OBD Pinout Demystified: A User-Friendly Guide

Have you ever wondered how your car communicates with mechanics and diagnostic tools to pinpoint issues and keep your ride running smoothly? The answer lies in the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system! In this article, we’ll take a friendly and straightforward journey into the world of OBD pinout.

Let’s get started!

What is the OBD Connector for?

The OBD connector is a vital link between your car’s onboard computer (ECU) and external devices, like diagnostic scanners. Think of it as your car’s personal doctor, helping mechanics and technicians diagnose and treat any issues that might arise. Whenever your car shows warning lights or acts up, this little connector allows experts to access valuable data, figure out the problem, and get you back on the road with a healthy vehicle.

obd2 connector
The OBD2 port is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. (Credit: commons.wikimedia.org)

To have a good insight into the OBD port, there is a detailed article for you here.

Types of OBD2 Connectors

In practical applications, you may come across both Type A and Type B OBD2 connectors. Typically, Type A connectors are commonly found in cars, while Type B connectors are more prevalent in medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

OBD connector type A and B
Type A connector is usually equipped in passenger cars while type B connector is found in heavy duty vehicles like trucks.

The two connector types share similar OBD2 pinouts (J1962), meaning they have the same arrangement of pins for communication and data exchange. However, there are notable differences between them, primarily in their power supply outputs (type A offers 12V power supply while type B provides 24V) and baud rates (500K is used by type A and the amount of baud rates for type B is 250K).

OBD-II J1962 Connector Pinout

OBD2 ports are designed to be compatible with any commercially available scan tool. However, not all pins are necessary for standard communication. Some pins, like 1, 3, 8, and 9, are utilized by vehicle manufacturers to transmit specific information related to each car’s make and model.

Read more: OBD2 Protocols: A Comprehensive Guide

Decoding the data from these standardized pins can be a challenge, as different types of information are encoded for the scan tool to interpret. To make things easier, we’ve created comprehensive tables containing the OBD2 pinouts of popular car manufacturers. Simply scroll down or click on your car make below to jump to the relevant pinout.

Generic OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Manufacturer Discretionary
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Audi OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1IGN; Switched to +12V when the ignition is on
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Manufacturer Discretionary
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power: Type “A” 12V/4A, Type “B” 24V/2A

Acura OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9SCS (Service Check System) – diagnostic codes
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Programming out
13Input/Output for VTM-4 and immobilizer control
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power: Type “A” 12V/4A, Type “B” 24V/2A

BMW OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Switched +12V Ignition Signal
2Unused (or unknown)
3Ethernet RX+
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps)
8Secondary K Line for Body/Chassis/Infotainment Modules Ethernet Enable (via 510 Ohm, 0.6 Watt resistor to battery voltage)
9TD (Tachometer Display) Signal / Engine RPM Signal
10Unused (or unknown)
11Ethernet RX-
12Ethernet TX+
13Ethernet TX-
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (10.4Kbps) (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power: Type “A” 12V/4A, Type “B” 24V/2A

Chrysler OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Unused (or unknown)
2SAE J1850 VPW Bus + (10.4Kbps)
3CCD Bus +
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6• CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
• SCI A Engine (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
7• ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps)
• SCI A Engine (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
• SCI A Trans (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
• SCI B Engine (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
8Unused (or unknown)
9SCI B Trans (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
10Unused (or unknown)
11CCD Bus –
12SCI B Engine (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
13Unused (or unknown)
14• CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
• SCI A Trans (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
15• ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (10.4Kbps) (Optional)
• SCI B Trans (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Ford OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1• Infotainment CAN High
• Ignition Control (activates low current switching device to power ignition current)
2SAE J1850 PWM (Ford SCP) Bus + (41.6Kbps)
3• DCL +
• Medium-Speed CAN High (125Kbps, 250Kbps)
• UBP Network #1 (9600bps)
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps)
8• Infotainment CAN Low
• Trigger Signal (multiple module trigger input controlled through the communication link to initiate / terminate an event)
9Battery Power (Switched) (vehicle battery power available via the ignition switch or ignition control [Pin 1])
10SAE J1850 PWM (Ford SCP) Bus – (41.6Kbps)
11• DCL –
• Medium-Speed CAN Low (125Kbps, 250Kbps)
• UBP Network #2 (9600bps)
12Flash EEPROM
13• FEPS — ECU Programming Voltage
• Flash EEPROM
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
15Unused by Ford
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

