For owners of the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter, accessing the OBD2 port for vehicle diagnostics or to connect devices like the ScanGauge II can present a unique challenge. Unlike many vehicles where the OBD2 port is readily visible and accessible under the dashboard, the Sprinter NCV3 series, including the 2012 model, tucks it away in a less convenient location.
The OBD2 connector in the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter is positioned behind a factory kickplate. Specifically, it’s located beneath the driver’s side dashboard, just behind the driver’s door. Mercedes-Benz designed a hinged door to cover this area, which is meant to keep the port and fuses protected and out of sight. This door is accessed by a simple two-fingered latch, making it easy enough to open for quick diagnostics.
However, the design presents a problem when you want to use an OBD2 device continuously while driving. If you connect a device with a cable, such as a ScanGauge II, the thickness of the cable prevents the hinged door from closing and latching properly. This results in the plastic door hanging down into the driver’s side footwell.
This dangling door can be more than just an aesthetic annoyance. It can significantly reduce the available foot space, particularly impacting the comfortable resting spot usually found on the left side of the driver’s footwell. There’s also the practical concern of accidentally kicking or damaging the door over time, or even breaking the hinge due to repeated obstruction.
Many 2012 Mercedes Sprinter owners who utilize OBD2 devices for real-time data monitoring or diagnostic purposes seek solutions to this design quirk. The challenge lies in finding a workaround that allows for continuous OBD2 connection without requiring permanent modifications like removing the entire kick panel. Relocating the OBD2 port itself also doesn’t appear to be a straightforward option.
Currently, readily available, non-permanent solutions for managing the OBD2 cable and the hinged door in the 2012 Mercedes Sprinter are not widely documented. Owners are often left searching for creative fixes that don’t compromise the vehicle’s interior or functionality. Exploring non-destructive methods to manage the OBD2 cable and door remains a key area of interest for Sprinter enthusiasts and DIY mechanics alike.
