Car theft is a constant concern for vehicle owners, and modern thieves are increasingly sophisticated, often targeting the OBD2 port for quick access to a vehicle’s systems. This port, designed for diagnostics and maintenance, unfortunately, has become a primary entry point for low-effort theft. One simple yet effective method to deter these opportunistic criminals is by making it appear as though your OBD2 port is non-functional or altered. This is where the concept of a Fake Obd2 Port comes into play.
One immediate and cost-free step you can take is to simply hide your vehicle’s factory-installed OBD2 port. The port is typically held in place by easily accessible clips. By disengaging these clips from inside the car’s cabin, you can detach the OBD2 port and tuck it away, out of sight. This simple maneuver can be enough to thwart a thief looking for a quick and easy target.
From this newly exposed cavity, you’ll see the wiring harness connected to where your OBD2 port was originally located. At this stage, you have a few options to enhance your vehicle’s security. You could reroute the data wiring to an interrupt switch, effectively cutting off data access with a flick of a switch. Alternatively, and more simply, you can just conceal the original OBD2 port and its harness deeper within the dashboard. For those with more technical skills, de-pinning specific wires could also disable the port’s functionality.
As shown in the wiring diagram and pinout for this 2023 1SS model, only a limited number of wires are actually utilized in the OBD2 port. Understanding this configuration is helpful if you choose to implement more advanced modifications.
The act of merely removing and hiding the factory OBD2 port is a free and reversible modification. This alone can be a significant deterrent. A thief expecting a readily accessible OBD2 port might be discouraged by its absence, potentially leading them to abandon the attempt and seek an easier target. When your vehicle requires servicing, simply unhide the port for legitimate access. Even if you utilize a range device to manage features like Active Fuel Management (AFM) and prefer to keep the associated indicator light off, concealing the OBD2 port can be a convenient solution. Ultimately, this free and straightforward measure can be the deciding factor in preventing a quick theft.
For an even more convincing deterrent, consider installing a fake OBD2 port in the original location. The idea here is that a thief, noticing the missing port and then spotting a replacement, might assume it’s functional. To enhance this illusion, you can wire the fake port to provide 12V and ground. This would at least power up a thief’s diagnostic tool, further reinforcing the impression of a working port. You could even go a step further by adding 10k ohm resistors across the data pins to simulate the presence of data signals.
The good news is that obtaining the necessary components to create a convincing fake OBD2 port is relatively inexpensive. You can purchase OEM OBD2 ports, pins, and retainer clips from electronic component suppliers like Mouser Electronics for just a few dollars.
To make your fake OBD2 port appear functional, you can also acquire the necessary pins and retainers to populate the connector with terminals, giving it a more authentic look.
Important Update on Pin Compatibility: It has been brought to our attention that the previously shared pin information may have been inaccurate. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. User-verified compatible parts include: WM3324CT-ND available from Mouser ( https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/0504208000 ). We are currently verifying the fitment of these parts and will provide an update upon confirmation.
A Strong Word of Caution: Do NOT Wire in Reverse Polarity
While the idea might be tempting, we strongly advise against rewiring a fake OBD2 port with reverse polarity – that is, placing 12V on the ground and signal pins and grounding the 12V pin. This is incredibly dangerous and unethical. Doing so could severely damage any diagnostic tool connected to it, whether it’s a thief’s tool or a legitimate mechanic’s equipment. You could be held liable for damages to expensive tools, and more importantly, you could create a hazardous situation for technicians trying to service your vehicle.
Even if you were to use a cheap warning cover to indicate a modified port, the risk of accidental damage and potential liability remains. Creating such a booby trap is simply not worth the risks.
However, a cheap cover can be a useful addition when you hide your original OBD2 port. It can protect the connector pins from accidental shorts, especially depending on where you choose to relocate it.
In conclusion, utilizing a fake OBD2 port in conjunction with hiding your real OBD2 port is a smart and relatively simple way to enhance your vehicle’s security and deter opportunistic thieves. By making your vehicle a less appealing and more time-consuming target, you significantly reduce the risk of OBD2 port-related theft.
