OBD-II Port Location: Where to Find It in Any Car

What Does the OBD-II Port Look Like?

The OBD-II port is a 16-pin, D-shaped connector, usually black or dark gray. It's about 1.5 inches wide. Think of it as a wider USB port with two rows of pins.

Where to Find It

In the vast majority of vehicles, the OBD-II port is located under the dashboard on the driver's side, within 2 feet of the steering column. It's often behind a small panel or cover.

How to diagnose Where Is the OBD-II Port in My Car? — OBD2 car scanner guide — Where Is the OBD-II Port in My Car? — OBD-II diagnostic guide

Common Locations by Make

Make	Typical Location
Toyota / Lexus	Under dash, left of steering column
Honda / Acura	Below dash, near fuse panel
Ford / Lincoln	Under dash, center-left
Chevrolet / GMC	Under dash, left of steering column
BMW / Mini	Under dash, left side, often behind a cover
Mercedes-Benz	Center console near shifter, or under dash
Volkswagen / Audi	Under dash, far left, near hood release
Hyundai / Kia	Under dash, above the pedals
Nissan / Infiniti	Under dash, left of center
Subaru	Under dash, near the hood latch release

What You Can Do With It

Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) — When the check engine light is on

Clear codes — After confirming the repair is complete

Monitor real-time data — Engine RPM, coolant temp, fuel trims, and more

Check emissions readiness — Required for state inspections in many states

Track vehicle health — With a tool like Steer, you get continuous monitoring and predictive alerts

Is It Safe to Use?

Yes. OBD-II is a read-only diagnostic standard. Plugging in a scanner will not affect your vehicle's performance, void your warranty, or cause any damage. It's the same port mechanics use at the shop.

How Steer Works With OBD-II

Steer's BLE hardware plugs directly into your OBD-II port and stays there permanently. It draws minimal power, auto-connects when you start driving, and sends real-time data to your iPhone.

Where Is the OBD-II Port in My Car?

Key Takeaway