Quick guide
Where is my OBD port?
Almost always under the dash on the driver's side, within arm's reach of the steering column. Here's how to find it fast, and what it's for.
60-second method
- Sit in the driver's seat and look under the dashboard, above the pedals.
- Feel along the underside — you're looking for a 16-pin trapezoid connector, roughly 4cm wide.
- Check behind or beside the fuse-box cover if it isn't immediately visible.
- Some models hide it behind a small flip-down panel or ashtray.
What it looks like
The OBD-II connector is a standardised D-shaped (trapezoid) socket with 16 pins in two rows. It's usually black, sometimes white or grey. Because the shape is standardised, once you've seen one you'll recognise it on any car.
It's typically within 60cm of the steering column and must be reachable from the driver's seat without tools — that's a requirement of the standard, which is exactly why thieves can rely on finding it quickly.
Common locations by make
These cover the usual spots. Yours may differ slightly by model year.
| Make | Usual location |
|---|---|
| Toyota (HiLux, Corolla, LandCruiser, Prado, RAV4) | Under dash, left of the steering column, often near the bonnet release |
| Ford (Ranger, Everest, Focus) | Under dash, above the pedals, sometimes behind a small cover |
| Mazda (BT-50, CX-5, Mazda 3) | Under dash on the driver's side, near the kick panel |
| Holden (Commodore, Colorado) | Under dash, close to the centre console edge |
| Volkswagen / Audi / Skoda | Under dash near the bonnet release, occasionally behind a trim flap |
| Hyundai / Kia | Under dash, driver's side, often just above the pedals |
| Nissan (Navara, X-Trail, Patrol) | Under dash, left of the steering wheel |
| Mitsubishi (Triton, Outlander) | Under dash, near the fuse-box panel |
| Subaru | Under dash, driver's side, near the kick panel |
| BMW / Mercedes | Under dash, sometimes behind a hinged cover |
Still can't find it? Your owner's manual will list it under "diagnostic connector" or "OBD".
Does my car have one?
Under the Australian Design Rules, OBD-II has been mandatory on petrol passenger vehicles manufactured from 2006, and on diesel vehicles from 2007. US-specification vehicles have had it since 1996, and Europe from around 2001 for petrol.
In practice, if your car is newer than about 2007, it has one.
What the port is actually for
- Reading fault codes — what your check-engine light means.
- Live data — sensor readings while the engine runs.
- Emissions readiness — whether the car will pass a test.
- Key programming — pairing a replacement key to the immobiliser.
That last one is the problem. It's a legitimate function that locksmiths and dealers need — and it's the same function a thief uses to enrol a blank key and drive off. Full explanation here.
Should you cover it?
Once you know where your port is, it's worth thinking about who else can reach it. Options range from a $40 physical lock to re-pinning the port so a scanner reads nothing at all. We've written an honest comparison of both, including where each one fails.
Found your port? Protect it.
OBD Shield PRO re-pins the connector so key programmers get nothing — while your adapter keeps full diagnostics.
See the kitsSources
- Australian Design Rules — OBD-II requirement, petrol 2006 / diesel 2007.
- SAE J1962 — OBD-II connector location and specification.