95 Honda Del Sol OBD2 Socket Location: Your Guide to Engine Swap Wiring and Diagnostics

For enthusiasts diving into engine swaps or routine diagnostics on a 1995 Honda Del Sol, locating the OBD2 socket is the first crucial step. This port is your gateway to understanding your vehicle’s health, especially after modifications like engine swaps which are popular in the Honda community. While the original article provides extensive information on wiring for various Honda engine swaps from 1992 to 2000, this enhanced guide will specifically address the 95 Honda Del Sol Obd2 Socket Location and expand upon the wiring nuances critical for successful engine swaps and accurate diagnostics.

I. Understanding OBD2 and Its Importance for Your 95 Honda Del Sol

OBD2, or On-Board Diagnostics II, is a standardized system implemented in vehicles in the mid-1990s. For your 1995 Honda Del Sol, understanding its OBD2 system is vital for several reasons:

Diagnostics: The OBD2 socket allows mechanics and DIYers to connect diagnostic scanners. These tools read trouble codes, offering insights into engine performance, sensor readings, and potential issues.
Emissions Testing: OBD2 compliance is often a requirement for emissions testing in many regions. A properly functioning OBD2 system ensures your Del Sol meets environmental standards.
Engine Swaps and Modifications: When performing engine swaps, especially when mixing OBD generations (like installing an OBD1 engine in an OBD2 car or vice versa), understanding the wiring and how it interacts with the OBD2 system is paramount. Correct wiring ensures the ECU can communicate properly, and diagnostic tools can effectively read the car’s data.

II. Locating the OBD2 Socket in a 1995 Honda Del Sol

The 95 honda del sol obd2 socket location is typically under the driver’s side dashboard. Specifically:

Under the Dash: Look beneath the steering column, near where your knees would be when driving.
Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC): The OBD2 socket is a 16-pin connector, often referred to as the DLC. It’s usually trapezoidal in shape to guide proper plug orientation.
Free of Obstructions: In a 95 Del Sol, it’s generally easily accessible and not hidden behind panels, although you might need to crouch down to get a clear view.

[Insert image of OBD2 port location in a similar Honda, or generic OBD2 port image, if available. If not, omit for now and prioritize text content]

Alt text: Location of the OBD2 diagnostic port under the dashboard of a 1990s Honda vehicle, similar to a 1995 Honda Del Sol.

Knowing the exact 95 honda del sol obd2 socket location is the first step. Now, let’s delve into how wiring plays a critical role, especially concerning engine swaps.

III. Engine Swap Wiring Guide for 92-00 Honda Civics (Including 95 Del Sol)

The original article provides a comprehensive guide to engine swap wiring. While it doesn’t explicitly mention the “95 honda del sol obd2 socket location”, the wiring information is directly applicable to your Del Sol and crucial for ensuring your OBD2 port functions correctly after a swap.

Below, we’ll summarize and expand on key sections from the original guide, focusing on scenarios relevant to a 1995 Honda Del Sol and OBD2 considerations.

1. Swapping OBD1 Engine/ECU into an OBD1 Civic (or 95 Del Sol)

(Note: While the 95 Del Sol is OBD2, many enthusiasts opt for OBD1 ECUs for tuning and simplicity in swaps. This section remains relevant in that context.)

For 92-95 Civics (and applicable to a 95 Del Sol if converting to OBD1 ECU), VTEC wiring is often pre-run to the ECU harness on the shock tower. Using a 92-95 EX/Si engine harness simplifies VTEC connections.

