Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC)

The diagnostic link connector (DLC) on OBD II equipped vehicles is a standardized 16 pin diagnostic connector used to interface an OBD II compliant scan tool with the PCM allowing access to on-board diagnostics and live data streams.

The OBD II DLC is usually located under the instrument panel on the driver side, though there are several exceptions. The OBD-II connector is required to be within 2 feet of the steering wheel (unless an exemption is applied for by the manufacturer, in which case it is still somewhere within reach of the driver).

Most manufacturers have made the OBD-II Data Link Connector the only one in the vehicle through which all systems are diagnosed and programmed. A vehicle will fail the (NYVIP2) emissions inspection if the DLC is missing, has been tampered with or fails to provide any data.

The EPA and vehicle manufacturers have developed a system to locate the DLC on all OBD II compliant vehicles. The location of the connector is based on the passenger compartment diagram, or Diagnostic Link Connector Diagram, which breaks the passenger compartment into 9 locations. Locations 1-3 are preferred connector locations. Locations 4-8 are allowable connector locations. And location 9 is for miscellaneous DLC connector locations.

When trying to locate the DLC connector keep in mind the connector may be hidden by a small cover, and center console located connectors may be hidden by ashtrays or cup holders. To find the location for a particular DLC connector you can use the location diagram and locationcharts, check the owner’s manual or look up the information on line.

The (NYVIP2) inspection equipment also has a DLC location library DLC library at Weber State. http://obdclearinghouse.com/index.php?body=oemdb