BI OBD Protector Anti-Theft Immobiliser for OBD Socket Cover for OBD Interface

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Read on for information about what stealing a vehicle using the OBD port actually means, and the measures you can take to protect your car. So, what is an OBD port?

Are you securing it to the VB Panel inside your fuse box or is there a specific place it bolts on to? The earliest OBD ports were introduced in the 1970s, and they became more prevalent on American cars in the 1980s. Californian legislation introduced in 1988 meant new cars sold there had to have basic OBD compliance. This allows a thief to steal the vehicle without needing the original keys. The whole process can take just a few minutes. How common is OBD car theft? In 2001, the European Union introduced requirements that all new petrol cars must offer OBD access. New diesel-powered models were included from 2003. This standard is often referred to as EOBD. What can an OBD port be used for?A variety of Ford models have also been targeted, including the previous-generation Fiesta and Focus. I also fitted a dummy port in the original location, not powered at all, but spliced into the original loom covering. Programming replacement keys, should a new spare be needed, can be done via the OBD port as well. Why is the OBD port a theft risk? Relocating the OBD port from the standard, easily accessible location is a popular option. An OBD wiring extension can be used to reroute the port to a different place on the car (often inside the glovebox). This allows the OBD port to still be accessed for servicing, but will hopefully confuse criminals long enough for them to give up.

Thefts using OBD ports are just one of the methods used by professional car criminals. Exploiting keyless entry and start systems through relay devices is the tactic many people are aware of, but OBD thefts are also a problem. The OBD-Saver Basic involves coded (approx. 300 different variants) and countersunk special screws, which are freely accessible.

The OBD port may also be used to upload information to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Manufacturers can update software this way, while tuning companies use it to remap the ECU for extra performance. On the 06 onwards Ducato and Boxer they built the OBD port into the fusebox. Shame as otherwise would an easy job to relocate and fit a dummy one.