LHD (left hand drive) Grande has a problem with OBD2 port access (especially during extensive diagnosis, data logging during test drive).
Body Computer / OBD access panel needs to be removed (but in LHD countries the LPG switch is often located there).
Plus, those locks/clips, posts, whatever, are easy to break. Typical Grande (one is missing)...
Factory location, placement of the diagnostic port is stupid, annoying.
Most cars have easy access (port is under the dashboard, you don't need to open/remove panels, covers).
So let's move it somewhere else... Start with drilling out the rivets (original bracket/mount).
Now, there is more room for work (Body Computer, fuses)... Now you can put both hands there.
If you can't finish the modification, put the OBD bracket like that. Temporary position.
Get to the point "mate". New location is the front, driver's side pillar, "kick panel", just above the hood/bonnet handle. There is a perfect spot, rectangular.
Port needs some reinforcement, you can't just put it into the plastic panel. Use old bracket as a template to cut (drill, file) the new piece of steel sheet (picture).
Must be thinner than original (otherwise OBD port won't fit, will not "click" into place), about 0,5-1,0 mm thickness will be OK. This new mount must be secured to the plastic panel using 4 small bolts (M3 or M4 max.). Tap through the plastic+metal, nuts are just addition (there is not enough room to put all 4 nuts, only 2 or 3 will fit).
There is one small problem. Now, the OBD2 port will obstruct the way to the screw. Original is a phillips. Replace with allen or hex. And shorter one.
But the interface will fit, no problem (regardless of what type of screw is there - and how it was installed). Now you can Diagnose a car.
Screw swapped (now it's a hex head, easy to undo with a small spanner wrench, this one is 7 or 8 mm).
Tip: place the screw into the panel's hole first and then install the OBD port in the panel. Order of operations.
Obviously the length of the wires is sufficient, you can move the port around in that area, no worries.
Nice touch, final touch-up: add some sticker, tag ("OBD" or "CAN"), so maybe someone will spot the port before he rips the panel out (and it's second clip).
Easy mod., nothing to write home about. But makes a difference.
RHD owners, what's the situation in your case? Is OBD easier to access and use (original spot) or not (mod. like that would help too)?
Body Computer / OBD access panel needs to be removed (but in LHD countries the LPG switch is often located there).
Plus, those locks/clips, posts, whatever, are easy to break. Typical Grande (one is missing)...
Factory location, placement of the diagnostic port is stupid, annoying.
Most cars have easy access (port is under the dashboard, you don't need to open/remove panels, covers).
So let's move it somewhere else... Start with drilling out the rivets (original bracket/mount).
Now, there is more room for work (Body Computer, fuses)... Now you can put both hands there.
If you can't finish the modification, put the OBD bracket like that. Temporary position.
Get to the point "mate". New location is the front, driver's side pillar, "kick panel", just above the hood/bonnet handle. There is a perfect spot, rectangular.
Port needs some reinforcement, you can't just put it into the plastic panel. Use old bracket as a template to cut (drill, file) the new piece of steel sheet (picture).
Must be thinner than original (otherwise OBD port won't fit, will not "click" into place), about 0,5-1,0 mm thickness will be OK. This new mount must be secured to the plastic panel using 4 small bolts (M3 or M4 max.). Tap through the plastic+metal, nuts are just addition (there is not enough room to put all 4 nuts, only 2 or 3 will fit).
There is one small problem. Now, the OBD2 port will obstruct the way to the screw. Original is a phillips. Replace with allen or hex. And shorter one.
But the interface will fit, no problem (regardless of what type of screw is there - and how it was installed). Now you can Diagnose a car.
Screw swapped (now it's a hex head, easy to undo with a small spanner wrench, this one is 7 or 8 mm).
Tip: place the screw into the panel's hole first and then install the OBD port in the panel. Order of operations.
Obviously the length of the wires is sufficient, you can move the port around in that area, no worries.
Nice touch, final touch-up: add some sticker, tag ("OBD" or "CAN"), so maybe someone will spot the port before he rips the panel out (and it's second clip).
Easy mod., nothing to write home about. But makes a difference.
RHD owners, what's the situation in your case? Is OBD easier to access and use (original spot) or not (mod. like that would help too)?
