I. How to Install an OBD System
An automotive OBD system is an on-board diagnostic system, mainly used to help car owners monitor and manage their vehicles. Generally, most cars manufactured after 2000 can be equipped with an OBD system. So how is an OBD system installed?
- With the car off, locate the OBD system interface inside the car and insert it directly into the interface.
- Start the vehicle and turn on the OBD switch. If you see the three indicator lights flashing, the installation is successful.
- After installing the product, start the car for 3 minutes and observe whether the device is working properly. If the red light flashes every 1-2 seconds and then goes out, continuously cycling; the yellow light stays on; and the blue light stays on, then the installation is normal. If any abnormality occurs, you can resolve it using the following methods:
(1) The yellow light is flashing instead of staying on. If it is only flashing, this may be due to poor contact between the card and the device. If it is flashing twice, it may be due to the card being out of service or an abnormal connection with the server. You can try replacing it with a SIM card with GPRS internet access and then reconnecting it to the car. (2) If the yellow light is constantly on and the blue light is flashing, and the vehicle’s location information is not updated, this indicates that no satellite has been detected, resulting in no positioning. This could be due to being indoors or surrounded by tall buildings. If so, drive to a relatively open outdoor area to see if the location updates (it is recommended to drive outdoors for about 10 minutes). Check if the blue light remains constantly on. If it still doesn’t update, there may be a module malfunction.
(3) If some yellow and blue lights are constantly on, and the mobile app does not display a startup message when the vehicle starts, there may be an error in the device server’s location. This can be corrected by sending a command to the device number.
(4) If none of these solutions work, it indicates a product malfunction or incompatibility issue. Contact customer service immediately for assistance.
II. Where is the OBD Interface?
To install an OBD system, you first need to locate the OBD interface. So, where is the OBD interface located? Generally, the location of the OBD interface varies depending on the vehicle. You can find it yourself. The OBD interface is a 16-pin female connector, trapezoidal in shape. Common OBD interfaces are black, white, or blue. Some models have a cover over the OBD port.
Commonly, the OBD interface is located above the accelerator pedal, below the dashboard, on the driver’s left side panel, on the left side of the engine compartment, or in front of the gear shift lever. You can find the location based on your vehicle model or ask customer service.
III. Can the OBD interface be connected arbitrarily?
No.
The OBD interface is generally only used to connect the OBD system, not to connect other external devices. If you are not using the OBD system, do not connect other products to it, as a malfunction or problem with the external product may affect the car through the OBD interface.