A standard port used for fault detection and diagnosis in vehicles is the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics – Second Generation) port. The OBD-II port is an interface inside the vehicle and provides access to the vehicle’s computer system. This port is used to read data from the vehicle’s various sensors and systems, identify fault codes and perform other diagnostics.
The OBD-II port is usually located under the driver’s seat of the vehicle or under the steering wheel. On some vehicles, the OBD-II port may be located in a closed area or under a cover, so checking the vehicle’s owner’s manual may help to locate it.
The OBD-II port is usually equipped with a 16-pin connector. This port is used to connect to vehicle detection devices (OBD-II scanners), diagnostic equipment and computer-based diagnostic software. These devices access the vehicle’s computer system to read fault codes and provide information about various systems in the vehicle.
This standard port ensures wide compatibility between vehicle manufacturers and allows many diagnostic devices to be used with different vehicle models. OBD-II standards are generally mandatory for light vehicles manufactured from the 1996 model year onwards. However, some vehicle manufacturers may have used OBD-II ports on earlier models.