OBD2 Port Locator — Find Your Car's Diagnostic Port

Where is the OBD2 port on my car?

The OBD-II diagnostic port (also called the DLC — Data Link Connector) is a 16-pin trapezoidal socket fitted to OBD-II compatible vehicles. OBD-II is standard on most UK petrol cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004, with many later-1990s vehicles also compatible. On compatible cars, the port is generally within 2 feet (60cm) of the steering wheel.

The most common locations are under the dashboard to the left of the steering column, under the dashboard to the right of the steering column, inside the centre console, or behind a small panel near the gear lever. On most cars it is accessible without tools and does not require removing any trim.

Common OBD2 port locations by make

What OBD2 scanner do I need?

Any OBD-II scanner will work with your port. Basic code readers cost from £8–£25 on Amazon and read and clear fault codes. Bluetooth scanners (£15–£40) connect to your smartphone via an app. Professional scanners (£50–£200) provide live data, freeze frame and advanced functions. For simply reading a fault code to enter into AI-Diagnostics-Pro, any basic reader will do the job.

If your scanner reads more than engine codes

Once you have the port location sorted, the next gap is often scanner coverage. ABS, airbag, BCM, and invalid-data faults need their own diagnostic path when the dashboard shows more than a simple check-engine-light story.