What is the difference between the Diagnostic Port under the hood and the OBDII Port under the dash?

I just purchased a OBDII reader and was going test it out on the port under the hood, but the plug is completely different than the one under the dash. I'm guessing they provide different types of data to the technicians, but I know someone on this board knows the real reason.

Thanks

 

From what I have heard that plugs gives further access to Toyota Technicians and their proprietary diagnostics systems. I can't remember but I don't think you can access the ABS or SRS systems from the OBDII port but can through the Diagnostics Port. I think also systems tests can be run through the diag port.

 

i haven't seen one under the dash on my 98 that must be a 99-up thing

 

No there is one, next to your right leg in the drivers seat.

 

hmm ill have to look again ive had most of the dash took out on that side don't remember seeing it

 

every vehicle 96 and up has to have an obd 2 port within so many inches of the steering wheel, everything after 96 is obd2

 

I looked for OBD2 plug under dash ,in dash ,behind ash tray and I couldnt find it either, Help !

 

i have a 97 and have been told the same about under the dash just above your right leg. still cant find it. i must be crazy or there is not one in mine.

 

It's actually where the center console meest the kick panel. It's very well hidden and a PITA every time I plug/unplug my Scangauge2 for another vehicle.

 

the obd2 port is fed mandated to have info available in all systems to a point, early models are not available through port due to lack of mandate before 2000 and lack of need by builders, toyota's scaner can accesss all comps starting in 2001 models, Some ABS and SRS systems are still not mandated for basic access by aftermarket scaners. under hood conector is obd gen one and lots of info not available but can flash the mil lights for generic code reading.
both obd2 plugs for 1996-2004 4 runner and tacoma


located behind the coin pouch thingy

 

took my entire dash apart this weekend to run my antenna wire for my cb. no port was found. i searched for a good minute too. i feel really dumb about this. i cant wait for one of my lights to come on so i can take it in and watch where they hook up to.

 

post some pics of the under side of your dash on driver side pointing up on both sides if i see it i will copy it and put an arrow on it so you can see it. do you have a couin pouch on knee kick panel?

 

No I don't. I will get it done either tomorrow night or tonight for sure. Thanks

 

ok srry for spelling error will look for them then.

 

noneckrex,

i have a 98 4runner so i'm guessing your 97 has it in about same place...
here is mine, just to the right of the gas peddle (pretty well hidden)

 

Wow - way to post good useful pics on your first post, Gregls. That doesn't happen often. Thanks and welcome.

I just went out to look at my new (to me) '98 Runner. Man, at least on mine it's just right there like Gregls'. As soon as you crouch down and look in that direction you can spot it. On mine it's NOT at all well hidden. Yeah, you can't see it from the driver's seat or standing outside the vehicle, but if you crouch down it's easy to spot. Doesn't look like it'd be hard to hook up to but I guess you never know until you try - I'll have to put my scanner on it when I get home, but it hangs down below the trim a little and is well spaced from everything around it.

What that means to other folks trucks I have no idea.....

Chris

 

Doesn't look like it'd be hard to hook up to but I guess you never know until you try

Chris[/quote]

I plugged mine in once and it was super easy to get on and off. I think that's why the car's hookup is pointing straight down too keep junk out of it.

 

If you haven't discovered, the diag port under the hood is kind of a hokey system. You have to jumper / short two pins on the port connector to put it in diagnostic mode. Then look at the check engine light (CEL) on your dash, which should be blinking. You count the number of blinks, which corresponds to a two digit CEL code. You look that code up in your FSM, or online I guess, to get a human readable error code. I keep a copy of the CEL codes and a jumper wire in the glovebox of my '92.

 

That diagnostic port under the hood was designed for the OBD I system, which really didn't have a reader. That's why the jumper and counting blinks. It was all they had.
It's also a handy way to do things like checking the fuel pump, timing, and so forth. I keep a jumper in my truck also. The 87's, anyway. They don't even have a port inside the cab, though.

Have fun, all!
Pat☺

 

Dead on with this, couldn't find mine on right side at all until I saw this comment and looked over at the left side