Experiencing a loose or unreliable OBD2 connection in your 2017 Subaru WRX can be frustrating. Many Subaru owners have encountered issues where the OBD2 port seems wobbly, leading to intermittent connectivity with diagnostic scanners. This article delves into the process of accessing and potentially addressing a loose OBD2 port, drawing on the experience of a Subaru enthusiast tackling this very problem. While this example focuses on removing the OBD2 port from its housing, understand that this might be necessary for troubleshooting connectivity issues, but proceed with caution.
The original poster on a Subaru forum described their attempt to remove the OBD2 port from its housing, highlighting the difficulty in releasing the locking tabs. They were trying to investigate if a loose connection was related to the port itself. Let’s break down the process they went through, which can be insightful if you are facing similar challenges with your 2017 Subaru WRX OBD2 port.
The initial hurdle was understanding how to detach the OBD2 connector from its housing. The user pinpointed the locking tabs that needed to be depressed, as shown in the image below.
Close-up of locking tabs on a 2017 Subaru WRX OBD2 port housing, highlighted for removal.
Accessing these tabs proved challenging. With limited tools at hand, initially just a key, the user found it nearly impossible to depress the tabs sufficiently to release the connector. Even with the housing removed from the dashboard, the tabs were stubbornly recessed and difficult to manipulate with fingers alone.
Persistence and better tools eventually led to success. Using a screwdriver allowed for more leverage to depress one tab at a time. The trick was to slightly rock the connector within the housing after depressing one tab, preventing it from locking back into place. After multiple attempts on each tab, the OBD2 port finally separated from its housing. This experience underscores that patience and the right tools are key when dealing with these types of automotive connectors.
2017 Subaru WRX OBD2 connector separated from its housing, red circles indicating locking tab locations.
However, as the original poster noted, removing the OBD2 connector from its housing alone did not resolve the underlying issue of unreliable connectivity. This suggests that the problem might lie deeper, possibly within the connector pins themselves or the wiring. The user described the connection as “wonky and very unreliable,” indicating a potentially intermittent contact problem, which could manifest as the “OBD2 wiggles” you might be experiencing.
To further troubleshoot the connectivity issue, the user considered using an OBD2 extension cable, hoping for a better fit. If that didn’t work, the next step was to examine the pins within the connector. This involves accessing the back of the OBD2 port and potentially removing a white clip, similar to the one shown in the image below from an older Subaru Forester.
Back view of a 2001 Subaru Forester OBD2 port connector, showing the white clip for pin removal, similar to a 2017 Subaru WRX.
The intention here is to access the pins and wires to check for damage, corrosion, or looseness. Repairing or replacing damaged pins might be necessary to restore a reliable OBD2 connection. It’s important to note that working with electrical connectors and pins requires careful handling to avoid further damage.
In conclusion, if you are struggling with a wobbly or unreliable OBD2 port in your 2017 Subaru WRX, understanding the connector’s construction and how to access it is the first step in troubleshooting. While removing the connector from its housing might not directly solve connectivity problems, it allows for closer inspection and potential further repairs, such as examining and potentially fixing the connector pins. Remember to proceed methodically and with appropriate tools when working on your vehicle’s OBD2 system.