GM OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1• Single-Wire CAN (SAE J2411 / GMW3089) (33.3Kbps)
• GM UART / ALDL (SAE J2740) (8192 bit/s)
2SAE J1850 VPW Bus + (10.4Kbps)
3Object Detection CAN Bus +
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps)
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9GM UART / ALDL (SAE J2740) (8192 bit/s)
10Unused (or unknown)
11Object Detection CAN Bus –
12Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus + (500Kbps)
13Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus – (500Kbps)
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (10.4Kbps) (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Honda OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9SCS (Service Check System) – diagnostic codes
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Programming out
13Input/Output for VTM-4 and immobilizer control
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Hyundai OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Gearbox diagnostic
2ABS diagnostic, BUS+ Line
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284), ABS/ASR diagnostic
7Engine and gearbox diagnostic ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8ABS diagnostic
9Cruise-control diagnostic
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Airbag diagnostic
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) VSS (vehicle speed)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Infiniti OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1CHECK
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Ignition ON
9ABS
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Adjust Switch
12SCI TX
13SCI RX
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

KIA OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Gearbox diagnostic
2ABS diagnostic, BUS+ Line
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284), ABS/ASR diagnostic
7Engine and gearbox diagnostic ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8ABS diagnostic
9Cruise-control diagnostic
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Airbag diagnostic
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) VSS (vehicle speed)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Lexus OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Tachometer ECM
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Brake Actuator Assembly
13Timing check – ignition advance angle adjustment or ABS slow codes out
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Mazda OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Low speed (125Kb) CAN bus. This bus is used for some IC, RFA and other units.
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Manufacturer Discretionary
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Low speed (125Kb) CAN bus. This bus is used for some IC, RFA and other units.
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Mercedes-Benz OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Ignition control (EZS), air-conditioner (KLA), PTS, safety systems (Airbag, SRS, AB) and some other
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3TD engine rotation speed
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line Engine control diagnostic (ME/MSM/CDI)
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9ABS, ASR, ESP, ETS, BAS diagnostic
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Gearbox and other transmission components (EGS, ETC, FTC)
12All activity modules (AAM), Radio (RD), ICS…
13AB diagnostic – safety systems
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional) IC, KI, TAU, LWR diagnostic
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Mitsubishi OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Diagnostic control
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3SWS communication line
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line MPI, CVT, SRS airbags and immobilizer
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9ETACS
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11ECU optimisation control
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Nissan OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1CHECK
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Ignition ON
9ABS
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Adjust Switch
12SCI TX
13SCI RX
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Subaru OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Ground
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9SSM (Subaru Select Monitor) timing pulse
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11SSM (Subaru Select Monitor) timing pulse
12SSM to ECM signal
13ECM to SSM signal
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Toyota OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Tachometer ECM
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Brake Actuator Assembly
13Timing check – ignition advance angle adjustment or ABS slow codes out
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Volkswagen OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1IGN; Switched to +12V when the ignition is on
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Manufacturer Discretionary
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Manufacturer Discretionary
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11Manufacturer Discretionary
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Manufacturer Discretionary
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional)
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Volvo OBD-II Connector Pinout

Pin NumberDescription
1Manufacturer Discretionary
2SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM)
3Low speed CAN – high
4Chassis Ground
5Signal Ground
6CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) High speed CAN
7ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line ABS, DSA, TCU AW, IMMOB, ECC
8Manufacturer Discretionary
9Manufacturer Discretionary
10SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only)
11ECU, Fenix 5.1 (Volvo S40 and some others), Low speed CAN – low
12Manufacturer Discretionary
13Cruise-control
14CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284)
15ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line Motor
16Vehicle Battery Power:
Type “A” 12V/4A
Type “B” 24V/2A

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the OBD2 pinout is essential for effective vehicle diagnostics. While OBD2 ports are standardized to work with any scan tool, manufacturers use specific pins to transmit unique information about each vehicle’s make and model. Being aware of these pinouts helps mechanics and car owners better interpret data from their vehicles and ensure smooth and efficient operation. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your vehicle’s health and take appropriate actions to maintain its optimal performance.

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