Vehicle theft is a growing concern, and modern thieves are increasingly sophisticated, often exploiting vulnerabilities in your car’s onboard diagnostics system via the OBD2 port. The factory-installed OBD2 port, designed for easy access for diagnostics and maintenance, unfortunately also provides a straightforward entry point for unauthorized access. One effective and budget-friendly method to deter these opportunistic thieves is to relocate your OBD2 port. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own Obd2 Relocation Kit solution, focusing on simplicity and effectiveness.
The standard OBD2 port is typically secured by clips that can be easily manipulated from inside the vehicle’s cabin. Often, this can be done with just your fingers. Once these clips are released, the OBD2 port can be pushed out from behind, providing immediate access to the wiring harness. This accessibility is exactly what we want to eliminate to enhance your vehicle’s security.
From this point, you have several options to disrupt a thief’s access. You could intercept the data wires and route them to a hidden interrupt switch, effectively cutting off data access. Alternatively, you can simply conceal the entire OBD2 harness, or even de-pin the connector to render it useless for unauthorized tools. These methods aim to create a significant obstacle for thieves looking for a quick and easy target.
On a 2023 1SS model, only eight wires are utilized within the OBD2 port, simplifying the process if you choose to work with the wiring directly.
For those who prefer a more detailed understanding, the schematic and pinout diagram for this OBD2 port are shown below. This information can be helpful if you decide to implement more advanced security measures or need to reconnect the port later for legitimate diagnostics.
Simply removing the OBD2 port from its original location and hiding it is a free and surprisingly effective deterrent. For many thieves seeking a fast entry point, a missing OBD2 port can be enough to make them move on to an easier target. The uncertainty and potential delay caused by a missing port can be a significant advantage. You can conceal the disconnected port in various locations within your vehicle and easily retrieve it when you need to take your car for servicing. If you use a device to disable features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) and prefer to keep the associated warning lights off, hiding the port can also be a convenient solution. Whatever your motivation, this simple step can be the difference between your car being an easy target and a thief aborting their attempt.
To further enhance the deterrent, consider installing a dummy OBD2 port in the original location. A thief noticing the missing port might start searching for it, but a fake port in its place could further confuse and discourage them. Ideally, this dummy port would have a functional 12V and ground connection, giving the appearance of being operational and potentially even powering up a thief’s diagnostic tool, only to lead to a dead end. You could even add resistors to the data pins to simulate a connection, further adding to the illusion. The good news is that OEM OBD2 ports, pins, and retainers are readily available and inexpensive from electronics suppliers like Mouser Electronics.
If you decide to create a more convincing dummy port with voltage to enhance the deception, you can also source the necessary pins and retainers from the same suppliers. This allows you to populate the dummy port with realistic-looking connections, further deterring potential thieves.
**UPDATE ON PIN COMPATIBILITY** Please note that there was a previous report of incorrect pin information. We apologize for any confusion. User verification has confirmed the following pin compatibility:
WM3324CT-ND (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/0504208000)
These parts, including the retainer clip, are reported to be compatible and are listed in GM service manuals, and visually appear identical to the original components. Verification will be updated upon physical confirmation after ordering and testing these parts.
**IMPORTANT WARNING: DO NOT DO THIS** While considering security measures, it is critical to understand what not to do. Rewiring a replacement OBD2 port with reversed polarity – connecting 12V to ground and signal pins, and grounding the 12V pin – is strongly discouraged. Although tempting as a way to damage a thief’s tools, this action could also severely damage legitimate diagnostic tools used by service technicians, potentially leading to liability issues.
Even with a warning cover indicating that access is not recommended, you could still be held responsible for damages to scan tools connected to a booby-trapped port. Therefore, reversing polarity is strongly advised against.
A simple, inexpensive cover, however, can be a good addition to your obd2 relocation kit or hidden port setup. It can protect the pins from accidental shorts, particularly depending on where you choose to relocate the port.
In conclusion, relocating your OBD2 port, potentially in combination with a dummy port and protective cover, offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to enhance your vehicle’s security against OBD2-based theft. By implementing these DIY measures, or by utilizing a professionally assembled obd2 relocation kit, you can significantly deter thieves and protect your vehicle.
