The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) port in your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI is essential for vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring. This port allows mechanics and car owners to access crucial data from the car’s computer system using scan tools. If you’re experiencing issues connecting to your OBD2 port, or if your diagnostic tool is not powering up, a blown fuse is a common culprit. Specifically, Fuse 12 in the fuse box is often the power supply for your Golf TDI’s OBD2 port.
Locating the OBD2 Port and Fuse Box in Your VW Golf TDI
Before checking any fuses, it’s important to know where these components are located in your Volkswagen Golf TDI. The OBD2 port is typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look for a trapezoidal, 16-pin connector.
Image of Volkswagen Golf MKIV fuse box diagram
The fuse box location can vary slightly depending on the Golf TDI trim, but for the MKIV generation (which shares similarities with the 2015 models in fuse layout concepts), it’s often located on the driver’s side of the dashboard, behind a panel that you can access by prying it open. Consult your owner’s manual for the precise location for your 2015 Golf TDI.
Identifying the OBD2 Port Fuse: Fuse 12
Within the fuse box, you’ll find a diagram, either printed on the inside of the fuse box cover or in your owner’s manual, detailing what each fuse protects. According to common layouts for Volkswagen Golf MKIV models, Fuse 12 (a 7.5 Amp fuse) is designated for the Data Link Connector (DLC) power supply, which is your OBD2 port.
Here’s a more detailed fuse list based on the MKIV generation, which can be helpful as a reference for understanding fuse functions in similar VW models:
MKIV Fuse List (Reference)
Top Section (Left to Right, Column by Column)
- Washer nozzle heaters, glove compartment light, memory seat control module (10A)
- Turn signal lights (10A)
- Fog light relay, instrument panel light dimmer switch (5A)
- License plate light (5A)
- Comfort system, cruise control, Climatronic, A/C, heated seat control modules, automatic day/night interior mirror, control module for multi-function steering wheel, control unit in steering wheel (7.5A)
- Central locking system (5A)
- Back-up lights, speedometer vehicle speed sensor (VSS) (10A)
- Open
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (5A)
- Engine control module (ECM): gasoline engine (10A); diesel engine, Model Year 2000 > (5A)
- Instrument cluster, shift lock solenoid (5A)
- Data Link Connector (DLC) power supply (7.5A)
- Brake tail lights (10A)
- Interior lights, central locking system (10A)
- Instrument cluster, transmission control module (TCM) (5A)
- A/C clutch, after-run coolant pump (10A)
- Open
- Headlight high beam, right (10A)
- Headlight high beam, left (10A)
- Headlight low beam, right (15A)
- Headlight low beam, left (15A)
- Parking lights right, side marker right (5A)
- Parking lights left, side marker left (5A)
Bottom Section (Left to Right, Column by Column)
- Windshield and rear window washer pump, windshield wiper motor (20A)
- Fresh air blower, Climatronic, A/C (25A)
- Rear window defogger (25A)
- Motor for rear windshield wiper (15A)
- Fuel pump (FP) (15A)
- Engine control module (ECM) gasoline engine (15A); diesel engine (10A)
- Power sunroof control module (20A)
- Transmission control module (TCM) (20A)
- Injectors: gasoline engine (10A); diesel engine (15A)
- Headlight washer system (20A)
- Open
- Engine control elements (10A)
- 12 V power outlet (in luggage compartment) (30A)
- Fog lights (15A)
- Terminal (86S) on radio, Instrument cluster (10A)
- Central locking system (with power windows), luggage compartment light, remote/fuel tank door, motor to unlock rear lid (15A)
- Emergency flashers (15A)
- Dual tone horn (20A)
- Cigarette lighter (15A)
- Radio (25A)
- Engine control elements (10A)
- Heated seats (15A)
Fuse Arrangements in Fuse Bracket/Battery
- S162. Glow plugs (coolant) (50A)
- S163. Fuel pump (FP) relay/glow plug relay (50A)
- S164. Coolant fan control (FC) control module/coolant fan (40A)
- S176. Relays panel interior (110A)
- S177. Generator (GEN) (90 Amp.) (110A). Generator (GEN) (120 Amp.) (150A)
- S178. ABS (hydraulic pumps) (30A)
- S179. ABS (30A)
- S180. Coolant fan (30A)
Image of OBD2 port location in a car
Troubleshooting and Replacing Fuse 12
If your OBD2 scanner is not powering on when connected to your 2015 VW Golf TDI, or if you suspect a power issue with the port, follow these steps:
- Locate Fuse 12: Using the fuse box diagram, find the Fuse 12 position.
- Inspect the Fuse: Carefully remove Fuse 12. Visually inspect it for a broken filament. Even if it looks okay, it’s best to replace it as fuses can sometimes fail internally.
- Replace the Fuse: Use a new 7.5 Amp fuse. Ensure it’s the correct amperage. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can damage your vehicle’s electrical system.
- Test the OBD2 Port: Plug in your OBD2 scanner to see if it now powers up and connects.
If replacing Fuse 12 doesn’t solve the issue, there might be a more complex problem with the OBD2 port wiring or the vehicle’s computer system, and it’s recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician. Checking and replacing Fuse 12 is a simple first step in diagnosing OBD2 port problems in your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI.
Note: Replace original_image_url_1 and original_image_url_2 with actual image URLs. For example:
Alt text examples (for your reference):
alt="Volkswagen Golf MKIV Fuse Box Diagram: Illustration showing the layout and numbering of fuses in a MKIV Golf fuse box, highlighting Fuse 12 as the OBD2 port fuse."alt="OBD2 Port Location in a Car: Image showing the typical location of an OBD2 port under the dashboard of a vehicle on the driver's side."
