OBDII Port Protection | Prevent Diagnostic Plug Attacks

Why do you need OBDII Port Protection?

If you own a vehicle with proximity locking and a push to start button, you should be aware of modern car theft methods, and consider protecting your OBDII Port.

According to Police in Victoria, Australia, 1 in 5 car thefts are done by accessing the OBD port.

Automotive key programming tools are easy to purchase and have recently become much more affordable. You can purchase them online and do not have to be a register automotive locksmith to get one.

Once a vehicle has been accessed, a key programmer can be plugged into the OBDII port. From here an “All Keys Lost” command can be sent, then a new remote, or proximity key can programmed. There are heaps of videos on YouTube showing how this is done, it normally takes less then 3 minutes. Once a new Smart Key has been programmed the car can then be driven away!

How can the OBD Port be protected?

Capping the OBD Plug

The cheap DIY option is to purchase an OBD Plug that caps the plug preventing physical access to the connector.

The one shown in the photo is a very basic one that used a Torx screw to hold it in place. There are more heavy duty versions of this with better key systems.

How effective these are is very vehicle specific. If a thief is determined enough then they will probably use brute force (or a torx bit

bit) to remove the cap

OBD Port relocation

Relocation the OBD port is a good idea, but you’ll need to advice your technician if they need to do work on the car.

Add a dummy OBD port

If the OBB port is missing then then it is obvious it has been relocated. You should add a dummy port in the location of the original one. This way it looks the same to a unsuspecting car thief. You’ll end up frustrating them by wasting their time.

OBD BLOCK by Author Alarm

OBD BLOCK prevents the ODBII port from working without the adaptor.

The Unique adaptor sends a digital code to the blocking device to reconnect the Communication wires. You simply plug the adaptor in to the OBD port to allow the port to be used for servicing.

There is no visual sign that the OBD Port is blocked and the blocking device is hidden in the vehicle wiring loom.

Installed Price: $350.00

Vodafone Automotive OBD Protect

OBD Protect is a programmable option with the Vodafone Automotive 4822 alarm system. It works in a similar way to the OBD BLOCK as it cuts the communication wires to the OBD Port as soon as the alarm is armed.

OBD Port Immobiliser

Think of the OBD Protect feature as an immobiliser for your diagnostics port. It self arms when you turn your ignition off.

The OBD port will still work when the alarm is disarmed and the ignition is turned on. It will remain connected for pre set time when the ignition is turned off so should cause no issues for genuine diagnostic work. 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off the OBD Protect kicks in to stop the port working.

I recommend using this in conjunction with the High Security System.

Installed Price: $80.00

Note: Requires a 4822 alarm and a selected Auxiliary output

OBD protection is highly recommended if you have a vehicle with a smart proximity key and push to start button, even a cheap eBay cover is better than no protection.

The advantage with hidden protection is that a thief would not know what they are dealing with. If you can’t see it, or know what it is then it’s much harder to find and defeat.