The OBD port may also be used to upload information to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Manufacturers can update software this way, while tuning companies use it to remap the ECU for extra performance. 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. Best FREE antivirus for Android, iPhone – Certified, Good protection, no Ads, Actually free! March 16, 2023 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. 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.

The earliest OBD ports were introduced in the 1970s, and they became more prevalent on American cars in the 1980s. Californian legislation introduced in 1988 meant new cars sold there had to have basic OBD compliance. 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? The OBD-Saver Basic involves coded (approx. 300 different variants) and countersunk special screws, which are freely accessible. I looked at this and would have bought it but I use the ODB port to power a HUD speedometer. Can't read the Ducato Speedo, and certainly can't decipher the Klm readings. The screws are then protected from access by sliding the top plate over the holes and removing the key.Read on for information about what stealing a vehicle using the OBD port actually means, and the measures you can take to protect your car. So, what is an OBD port? An On-Board Diagnostics port is a standard connector used to access information from the various sensors and components in a car. Are you securing it to the VB Panel inside your fuse box or is there a specific place it bolts on to? A: The OBDS has been successfully tested and validated by several vehicle manufacturers. No manufacturer raised concerns about the warranty. You can see an example from a well-known manufacturer under this LINK .

I also fitted a dummy port in the original location, not powered at all, but spliced into the original loom covering. When any servicing or diagnostic work is required, the Universal OBDsaver can simply be removed using the unique individual coded key supplied.

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A variety of Ford models have also been targeted, including the previous-generation Fiesta and Focus. Tech-savvy criminals can use the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port fitted to modern cars to start the car and drive it away. Beside the drivers knee on the right hand drive model is a cover for the fuse box, which also hosts the OBD port No software or coded equipment involved, therefore there is no possibility of thieves overcoming the system.

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. The rules around OBD ports mean that car manufacturers cannot restrict their access, or make them hard to locate inside a car. For professional car thieves, this delivers a potentially efficient way to steal a vehicle. 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? Once installed, you will also need to ensure that mechanics or dealership technicians can access the port for maintenance or servicing. Thefts using OBD ports are just one of the methods used by professional car criminals. Exploiting keyless entry and start systems through relay devices is the tactic many people are aware of, but OBD thefts are also a problem.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. This allows the OBD port to still be accessed for servicing, but will hopefully confuse criminals long enough for them to give up. The problem has made headlines, typically with attention-grabbing videos of how easy the process can be.