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OBD-II

How to Find the OBD2 Port in Your Car (By Brand)

Albert Carles — Hardware Engineer, OBD-II Specialist

Written by

Albert Carles

Hardware Engineer, OBD-II Specialist

Published Last updated 6 min read
Table of contents
How to Find the OBD2 Port in Your Car (By Brand) — OBD-II guide

Key Takeaway

Can't find the OBD-II port? Here's where it is for every major brand.

In nearly every US car since 1996, the OBD2 port is within 3 feet of the steering wheel — most commonly under the driver-side dashboard near the footwell. It is a 16-pin D-shaped (trapezoidal) connector. Look for a removable panel or cover on some Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW models. STEER's setup guide includes diagrams for every supported model.

OBD-II Port Locations by Brand

BrandTypical Location
ToyotaUnder dash, left of steering column
HondaUnder dash, above pedals, slightly right
FordUnder dash, left of steering column
Chevrolet / GMUnder dash, near driver's knee
BMWUnder dash, left behind a small panel
Mercedes-BenzLower dash, left or center console area
VolkswagenUnder dash, slightly left of center
AudiUnder dash, left panel (may have cover)
NissanUnder dash, left of center
Hyundai / KiaUnder dash, left of steering column
SubaruUnder dash, near the fuse panel
MazdaUnder dash, left of center
Jeep / ChryslerUnder dash, left near fuse box
TeslaUnder dash (limited OBD-II support)
How to diagnose How to Find the OBD2 Port in Your Car (By Brand) — OBD2 car scanner guide
How to Find the OBD2 Port in Your Car (By Brand) — OBD-II diagnostic guide

Tips for Hard-to-Find Ports

  • Look within 2 feet of the steering column.
  • Check for a removable panel or cover.
  • Use your phone's flashlight — it's dark under there.
  • The port is a 16-pin D-shaped (trapezoidal) connector.

    • STEER fits compactly in every port

    Some bulky OBD2 adapters protrude far enough to bump the driver's knee or interfere with steering column trim. The [STEER OBD-II adapter](/obd2-scanner/) sits flush with the port and stays plugged in long-term without obstruction. Confirm your model on the [compatibility page](/compatibility/) and see our [OBD-II codes pillar](/codes/) for what the data means once you connect.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why can't I find the OBD2 port in my car?

    OBD-II ports are sometimes hidden behind removable trim panels, especially in Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and certain Mercedes-Benz models. Look for a small panel below the steering column or to the left near the dead pedal — a coin or a finger pulls it open. Some Tesla and other EV models have non-standard or limited OBD-II implementations; consult the owner's manual.

    What does the OBD2 port look like?

    A 16-pin trapezoidal (D-shaped) connector, roughly 1 inch wide by 0.5 inches tall. The pins are arranged in two rows of 8. Most ports are black plastic, though some manufacturers use brown, blue, or other colors. SAE standard J1962 defines the exact dimensions — every US car since 1996 uses the identical connector physically, even if the underlying communication protocol differs by manufacturer.

    Do all cars have the OBD2 port in the same place?

    No, but they are all within 3 feet of the steering wheel by federal regulation. The most common location is under the driver-side dashboard within easy reach. Less common locations include behind the ash tray, in the center console, behind the fuse panel cover, or under a flap on the driver-side dashboard trim. The 3-foot rule means you should never need tools or significant disassembly to find it.

    Can I install a permanent OBD2 adapter without it being visible?

    Yes. An OBD-II port extension cable (Y-splitter) lets you relocate the connection to a hidden spot in the dashboard or center console while keeping the original port accessible. STEER and most low-profile BLE adapters can also be installed and left in place without protruding visibly — the adapter sits flush in the port and is hidden by the dashboard trim.

    Get plain-English answers on your iPhone

    STEER reads your car's codes the moment they trigger and translates them into something you can act on.

    Download on the App Store

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