This article outlines the process of modifying a 2000 Audi A6 OBD2 connector for compatibility with a VW/Audi/Skoda OBD1 and OBD2 scanner. This modification focuses on repositioning existing wires within the connector to align with the required pin configuration.
Understanding the OBD2 Connector Pinout
The project began with a factory OBD2 connector from a 2000 Audi A6 and two wiring diagrams sourced from a previous UrS OBD1 diagnostic port article. The initial inspection revealed six wires connected to the connector:
Alt: Front view of a factory OBD2 connector from a 2000 Audi A6 showing the pin layout.
Alt: Rear view of the OBD2 connector displaying the six existing wires and their corresponding pin connections.
The first step was to remove the purple locking mechanism to access the individual pins. This required carefully prying up a lock on one side and sliding the mechanism off.
Alt: Demonstrating the removal of the purple pin lock from the OBD2 connector to expose the internal pins.
Repinning the Connector
With the lock removed, the pin configuration became visible. Of the required four pins, only two were correctly populated.
Alt: The OBD2 connector with the pin lock removed, showing the positions of the six existing pins.
After removing a sticky residue covering the wires, the colors were identified as two brown, one blue/black, one red/black, one white/black, and one green. One brown ground wire and the green wire were deemed unnecessary and removed.
Alt: Close-up of the wires connected to the OBD2 connector after removing the protective tape, revealing their respective colors.
A small safety pin was used to release each pin from the connector housing.
Alt: Using a safety pin to release an individual pin from the OBD2 connector housing.
Alt: Extracting a pin and its connected wire from the OBD2 connector using a safety pin.
The brown wire in position 4 and the red/black wire in position 16 were already correctly placed. The blue/black wire was moved to position 7, and the white/black wire was moved to position 15.
Alt: The OBD2 connector after repinning, showing the new positions of the four necessary wires.
The purple lock was then reattached, securing the pins in their new positions.
Alt: The completed OBD2 connector with the purple pin lock reattached, securing the repinned wires.
Next Steps and Conclusion
The next steps involve pairing the wires correctly and adding spade connectors for compatibility with the OBD1 diagnostic ports under the hood.
Alt: Image of the under-hood fuse box on an Audi, highlighting the location of the OBD1 diagnostic ports.
This repinning process allows the modified OBD2 connector to be used with both OBD1 and OBD2 scanners on VW/Audi/Skoda vehicles. This provides a cost-effective solution for diagnostics using existing equipment.
