The OBD2 – short for On-Board Diagnostic – is mechanical equipment found mostly in vehicles. Its primary purpose is to skim through the activities and vitals of said vehicles, thus determining the overall electric power and functionality.
Simply put, you can imagine the OBD2 as some sort of an image scanner since the information will be displayed on a screen.
As effective as it sounds, this electronic system can still be faulty at times. In most cases, mechanics would blame the OBD2 fuse blown.
So, what is it? How can you spot these symptoms early on, and what are some timely solutions? The answers lie in the article below.
What Causes A Malfunctioning OBD2 Scanner?
The OBD2 port not working in your car is no stranger to long-time car owners, as all vehicles are bound to encounter electrical engineering complications.
There are various reasons behind an OBD2 code reader not reading. However, the most common source of the problem lies in the electricity supply.
When the fuse – acting as an electrical connector between the socket power and the device – is blown, the entire car shuts down. Therefore, the OBD2 does not have any energy left to run its tests.
How To Fix OBD2 Fuse Blown
Before diving into the blown fuse, you have to make sure it is indeed the root of your broken OBD2 scanner.
The easiest way is to check the Check Engine light. If any of the car components are down, the light will keep flashing to alert the drivers.
When you have a defective ODB2 with no warning on the mainboard, then the automobile auxiliary power outlet has gone wrong.
Now that you have identified the cause, let’s look at how to solve this electrical equipment fuse mishap.
Step 1: Determine the OBD fuse location. This can be tricky at first since all vehicles have at least a few fuse boxes. Usually, you will find one right behind the dashboard, one in the car’s trunk, and another under the hood.
You can point out which one belongs to the OBD by looking for the following inscriptions, including DLC, OBD II, 12v Power Point, or Accessory Port.
Should the search be futile, there is always a manual to turn to. Not only will you be able to spot its whereabouts, but you will also know other necessary insights like rating, applications, type, color, etc.
Step 2: Check the conditions of the fuse. All you have to do is to find the handle placed at the rear end of the fuse box cover.
Pull it down slowly while holding a flashlight inside the box. Closely examine if there are any cracks, dents, or broken parts.
Step 3: Replace the fuse. Make sure the newly bought fuse is compatible with your car technology, or else having it blown will be a matter of time.
Pay extra attention to the fuse size, as most blown fuses are because of unaccommodating specs.
If you want a safe option, go for anything between 15-20 AMP. But do not forget to check out the recommendations from the manufacturers, as the numbers can vary from one model to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does the fuse for OBD port tend to blow?
The fuse responsible for turning on the OBD port is also what fuels other 12V sockets, including the cigarette lighter. As many devices inside the vehicle draw power from this source, you can expect an overload anytime soon.
Therefore, you might want to put away high-consuming items like phone chargers, portable massagers, or fans. This way, the fuse stands a higher chance of being undamaged.
2. Is there any other reason behind a malfunctioning OBD2?
If you have already checked the OBD2 fuse and it is intact, you may proceed to the OBD port itself. Sometimes, it is computer engineering to be blamed. Poorly constructed, overused ports are more likely to break down.
If the DLC power terminal offers no exposure to the plugged0in tool, it should be no surprise why your OBD2 scanner won’t connect.
So, how can you inspect the socket damage?
First off, look for the OBD port location. You can start by looking underneath the steering wheel. From there, find two terminals numbered 4 and 16.
Use a voltmeter or a test probe to see if they are up and running. If the outcomes come back negative, then you must switch to another port.
Another popular cause for an erroneous OBD2 scanner is the broken plug. While the plug and the connecting cable are pretty durable, they are still subject to daily wear and tear.
That is not to mention how an electric overload can ruin the build quality of the plug.
Since we are talking about the scanner plug, it is best that you also examine its inner pins. For the energy transmission to run smoothly, the pins must align with the port, not bent in any direction.
These defects and how to fix them are obvious, which means you do not have to spend a lot of time looking for the solution. Simply purchase a brand new plug and ta-da, you are done!
3. What is the difference between OBD1 and OBD2?
OBD1 was the original version of the scanner, which was popular before 1996. However, the US issues that all vehicles in circulation after the aforementioned time had to replace the OBD1 with the OBD2 for better supervision.
Conclusion
Having an OBD2 fuse blown can be a nightmare for drivers, especially if you do not know how to correct the situation. This is when the guideline comes in handy, so make sure you read it thoroughly!
