Relocating the OBD port from the standard, easily accessible location is a popular option. An OBD wiring extension can be used to reroute the port to a different place on the car (often inside the glovebox). The basic idea of an OBD port is to allow car manufacturers, garages and owners easy access to diagnostic information about their vehicle. This is done through plugging a device into a port that uses a common design. The main body is full aluminum but the top plate is made of hardened steel to make it harder to drill out. It also has an anodized coating to weatherproof it. On the 06 onwards Ducato and Boxer they built the OBD port into the fusebox. Shame as otherwise would an easy job to relocate and fit a dummy one.

In 2001, the European Union introduced requirements that all new petrol cars must offer OBD access. New diesel-powered models were included from 2003. This standard is often referred to as EOBD. What can an OBD port be used for? The screws are then protected from access by sliding the top plate over the holes and removing the key. When a fault occurs, an OBD reader can be used to scan for error codes that have been logged by the car. These correspond to a specific list of errors, which can help narrow down what might have caused the problem. I also fitted a dummy port in the original location, not powered at all, but spliced into the original loom covering. Best FREE antivirus for Android, iPhone – Certified, Good protection, no Ads, Actually free! March 16, 2023

Are you securing it to the VB Panel inside your fuse box or is there a specific place it bolts on to?

An On-Board Diagnostics port is a standard connector used to access information from the various sensors and components in a car. Of course, there are other measures that can be taken to secure your OBD port like relocating it somewhere else but If that’s not for you then consider getting the OBD-Saver. No software or coded equipment involved, therefore there is no possibility of thieves overcoming the system. Once installed, you will also need to ensure that mechanics or dealership technicians can access the port for maintenance or servicing. Don’t forget to keep the Allen wrench in your glovebox and the OBD-Saver key with your car keys so that if you need to access the OBD port you can do so easily. An example would be if you need to scan for fault codes and need to plug in a Bluetooth OBD adapter or if you need to bring your car in for service.

Tech-savvy criminals can use the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port fitted to modern cars to start the car and drive it away. Programming replacement keys, should a new spare be needed, can be done via the OBD port as well. Why is the OBD port a theft risk?