-car basis, they are frequently found within the dashboard alongside the steering column. If you're unsure, you should consult your vehicle's manual for further guidance. Appearance-wise, the OBD II port is a 16 pin connector that is shaped like a rectangle.

Are all OBD2 ports the same?

Yes, all standard OBD2 ports have the same 16-pin connector, but there can be differences in the communication protocols and vehicle-specific data transmitted through them. While the physical port is universal, the software and communication methods can vary, and some heavy-duty vehicles use a different type B connector. 
This video explains the difference between OBD1 and OBD2: 1mDailyDrivenStangsYouTube · Feb 10, 2025
Universal aspects of OBD2 ports

• Standardized connector: All OBD2 ports use the same 16-pin connector, regardless of the car's make or model. 
• Standardized protocols: The OBD2 standard requires all vehicles to support certain communication protocols, making it possible for a universal scanner to read generic codes (P0, P2, P34-P39, B0, B3, C0, C3, U0, or U3). 
• Common location: The port is typically found under the dashboard in passenger vehicles. 

Differences in OBD2 ports

• Communication protocols: While the connector is the same, different manufacturers may use different underlying communication protocols for data transfer. 
• Manufacturer-specific data: Some pins on the connector are not required for standard communication and are used by manufacturers to transmit unique data specific to their vehicles. 
• Vehicle type:
  • Type A: This is the standard connector found in most 12V cars. 
  • Type B: This is a different, 16-pin connector found in medium and heavy-duty vehicles, often operating at a different voltage and baud rate. 

This video explains the difference between CAN and OBD2: 59sMrDIYYouTube · Dec 21, 2023

Does every car have an OBD2 port?

No, not all cars have OBD2 ports, but all gasoline and diesel passenger vehicles sold in the United States and Canada since 1996 are required to have one. Older cars (prior to 1996) use the older and non-standardized OBD1 system. Also, fully electric vehicles may not have a standard OBD2 port, as it's not always required for cars that don't have an internal combustion engine that produces local emissions.
 

• Mandated for all 1996 and newer gas and diesel cars in the US and Canada: A federal law requires all passenger cars and light trucks to have an OBD2 port starting with the 1996 model year. 
• Older vehicles: Cars manufactured before 1996 use the older OBD1 system, which had different port designs for each manufacturer. 
• Electric vehicles: Some alternative fuel vehicles, particularly electric cars, are not required to have the standard OBD2 port because they do not produce local emissions.