D16Z6/D15B(JDM)/Mini Me with P28 ECU:
- If your JDM D15B lacks a VTEC pressure switch, install one from any 90-01 Civic/Integra/Accord.
Alt text: Close-up of a JDM VTEC solenoid on a Honda engine, highlighting the location for the VTEC pressure switch often needing installation in JDM D15B engines.
- DX/LX – D15B7: Wire VTEC solenoid and pressure switch to the P28 ECU. All other connections are plug-and-play.
- CX – D15B8: Same VTEC wiring as DX/LX. If your CX is not a 4-wire O2 sensor model, wire the additional O2 sensor connections to the ECU as shown in Figure 1.
- VX – D15Z1: VTEC wiring is similar. For knock sensor and IAB wiring (if applicable and not disabled in a chipped P28 ECU), refer to Figure 1. For 7-wire O2 sensors in VX models, convert to 4-wire using the provided diagram.
B16A3/B17A/B18C1/B18C(OBD1 JDM) with Chipped P28/P30/P61/P72 ECU:
- EX/Si – D16Z6: VTEC is plug and play. Wire knock sensor and IAB if desired and not disabled in the chipped ECU (Figure 1).
- DX/LX – D15B7: Wire VTEC, knock sensor, and IAB as needed (Figure 1).
- CX – D15B8: Wire VTEC, knock sensor, and IAB. For 1-wire O2 CX models, convert to 4-wire (Figure 1).
- VX – D15Z1: Reuse existing VTEC wiring. Convert 7-wire O2 to 4-wire if necessary.
B18A(OBD1)/B18B in DX/CX/VX/EX using P74/P75 ECU/all chipped OBD1 ECU’s:
- LX/DX/EX – D15B7/D16Z6 & CX/VX – D15B8/D15Z1: Generally plug and play. For 1-wire O2 CX models and 7-wire VX models, address O2 sensor wiring as above.

2. OBD2 Engine/OBD1 ECU into OBD1 Vehicle (or 95 Del Sol converted to OBD1)

(Again, relevant if converting your 95 Del Sol to OBD1 ECU for swap purposes)

D16Y8 using P28:
- EX/Si/VX – D16Z6/D15Z1 & LX/DX/CX – D15B7/D15B8: Mostly plug and play, but with several key modifications:
  - VTEC is plug and play (EX/Si/VX) or needs wiring (LX/DX/CX) (Figure 1).
  - Knock sensor is not used with P28 ECU.
  - D16Z6/Z1/DX/CX distributors should be reused as the D16Y8 distributor fitment is not direct. Alternatively, use an OBD2 to OBD1 distributor adapter harness for the Y8 distributor.
  - Relocate the intake air temperature sensor (IAT) to the intake arm as the D16Y8 manifold lacks a location. Figure 3 shows an example of OBD1 IAT sensor relocation. Consider using a Z6/Z1 or CX/DX manifold which bolts onto the Y8 head.
  Alt text: Intake arm of a Honda engine with an OBD1 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor relocated into it, a common modification when swapping OBD2 engines and using OBD1 ECUs.
  - Reuse D16Z6/Z1 (EX/Si/VX) or DX (LX/DX/CX) injectors. For CX, consider upgrading to EX/SI/DX injectors for better flow. D16Y8 injectors may not plug in directly.
  - Reuse D16Z6/Z1 (EX/Si/VX) or CX/DX (LX/DX/CX) alternators as D16Y8 alternators have a different plug style.
  - The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKF) on the D16Y8 is not used with OBD1 ECU; tie it out of the way.
  - For VX models, convert the 5-wire O2 sensor to 4-wire.
B16A2/B18C1 (OBD2)/B18C5 using chipped P28/P30/P72:
- EX/SI/VX – D16Z6/D15Z1 & DX/CX – D15B7/D15B8: Similar considerations as D16Y8 swap above.
  - VTEC is plug and play (EX/SI/VX) or needs wiring (DX/CX).
  - Knock sensor is optional with chipped ECUs.
  - Use an OBD2A or OBD2B to OBD1 adapter harness for A2/C1/C5 distributors.
  - Relocate IAT sensor to intake arm (Figure 3).
  - Reuse D16Z6/Z1 (EX/SI/VX) or DX (DX/CX) injectors, upgrading CX injectors if needed. OBD2 injectors won’t plug into OBD1 harnesses.
  - Use an OBD1 B-series alternator for plug-and-play.
  - CKF sensor is not used.
  - Convert VX 5-wire O2 or CX 1-wire O2 as needed.
B18B/B20B/Z(OBD2) using P75 ECU:
- EX/SI/VX/DX/CX – D16Z6/D15Z1/D15B7/D15B8: Mostly plug and play.
  - Use an OBD1 B18 distributor or an OBD2 LS distributor with an adapter harness.
  - Use an OBD1 B-series alternator.
  - Reuse EX/SI/DX injectors for EX/SI/DX models; upgrade VX/CX to EX/DX/SI injectors.
  - CKF sensor is not used.
  - Convert CX 1-wire O2 and VX 7-wire O2 as needed.

