For any car owner, especially those who like to keep their vehicles in top shape, understanding the OBD2 port is essential. If you own a 2016 Jeep Compass and are looking to perform diagnostics or connect a scanner, knowing the 2016 Jeep Compass Obd2 Location is your first step. This port is your gateway to your vehicle’s computer system, allowing you to read error codes, monitor performance, and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Generally, the OBD2 port in most vehicles, including the 2016 Jeep Compass, is located within the passenger compartment. You’ll typically find it under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It’s often near the steering column or in the vicinity of the pedals. You might need to look slightly underneath the dash, but it is designed to be accessible without special tools.
Once you locate the OBD2 port on your 2016 Jeep Compass, you can easily connect a compatible OBD2 scanner. These scanners are invaluable tools for both car enthusiasts and professional mechanics. They allow you to communicate with your car’s computer and retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes can pinpoint issues ranging from minor sensor malfunctions to more significant engine or transmission problems.
While the 2016 Jeep Compass relies on the standard OBD2 port for diagnostics, newer vehicles, particularly from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM (often referred to as FCA vehicles), introduced a security gateway module. This Security Gateway (SGW) is designed to protect the vehicle’s internal network from unauthorized access, especially through the OBD2 port.
For vehicles newer than 2016, understanding the Security Gateway (SGW) becomes increasingly important when dealing with OBD2 diagnostics. While your 2016 Jeep Compass likely doesn’t have an SGW, as these were more commonly implemented in 2018 and later models, it’s useful to be aware of this technology for future vehicle maintenance or if you work on a variety of cars.
In newer FCA vehicles equipped with SGW, accessing certain diagnostic functions might require bypassing this gateway. The SGW can restrict communication with certain modules of the car’s computer when using a standard OBD2 scanner. In such cases, mechanics and advanced DIYers might need to use bypass adapters to gain full diagnostic access.
Common locations for Security Gateways in FCA vehicles (again, these are typically for models newer than 2016) can vary. Some common locations include:
- Behind the vehicle’s OBDII port
- Behind the vehicle’s instrument cluster
- Behind the vehicle’s radio
- Behind the vehicle’s glovebox
Example of an OBD2 port area, similar to where you’d find it in a 2016 Jeep Compass. Security Gateway locations in newer vehicles can sometimes be in this vicinity.
For those working with newer FCA vehicles that do have a Security Gateway, various bypass solutions are available. These often involve adapters that connect directly, bypassing the SGW restrictions and allowing for comprehensive diagnostics. Some common SGW Bypass Converters include:
- Autel FCA 12+8 SGW adapter
- OBDSTAR 12+8 Adapter
- Xhorse 12+8 adapter
These adapters are tools that experienced technicians might employ when working on post-2017 FCA vehicles to ensure they can perform all necessary diagnostic and programming functions.
Instrument cluster area in a RAM truck. In some vehicles, the Security Gateway can be located behind the instrument cluster.
Returning to the 2016 Jeep Compass, your focus for diagnostics will primarily be on the standard OBD2 port location under the dashboard. You should be able to connect your OBD2 scanner directly to this port without needing any bypass devices. This makes diagnosing your 2016 Jeep Compass straightforward and accessible.
Example of a Jeep interior, showing the dashboard area where the OBD2 port is commonly located. While this image is of a newer Jeep, the general location principle applies to the 2016 Jeep Compass as well.
In conclusion, to find the 2016 jeep compass obd2 location, simply look under the dashboard on the driver’s side. This port provides direct access to your vehicle’s diagnostic system, allowing you to use standard OBD2 scanners for troubleshooting and maintenance. While newer vehicles might incorporate Security Gateways, your 2016 Jeep Compass offers a more direct diagnostic experience through its easily accessible OBD2 port.
