Hi,

Maybe some hard core techs can help me out with this one... I was under the impression that all cars '96 or newer was required to have OBD II, with a trapezoidal 16-pin connector. However, under the hood of my '97 SC 300, there's a little plastic cover with the word "DIAGNOSTIC" written on it. When I open this up, I see what I believe is the pre-OBDII Toyota connector. Am I looking in the wrong place?

I am asking this because I plan on buying my own OBDII diagnostic tool... has anyone had any experience with any of them? The best bet so far seems to be the one by Ease, which costs $275.

Thanks,
Ben

 

Im not to certain on this one, but I do remember posting about OBD and stuff a while back. Even included a link to an OBD page which lists what year models started with this.

Let me know if you cant find it. Look near the end of the threads.

 

933005spd,

I did a search for OBD II but couldn't find your post. Did your email include which Lexus models were OBD II compliant, or cars in general? I heard all 1996+ cars were supposed to be, but mine doesn't look that way.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Ben

 

The ODBII cars all have to use a connector that's 24" from the driver,so look around under the dash.I don't know what's under the hood,but all cars in your year are ODBII,since it started in '95.
There's a website called odii.com or something that'll have the connector shown,it's basically two rows of little sockets with the end ones missing(notched away)on one row.

 

saw some obdii diagnostic computers in jcwhitney for as low at 160 and as high as 400. though, don't know the quality of each one. what made you pick ease as the one you're going to get?

 

Can someone tell me exactly where the OBDII connector should be on a 1997 SC 300? I looked under the dash, behind the ashtray, in the glove box, under the passenger side dash...

Also, I just realized today the my trunk release latch doesn't work anymore... I'll have to go check the fuses later today... if this is a fuse problem.

Ben

 

The engine bay connector is pre-OBD2,the OBD2 connector you want should be under the driver-side dash. If not,it's probably behind the driver-side coin holder...pop it out and there you go.

 

808,

Go to http://www.easesim.com

I think they have the best device, assuming you already have a PC. Most OBDII devices range from $200 (which just read engine codes) to the thousands. I figure with just $75 more, I can read a bunch of other stuff, like air intake pressure, coolant temp, etc. Hope this helps.

Ben

 

All,

I have indeed found my OBDII connector. It is located underneath the dash, but you have to really stick your head in there to find out.... I don't know why I have a pre-OBDII connector in my engine bay as well, unless it's some sort of vestigal piece.

Ben