Have you ever looked under your car's steering wheel at all the wires, fuses, and plugs? If so, you might find an odd plug called an OBD-II port.That's the same port any technician uses during a smog test, and mechanics access it to scan for check engine light errors, but that's not all it can do.You can plug several useful or weird things into that 16-pin port.
What's the OBD-II port on a car? The dedicated diagnostic port An OBD-II (or OBD2) on-board diagnostic port is a standardized, 16-pin rectangular port in most modern vehicles.Before 1996, it was known as an OBD port, but any vehicle made after 1996 now uses a standardized OBD-II port.So, what does it do? The OBD2 port allows diagnostic tools to connect to the car's computer.
This connection is what mechanics use to scan for codes, clear a CEL (check engine light), and access other diagnostic trouble codes, known as DTCs.Additionally, the OBD2 port can provide real-time usage and performance data about the engine, EVAP and emissions system, transmission, and more.It's the gateway to the computer in any modern vehicle.
For example, when a car detects a problem, it illuminates a check engine light on the dashboard, and the system stores a DTC code on the computer.From here, any mechanic or scanner tool can access those codes to help troubleshoot and solve the problem.While the OBD2 port is mainly for troubleshooting, it's also a power source and an extremely useful port for an array of devices.
There's a good chance you only see or deal with it by watching a technician plug in your vehicle for a smog test.Here are more uses and weird things that you can plug in down there.OBD2 scanner and fault code reader Every vehicle owner needs one of these If you're a DIY type, you can access the OBD2 port with affordable tools like the MOTOPOWER scanner and fault code reader.
So, the next time you have a check engine light, you can clear it before smog tests and registration, and you can also look up the code and try to troubleshoot the problem yourself without paying a mechanic.Most people plug OBD2 code scanners into the port, which range from cheap $20 scanners with limited controls to hundreds or thousands of dollars for professionals.Here's a decent one to get you started.
Related I used a $40 OBD-II scanner and saved hundreds in unnecessary mechanic visits Using an inexpensive OBD-II scanner can save you money, time, and frustration.Posts 1 By Joe Kucinski GPS trackers A hidden way to keep track of your vehicle's location Another common and perhaps more mainstream use of the OBD2 port is GPS tracking and similar vehicle tracking data.Parents can get an OBD2 GPS tracker and install it in a child's car, enthusiasts use them to potentially track a stolen vehicle, and these trackers are commonplace on company fleet vehicles.
For example, some insurance providers like Progressive or State Farm offer safe driver discounts.To see that you're a safe driver, or to continue to get those discounts, many insurance companies will install a GPS-type tracker that collects data like speed, acceleration, and other factors.They look for rapid acceleration or hard braking, etc., as indicators.
Get one through your provider, or add your own GPS tracker to a family vehicle.Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD2 scanners for phones Learn about your vehicle through your phone While some people will want to plug directly into the OBD port using a scanner tool like the one mentioned before, modern times call for modern solutions.Instead of dealing with wires and a bulky device, try something like the BlueDriver OBD-II scanner for iPhone or Android.
The BlueDriver OBDII dongle works via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and lets you instantly connect to your car computer right from a smartphone or tablet.Then, everything you can do with bigger scanners is available on your phone: check and clear codes, get real-time performance stats, and more.Sure, there are cheaper dongles all over Amazon, but the BlueDriver is what I use and recommend for anyone wanting to be their own mechanic.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android $70 $135 Save $65 Easily connect to your car's OBD-II port over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with the BlueDriver dongle. $70 at Amazon Expand Collapse Add a HUD (head up display) or smart gauges Pimp your ride Have you seen some newer (or luxury) vehicles with a HUD? A head up display typically shows the speed, navigation direction arrows, and other information right into the windshield below a driver's line of sight.It's a popular high-end option on some vehicles.Thanks to that OBD2 port in your car, you can add some third-party HUD options to your older vehicle.
Whether you have a daily driver that you race on the weekends, an off-road vehicle, or otherwise want additional information than what's on the dash, or in a different location, you'll want an OBD2-powered HUD.Many HUD options on Amazon will pull speed, tachometer, temps, and other details—along with power—from the OBD2 port that you can mount to your dash or windshield.ScanGauge for fuel economy and more Keep track of everything and anything If you're looking for something similar yet different (or more unassuming) than the HUD mentioned above, consider plugging in something like the ScanGauge.
The ScanGauge is a popular tool for monitoring a vehicle's vital systems in real-time.Most owners use it for trip data, fuel economy, and trouble code reading, like some of those affordable dongles on Amazon.It's a common accessory in the off-road world, where Jeep, Toyota, and crawler owners tap into the OBD2 port to track transmission temps, engine performance, and other problems while out on the trail.
I have a ScanGauge for my modified Toyota Tacoma, and it's an easy tool to recommend.ScanGauge Automotive Computer The ScanGauge is a 3-in-1 automotive computer that uses the OBD-II port to access real-time data for fuel economy, temperature, and more. $169 at Amazon Expand Collapse OBD2 power cable for dash cameras and more Power without using your 12V port The OBD2 port on all modern vehicles can double as a power source.As a result, many owners opt to tap into this often-ignored port to power devices like a Dash Cam, powered rear view mirrors, radar detectors, and other vehicle accessories.
If your vehicle's dash cam takes up a precious USB port or the DC 12V cigarette lighter port, consider buying an OBD2 to USB adapter on Amazon.This way, you can power a dash cam with the OBD port and free up your USB-C spots for your phone, tablet, CarPlay, and more.Get an OBD2 splitter Expand your OBD2 port I use an OBD2 splitter in my vehicle, which is a helpful accessory you might want to consider.
Now that you know about the things you can plug into an OBD2 port, you might want to take advantage of more than one.By using an OBD2 splitter, I can plug in a ScanGauge for real-time information, and then I use the secondary 16-pin plug to power my dash cam.It's a solid little setup that lets me keep all my USB ports free.
OBD2 anti-theft lock Keep your car in place Last but certainly not least, we wanted to mention an OBD2 port anti-theft lock.Seriously! As you now know, the OBD2 port is a direct connection to a vehicle's internal computer (ECU), and car theft using the OBD2 port is a growing threat.It's a common talking point on car forums and Reddit.
While it's not a huge concern on older models, reports suggest it's a growing problem on newer vehicles with keyless entry, remote start, or push-to-start options.A thief could potentially gain access to your vehicle, then use the OBD-II port to access the system and start the vehicle.While an OBD2 lock isn't going to stop a persistent thief, any roadblock to slow someone down is better than nothing.
Your vehicle's got an OBD2 port, take advantage of it There's a good chance you've never messed with your vehicle's OBD-II port.Yet you can easily use it to power various devices, gather more information about your vehicle, and troubleshoot problems before spending time and money at a mechanic.If you're a DIY type or want to do more with your vehicle, consider some of these helpful tools or accessories.
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