Experiencing trouble connecting your scan tool to your 1996 Jeep Cherokee’s OBD2 port? A non-functional OBD2 port can prevent you from diagnosing check engine light issues and other potential problems. If your scan tool works perfectly on other vehicles but fails to power up or connect to your ’96 Cherokee, the issue likely lies within your Jeep itself. Let’s troubleshoot the common causes and get your diagnostic port back in action.
The first step is to locate the Data Link Connector (DLC), which is the OBD2 port. For your ’96 Jeep Cherokee, it’s usually found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Once located, we need to check if it’s receiving power and ground.
To do this, you’ll need a voltmeter. Focus on the top row of pins in your DLC. The second and third pin cavities from the left are your ground connections. These ground wires typically connect to the oil dipstick tube mounting bracket stud on the engine’s left side. On the bottom row of pins, the cavity on the far right is the 12VDC power supply to the DLC.
Using your voltmeter, measure the voltage between one of the top row ground pin cavities and the bottom row power pin cavity. You should read approximately 12VDC. If you don’t get a reading, try the other ground pin cavity. No voltage still? Visually inspect the ground wires at the oil dipstick ground point for any damage or corrosion. If they look okay, use an ohmmeter to check continuity of the ground wires from each ground pin cavity to the chassis ground. You should see very low resistance (0.5 ohms or less), indicating a good ground connection.
Alt text: OBD2 DLC connector pinout diagram illustrating ground and power pin locations for troubleshooting a non-working port in a 1996 Jeep Cherokee.
The power for your OBD2 port comes from fuse F17 in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). If this fuse is blown, it could be the reason your scan tool isn’t powering up. However, it’s important to note that fuse F17 also powers other circuits, such as the headlamps. If your headlights are also not working, a blown F17 fuse becomes a prime suspect. Check your owner’s manual for the PDC location and fuse F17. Replace the fuse if it’s blown, and see if your OBD2 port now functions.
Finally, inspect the pin cavities within the DLC itself. Check for any signs of corrosion or if the pins look widened or damaged. Sometimes, forcing scan tool connectors or using incorrect probes can damage the delicate pins, preventing proper connection. If the pins are corroded, carefully clean them with electrical contact cleaner. If they are physically damaged, the DLC connector may need replacement.
By systematically checking the power, ground, fuse, and the DLC connector itself, you should be able to pinpoint why your 96 Jeep Cherokee OBD2 port is not working and restore your ability to run diagnostics. If after these steps, your scan tool powers up but still fails to communicate, the issue may involve the SCI communication circuits, which would require further, more advanced diagnosis.