3. OBD0 Engine into OBD1 Vehicle (or 95 Del Sol converted to OBD1) using OBD1 ECU

(Again, relevant if considering an older OBD0 engine in a 95 Del Sol with OBD1 conversion)

B18A (OBD0) using P75 OBD1 ECU:
- EX/SI/DX/CX/VX – D16Z6/D15Z1/D15B7/D15B8: Mostly plug and play.
  - OBD0 and OBD1 alternators use the same plugs.
  - Reuse EX/SI/DX injectors for EX/SI/DX models; upgrade CX/VX to EX/SI/DX injectors.
  - Rewire the fan switch from the thermostat housing to the back of the block (OBD0 location). Figure 4 illustrates OBD0 and OBD1 fan switch differences.
  Alt text: Comparison image showing the different styles of OBD0 and OBD1 radiator fan switches on Honda engines, highlighting the need for wiring adjustments when using OBD0 engines in OBD1 vehicles.
  - Convert VX 7-wire O2 and CX 1-wire O2 as needed.

4. OBD2 Engine into OBD2 Vehicle (Including 95 Del Sol if retaining OBD2 – unlikely for swaps in this era) using OBD2 ECU

(Less relevant for typical swap scenarios in a 95 Del Sol, but included for completeness from the original article)

D16Y8 using P2P ECU:
- DX/LX/CX – D16Y7: Mostly plug and play but requires wiring for:
  - VTEC solenoid, VTEC pressure switch, and knock sensor (Figure 6 for OBD2A, Figure 7 for OBD2B).
  - Idle air control valve (IACV) from 3-wire to 2-wire (Figure 6, Figure 7).
  - Extend secondary O2 sensor wiring if using an EX-style catalytic converter.
  - Relocate IAT sensor to the intake arm (Figure 8).
HX – D16Y5:
- Reuse VTEC solenoid and pressure switch.
- Wire knock sensor for 5-speed models (CVT models already have it) (Figure 6 – OBD2A wiring).
- Convert 7-wire O2 to 4-wire.
B16A2/B18C1/B18C5 using P30(OBD2A)/P2T/P72:
- EX – D16Y8 & DX/LX/CX – D16Y7 & HX – D16Y5: Similar wiring needs as D16Y8 swaps in OBD2 vehicles, including VTEC, knock sensor, IACV, secondary O2 extension, and IAT relocation. IAB wiring is needed for B18C1 with P72 ECU.
B18B/B20B/Z using OBD2A P75:
- EX/HX – D16Y8/D16Y5 & DX/LX/CX – D16Y7: Mostly plug and play with wiring for IACV (DX/LX/CX), secondary O2 extension (DX/LX/CX), and IAT relocation (DX/LX/CX). HX models need 7-wire to 4-wire O2 conversion.

5. OBD1 Engine into OBD2 Vehicle (Including 95 Del Sol if retaining OBD2) using OBD1 ECU

(This scenario is common – using an older OBD1 engine in a 95 Del Sol but keeping the car’s OBD2 system framework, albeit with an OBD1 ECU)

