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OBD-II

Where Is the OBD-II Port in My Car?

Albert Carles — Hardware Engineer, OBD-II Specialist

Written by

Albert Carles

Hardware Engineer, OBD-II Specialist

Published Last updated 5 min read
Table of contents
Where Is the OBD-II Port in My Car? — OBD-II guide

Key Takeaway

Can't find the OBD-II port? Here's exactly where to look, what it looks like, and what you can do with it.

The OBD-II port is a 16-pin D-shaped connector found within 3 feet of the steering wheel in every US car since 1996 — most commonly under the dashboard near the driver-side footwell. Locations vary slightly by manufacturer but are always accessible without tools. STEER plugs in flush and stays in place for continuous monitoring.

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 is about 1.5 inches wide. Think of it as a wider USB port with two rows of pins. See our [OBD-II codes pillar](/codes/) for what the data looks like once you plug in.

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.

Common Locations by Make

MakeTypical Location
Toyota / LexusUnder dash, left of steering column
Honda / AcuraBelow dash, near fuse panel
Ford / LincolnUnder dash, center-left
Chevrolet / GMCUnder dash, left of steering column
BMW / MiniUnder dash, left side, often behind a cover
Mercedes-BenzCenter console near shifter, or under dash
Volkswagen / AudiUnder dash, far left, near hood release
Hyundai / KiaUnder dash, above the pedals
Nissan / InfinitiUnder dash, left of center
SubaruUnder dash, near the hood latch release
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

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 is the same port mechanics use at the shop.

    STEER stays plugged in long-term

    Most OBD-II adapters are bulky enough to obstruct the driver's knee or interfere with trim panels. The [STEER OBD-II adapter](/obd2-scanner/) sits flush in the port with very low current draw — safe to leave permanently installed. Check the [compatibility page](/compatibility/) for your specific vehicle support.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the OBD-II port in the same place on every car?

    Every US car since 1996 has the OBD-II port within 3 feet of the steering wheel by federal regulation, but the exact location varies. Most common: under the driver-side dashboard near the footwell. Less common: behind the ash tray, in the center console, behind the fuse panel cover, or under a removable trim panel. The 3-foot rule means you should never need tools to find it.

    Does my car have an OBD-II port?

    If your car was sold in the US in model year 1996 or later, yes — by federal mandate. Some 1995 vehicles also have the port (manufacturers phased in compliance through 1994-1995). European-market cars use the same physical port from model year 2001+ for gasoline and 2004+ for diesel under EOBD regulations. Pre-1996 US cars use older OBD-I, which is a different (and less standardized) connector.

    Why can I not find the OBD-II port?

    Some manufacturers hide the port behind small access panels or trim covers — common on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and some Mercedes-Benz models. Look for a small panel below the steering column or to the left near the dead pedal. A coin or finger pulls the cover open. Tesla and some EVs have non-standard or limited OBD-II implementations; consult the owner's manual for exact location.

    Can plugging in an OBD-II scanner damage my car?

    Reading codes and live data is read-only — no risk. Clearing codes and resetting adaptations is low-risk if you understand the consequences (clearing resets readiness monitors). The only meaningful risk area is bidirectional/advanced features (module flashing, key programming) that consumer scanners do not typically offer. Standard OBD-II scanning is the same operation a shop performs, with no impact on warranty.

    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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