Car theft is a constant concern for vehicle owners. A common entry point for thieves, especially those looking for a quick and easy target, is the Obd2 Port. This port, designed for vehicle diagnostics, can unfortunately be exploited for nefarious purposes. However, a straightforward and cost-free method exists to significantly reduce this vulnerability: physically disconnecting or hiding your OBD2 port.
The factory OBD2 port is typically held in place by simple clips, accessible from inside the car’s cabin. Often, these clips can be depressed with just your fingers, allowing you to detach the port from its usual location. Once removed, you gain access to the wiring harness behind it, as shown here:
From this point, several security measures become possible. You could intercept the data wires to install an interrupt switch, effectively cutting off data access with a simple toggle. Alternatively, and more simply, you can conceal the entire OBD2 port and wiring harness within the dashboard, making it inaccessible to casual thieves. For those with more technical skills, depinning the connector to disrupt key functions is another option.
In this particular 2023 1SS model, only eight wires are utilized within the OBD2 port. The wiring configuration is depicted in the following image:
The detailed schematics and pinout information for this OBD2 port are illustrated below:
The act of simply removing the OBD2 port from its standard location and concealing it is a completely free security enhancement. This basic step could be enough to deter opportunistic thieves who are seeking an easy target. A missing OBD2 port might prompt them to search further, wasting valuable time and increasing their risk of detection, or it might simply discourage them from targeting your vehicle altogether, leading them to seek an easier opportunity elsewhere.
For routine vehicle servicing, or when diagnostic access is genuinely needed, you can easily retrieve the hidden OBD2 port. If you utilize a device to manage features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) and prefer to keep the indicator light off, concealing the port offers a practical solution. Regardless of your specific motivation, this simple, cost-free action can be the deciding factor in preventing a quick theft attempt from succeeding.
Another deterrent strategy involves installing a non-functional, fake OBD2 port in the original location. The idea is that a thief noticing the missing port might begin searching for it, adding time and potentially giving up. To enhance the illusion, you could even wire the fake port to provide 12V power and ground. This would allow a thief’s scan tool to power up, further suggesting a functional port. Adding 10k ohm resistors between the data pins could even mimic the presence of data signals, making the fake port appear even more authentic. OEM OBD2 ports, along with the necessary pins and retainers, are readily available and inexpensive from suppliers like Mouser Electronics.
If you decide to create a convincing fake port with voltage, the required pins and retainers can also be sourced from the same suppliers.
Important Update on Pin Compatibility: Please note that there was a previous report of incorrect pin information. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. User-verified pin compatibility information is now available and confirmed with part number WM3324CT-ND from Mouser (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/0504208000).
Parts have been ordered for physical verification of fitment, and confirmation will be provided upon receipt. However, the provided part number originates from the GM service manual and visually appears to be identical.
A Strong Word of Caution: Do NOT Do This!
While tempting, reversing the polarity of the OBD2 port wiring is strongly discouraged and highly dangerous. This involves wiring 12V to the ground and signal pins, and grounding the 12V pin, while powering the 12V side from a dedicated fused connection at the battery. Implementing such a modification could severely damage or destroy any scan tool connected to the port, whether by a thief attempting to steal your car or by a legitimate service technician trying to diagnose and repair your vehicle. This is a significant safety and liability issue. For this reason, even if you hide your OBD2 port, do not implement reverse polarity wiring.
Even using a simple, inexpensive cover to indicate “Do Not Access” on a reverse-polarity modified OBD2 port does not absolve you of liability for damages to tools connected to your potentially dangerous modification. Again, reverse polarity wiring is strongly advised against.
A cheap cover, however, can be a good idea even with a hidden but correctly wired OBD2 port. It can provide a degree of protection to the pins from accidental short circuits, depending on the location where you choose to relocate the port. Ultimately, a combination of simple physical measures, like hiding the OBD2 port, and informed awareness are your best tools in deterring OBD2-related car theft.
