Accessing the OBD II port in your Porsche Boxster, especially a 2015 model, can sometimes be a bit tricky. Many owners find the factory location less than ideal when they want to use a scan tool or other OBD II accessories. If you’re looking to connect a scan tool to your 2015 Porsche Boxster for diagnostics or data logging, knowing the port location is the first step. Furthermore, if you want to make accessing it more convenient in the future, relocating it is a straightforward DIY task. This guide will walk you through finding the OBD II port in your 2015 Porsche Boxster and provide a simple method to relocate it for easier access, without any permanent modifications.
Locating the OBD II Port in Your 2015 Porsche Boxster
The OBD II port in the 2015 Porsche Boxster, like many other Porsche models, is located inside the driver’s side footwell. It’s positioned behind a panel, which is part of the fuse box cover. Here’s how to access it:
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Access the Driver’s Side Footwell: Get into the driver’s side of your Porsche Boxster and locate the fuse box cover in the footwell area.
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Remove the Fuse Box Cover: Carefully remove the fuse box cover. This usually involves releasing a few clips or tabs. Refer to your Porsche Boxster owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to remove it.
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Identify the OBD II Port: Once the cover is removed, look for a purple OBD II connector. In the 2015 Porsche Boxster, it is typically situated at the bottom section of the fuse box assembly, below the fuses themselves.
You should now be able to connect your scan tool to this port. However, you might find the location somewhat inconvenient for regular access, especially if you frequently use diagnostic tools. This is where relocation becomes a useful modification.
Relocating the OBD II Port for Easier Access
Relocating the OBD II port in your 2015 Porsche Boxster is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any permanent changes to your car. This method allows you to bring the port to a more accessible location, making it easier to connect scan tools and other devices. Here are the steps to relocate your Porsche Boxster’s OBD II port:
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Remove the Fuse Box Lid: Begin by removing the lid of the fuse box located in the driver’s side footwell. This will give you access to the OBD II connector.
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Locate the Purple OBD II Connector: Find the purple OBD II connector. It will be positioned at the bottom, beneath the fuses, within the fuse box assembly.
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Release the Retaining Tab: Identify the black plastic retaining tab situated directly above the OBD II connector. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to gently push down on this tab to release it.
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Slide Out the Connector and Shroud: Once the tab is released, the purple OBD II connector, along with a black shroud surrounding it, can be slid straight out towards you. Porsche provides some slack in the wiring harness to facilitate this, making the process easy.
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Detach the Connector from the Shroud (Optional): For even more flexibility in tucking away the wiring, you can separate the purple connector from the black shroud. Locate the three black retaining tabs on the rear of the black shroud. Press these tabs towards the center of the connector simultaneously. You can usually do this with your fingers without needing tools. The purple connector will then slide out from the back of the black plastic shroud. Removing the shroud is optional but can provide a bit more space for tucking wires.
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Connect an OBD II Extension Cable: Now that you have the OBD II connector free, you can connect an OBD II extension cable to it. This cable will allow you to extend the port to a new, more convenient location.
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Tuck Wires and Reinstall: Carefully tuck the OBD II connector and the wiring (along with the extension cable if used) back behind the footwell trim. Ensure no wires are pinched or strained. Re-install the fuse box cover, so everything is neatly organized in the footwell area.
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Route the Extension Cable (Optional): If you used an extension cable, you can route it to a more accessible location. A common location is similar to where the OBD II port was located in the earlier 987 Boxster models, or any other spot that suits your needs and is easily reachable. This new location makes connecting your scan tool or data logger much more convenient.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully relocated your 2015 Porsche Boxster’s OBD II port. This modification is completely reversible, meaning you can easily return everything to the original factory configuration if needed in the future.
Benefits of Relocating Your OBD II Port
Relocating your OBD II port offers several advantages for Porsche Boxster owners who regularly use scan tools or other OBD II devices:
- Easier Access: The primary benefit is significantly easier access to the port. You no longer need to fumble in the footwell to connect your scan tool.
- Convenience for Data Logging: If you use a data logger for track days or performance analysis, a relocated port makes connecting and disconnecting your equipment much faster and simpler.
- Protection of the Original Port: By using an extension cable and relocating the frequently accessed connection point, you can reduce wear and tear on the original, harder-to-reach OBD II port.
- Clean Installation: This relocation method is clean, non-permanent, and keeps the footwell area tidy.
Conclusion
Finding and accessing the OBD II port in your 2015 Porsche Boxster is crucial for diagnostics and using various automotive accessories. While the factory location is functional, relocating it using the simple method described in this guide can greatly enhance convenience, especially for enthusiasts and DIY mechanics who frequently use scan tools. This modification is straightforward, reversible, and improves the overall usability of your Porsche Boxster for diagnostic and data logging purposes. Now you can easily connect your scan tool and get the insights you need from your Porsche.