D16Z6 using P28 ECU:
- DX/LX/CX – D16Y7 & HX – D16Y5 & EX – D16Y8: Mostly plug and play with wiring for:
  - VTEC solenoid and pressure switch (DX/LX/CX, EX/HX are plug and play). (Figure 1)
  - IACV from 3-wire to 2-wire (DX/LX/CX) (Figure 6, Figure 7).
  - Relocate IAT sensor to intake arm or rewire to OBD1 style (Figure 8, Figure 9).
  - CKF, EVAP purge, and secondary O2 are eliminated.
  - Use a D16Z6 distributor adapter.
  - Use D16Z6 injectors, removing injector “clips” for plug and play (Figure 10).
  Alt text: Close-up showing the injector clip modification needed when using OBD2 injectors with an OBD1 harness, involving the removal of the clips for proper connection.
  - Reuse D16Y7 alternator or use an adapter.
  - Convert HX 7-wire O2 to 4-wire.
B16A2/B18C1/B18C5 using OBD1 P30:
- DX/LX/CX – D16Y7 & HX – D16Y5 & EX – D16Y8: Similar to D16Z6 swap above, with additional wiring for knock sensor (EX).
  - IACV, IAT relocation/rewiring, CKF/EVAP/secondary O2 elimination are the same.
  - Use OBD2 B-series VTEC distributor or adapters.
  - Use B-series injectors, removing “clips”.
  - Use OBD2 B-series alternator or adapter.
  - Convert HX 7-wire O2.
B18A/B using OBD1 P75:
- DX/LX/CX – D16Y7 & EX/HX – D16Y8/Y5: Similar to B-series VTEC swap but without VTEC wiring.
  - IACV, IAT relocation/rewiring, CKF/EVAP/secondary O2 elimination are the same.
  - Use OBD2 B18B distributor or adapters.
  - Use B18A/B injectors, removing “clips”.
  - Use OBD2 B-series alternator or adapter.
  - Convert HX 7-wire O2.

IV. Wiring Diagrams and Pinouts – Figures from Original Article

Refer to these figures from the original article for detailed wiring guidance:

Figure 1: OBD1 ECU Wiring

Alt text: Figure 1, Part 1: OBD1 ECU wiring diagram for 92-95 Honda Civics, detailing pinouts and connections for common engine swap wiring needs. Figure 1, Part 2: Guide on OBD1 ECU pin removal, essential for custom wiring and modifications.
Figure 5: OBD1 Shocktower harness

Alt text: Figure 5: Diagram illustrating the OBD1 shock tower harness plug in 92-95 Honda Civics, showing connections relevant to engine swaps and VTEC wiring.
Figure 6: OBD2A hybrid pinouts (96-98 Civics)

Alt text: Figure 6, Part 1: OBD2A hybrid pinout diagram for 96-98 Honda Civics, crucial for understanding wiring differences and modifications. Figure 6, Part 2: Detailed view of OBD2A A-plug pinouts. Figure 6, Part 3: Guide on OBD2 pin removal, necessary for custom wiring and ECU adaptations.
Figure 7: OBD2B hybrid pinouts (99-01 Civics)

Alt text: Figure 7, Part 1: OBD2B hybrid pinout diagram for 99-01 Honda Civics, important for wiring during engine swaps and ECU upgrades. Figure 7, Part 2: Detailed view of OBD2B B-plug pinouts. Figure 7, Part 3: Guide on OBD2 pin removal, essential for modifying and adapting wiring harnesses.
Figure 8: OBD2 IAT into intake arm

Alt text: Figure 8: Example of an OBD2 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor installed in the intake arm, a common relocation method when the intake manifold lacks an IAT sensor port.
Figure 9: Round style IAT

Alt text: Figure 9: Image of a round-style Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor and connector, often used in Honda engine swaps and modifications for intake air temperature measurement.
Figure 11: OBD2 Harness Comparison

Alt text: Figure 11: Comparison of OBD2A and OBD2B engine and dash harnesses, highlighting the ECU connector differences that prevent interchangeability in 96-00 Honda Civics during engine swaps.

V. Conclusion: Ensuring OBD2 Functionality After Your Swap

Successfully locating the 95 honda del sol obd2 socket location is only the beginning. Proper wiring during your engine swap is crucial not just for engine performance, but also for maintaining the functionality of your OBD2 system. Whether you are keeping your Del Sol OBD2 or converting to OBD1 for tuning flexibility, meticulous attention to wiring diagrams, and understanding the nuances of each swap scenario outlined above will ensure a smooth running engine and a functional diagnostic port ready for any future needs. Always double-check your wiring against the provided diagrams and test the OBD2 port after your swap to confirm proper communication with diagnostic tools. This proactive approach will save you time and headaches in the long run, keeping your 95 Honda Del Sol performing at its best.