Where is the OBD2 port on my car? Locations by make

OBD2 guides · Updated on · 4 min read · Saïd, creator of DiagAuto AI

What the port looks like

A trapezoid-shaped 16-pin connector (2 rows of 8), black or white, about 4 cm wide. It often faces downwards and is sometimes hidden by a plastic cover marked “OBD”, “Diag” or just a logo.

Common locations by make

(Indicative: the location varies with the model and year. If in doubt, see “If you cannot find it” below.)

  • Peugeot / Citroën / DS: under the dashboard on the driver's side, often behind a cover to the left of the column; on the 208/2008/308 (2012+) and C3/C4, near the interior fuse box, sometimes behind a flap.
  • Renault / Dacia: under the steering wheel on the left, or in the centre console (Clio III/IV, Mégane II/III: sometimes behind the ashtray or the central storage tray; Scénic: under the armrest or near the handbrake).
  • Volkswagen / Audi / Seat / Skoda: under the dashboard, to the left of the column or above the pedal, often behind a rectangular cover.
  • BMW / Mini: under the dashboard on the driver's side, behind a flap on the left, near the bonnet release.
  • Mercedes: driver's side, bottom left, sometimes under a cover near the bonnet release handle.
  • Ford: under the dashboard, above the pedal or to the left; sometimes in the storage tray under the steering wheel.
  • Opel / Vauxhall: under the handbrake or in the centre console on older models (Corsa C, Astra G/H), under the dashboard on recent ones.
  • Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Lancia: under the dashboard, sometimes in the fuse box on the driver's side or behind a cover near the bonnet lever.
  • Toyota / Lexus: under the dashboard on the driver's side, on the left, often very visible.
  • Honda: under the dashboard, on the driver's or passenger's side (Civic), sometimes behind a cover.
  • Nissan: under the dashboard, sometimes behind a cover near the fuses.
  • Hyundai / Kia: under the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
  • Volvo: under the dashboard on the driver's side, sometimes behind the bonnet release handle.
  • Tesla and electric vehicles: the port exists, but the codes readable through standard OBD2 are limited.

If you cannot find it

  1. Get down on your knees with a torch and look for covers: many unclip with a simple pull.
  2. Check the vehicle handbook, under “diagnostic socket”.
  3. Ask your garage or the brand's dealer service department: they know where it is. Searching “OBD port” followed by the model and year also often turns up a photo.

Next steps

Plug in the adapter, switch on the ignition, and follow the connection procedure. If you do not have an adapter yet: our buying guide. Once connected, start by reading the codes: check engine light on, what should you do?

Frequently asked questions

My car has a round or 2-pin socket, is that OBD2?

No. Non-standard round or square sockets predate OBD2 (before 2001 for petrol / 2004 for diesel in Europe). An ELM327 adapter will not work without an adapter cable, and often not at all.

The port is there but the adapter does not light up?

Check the diagnostic port fuse (often shared with the cigarette lighter) and make sure the ignition is on. Push the adapter in firmly: the port is sometimes stiff.

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