OBD port not connecting

Recently I have run into a problem with my OBD port not connecting, ever since I have bought the truck the OBD port was touchy, I work at a dealership so I was there when they inspected it previously. Fast forward a couple months I took my truck to get the OTT tune, and the guy said he couldn’t do the tune because the OBD port is connecting then disconnecting and he wouldn’t want to risk frying the ECU. I took it to Toyota 2 days later to get the port looked at and they quoted me $5,000 for parts and labor to fix the issue, they said older OBD port connectors would not connect properly and newer style OBD port connectors would connect to my truck just fine. They told me I needed a brand new dash wiring harness. And of course I said no thanks because for me the tune is a must the only thing that is mandatory is my inspection once a year. So I left it and now when I need an inspection everyone got new inspection machines and they will not connect to my OBD port. So I just find it hard to believe there is nothing I can do besides getting a brand new wiring harness they told me at the dealer as well that if I were to buy a new connector they will refuse to install it bc it is very risky and I could lose data that is held in the wiring or something along those lines. Either way there has to be another option, does anyone have any ideas?

 

Most connectors can be de-pinned and pins can be replaced if damaged or lost tension.
Toyota does sell pins for engine bay connectors, not sure about DL3 one.
Perhaps inspect each pin on the connector for corrosion and check the tension.

here is the diagram.

 

I accidentally kicked the scanner cord when I was applying the parking brake once, and it broke the obd2 port and unseated some of the wires from the obd2 plug. I had to get a new plastic housing for all of the cables and move them over one by one. Guessing that might be the problem here. Sounds eerily familiar to what I was experiencing before I replaced the part.

 

Could be, I have an appointment set up for Thursday to check points and go from there I guess. Now is it true that if they were to splice a new one in I could lose the data that’s there like the dealer told me

 

The dealer is full of shit. The physical plug has been the same for the last 30 years and the wiring is just wire. Nothing is stored in it, that’s not how any of this works.

 

I don’t know what data they are referring to but doesn’t sound right to me.

 

You need to rule out the connector first. Verify pins, etc.
You may have the issue somewhere upstream (connection to modules, power, ground etc.)

 

Get a spray can of contact cleaner and spray it down . If it’s got any kind of corrosion in or on the pins that should help out.

 

You might also look for what I will call a "specialty automotive shop", as mentioned, it sounds to me like the dealer is taking a hardline on this. Maybe we are unique, I am not sure, but we have an old school steering column repair shop here locally, that also does vehicle wiring repair. I would think this job would be child's play to them, especially if it's just the plug/port that is loose.

 

The OBD2 port is covered by the emissions warranty for 8 yrs / 80k miles (same duration as the ECM and catalytic converters). Are you past 80k? Try a different dealer. It's possible this dealer doesn't have a competent electronics tech that can depin a connector..

 

When I had my truck OTT tuned in last few months, the tune guy had to pull my radio fuse under hood because my non-factory Sony head unit supposedly was interfering communication-wise during flash updates when he plugged into the port and tried to connect. Once everything updated and tune completed, radio fuse replaced and everything worked. Not sure if you have a non-OEM head unit. Good luck.

 

I had the same problem, found out about it when I went to get my truck tuned. Truck couldn't pass inspection here in NY without the computer connecting to the OBD port. Had the dealer replace the port (and maybe the whole harness?) and they charged me $500 which I thought was a lot. No way their price of $5000 is right.

 

They damn sure didn't replace the harness for $500 clams.

 

For sure. They probably just unpinned the connections and put a new port in.

 

Hello -

As others are advising, I also wish to add this is an easy and inexpensive repair. Do not be discouraged! Do not pay $5000 and damn sure call that dealership out for trying to rip you off. That is shameful.
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You probably have just some loose female receptacles in the OBD-II port (in the car) that are not allowing positive friction contact with the male pins in the OBD-II plug (the scan tool).
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You may have a harness connector issue that is wee bit more complex such as a chaffed or disconnected wire behind the port, but this is still an easy fix.
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Worst case scenario is to just replace the OBD-II port. This image below is a typical replacement and can easily be found on Amazon for around $12. All you need to do is keep careful track of the wires and splice them correctly one by one into to your wiring harness underneath the dash.

If you are uncomfortable with wiring repairs, your best chance of actual success and the least inexpensive route is to proceed directly to your nearest MobileOne Audio type of store and ask them to replace your OBD-II port. I would expect to pay 2-3 hours of shop labor plus parts. This is cake work for them. It is just a bit tedious.



Technical Notes:

* By international manufacturing automotive standards, only 9 of the 16 OBD-II connection points are actually required. See below. This can be confusing.
* Disregard color, that is not standardized yet. Only the placement of wires 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16 is standardized.
* This makes it a PITA because you might be splicing a blue wire with a purple wire. Ugh. One must be meticulous.
* The spares are reserved for manufacturer or owner specific use. I do not believe Toyota uses any of the spare holes, but others here can verify. If so, it is just another wire to splice.

 

Subbed for pictures of loose females in @johnny5015 's truck.

 

5,000 is a "go away" price

Look for another shop that can handle electric work and troubleshooting. Avoid any place that offers to look at it for free

Or, you can plug in a cheapie pocket scan tool and see if the communication comes/goes while wiggling the connector. If it does then it's just a pin-fitment issue at the DLC and the above advice about rewiring a new one is the fix

 

@johnny5015 Did you get this resolved? I ran into the same issue when I went to get an OTT Tune for my 2021.

I believe @3JOH22A is correct in that the OBDII Port is covered under the 96month/130k km/80k miles - Specified Major Emission Control Component warranty stated in the Supplemental Owner's Manual. I emailed Toyota Customer Care to confirm, and will be calling the dealer in the near future. I've also bought a OBDII Port Reader and will be testing it out on my own when it arrives.