
The computer diagnostic port of Volkswagen Touran is located behind the plastic cover under the steering wheel. This is the OBD interface, which stands for On-Board Diagnostics in Chinese. It serves as a bridge connecting the computer and the vehicle's diagnostic system. Here is some related information about the On-Board Diagnostics system: 1. The function of the On-Board Diagnostics system is to provide various operational data of the vehicle, recording parameters such as fuel consumption, battery voltage, air-fuel ratio, throttle opening, and knock count. 2. The computer diagnostic tool can detect and diagnose various performance parameters of the vehicle, providing a reliable basis for a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the vehicle's technical condition and performance. Through the fault codes from the vehicle's computer, potential fault conditions can be quickly identified, offering valuable information for troubleshooting.

As a Touran owner, I enjoy tinkering with vehicle maintenance in my daily life. The computer diagnostic port is located on the inner side of the dashboard, just below the steering wheel. When you're seated in the driver's seat, look down at the area above your knees. Volkswagen designed it very user-friendly—usually, you don't need to remove any panels; just feel for the black 16-pin OBD port. Some models have a small plastic cover that can be gently pushed aside to reveal it. I've installed a tire pressure monitoring device myself, and when plugging or unplugging, be careful not to pull too hard, as the port pins are quite delicate. It's advisable to park and turn off the engine before operating, and make sure the diagnostic tool's cables don't get tangled around the brake pedal. You can occasionally wipe off dust buildup. If the device doesn't respond after plugging it in, it might be a fuse issue, but for us regular car owners, it's best to leave such problems to professional mechanics.

Having repaired Volkswagen cars for twenty years, I can locate the Touareg's diagnostic port with my eyes closed. The standard position is at the bottom of the dashboard, directly in front of the driver's left knee, between the steering column and the fuse box. You'll need to bend down to see it—typically a black trapezoidal 16-pin connector, with older models possibly having a protective cover that needs to be pushed aside. During repairs, I recommend turning off the ignition to avoid short-circuiting when plugging or unplugging devices. Its proximity to the accelerator makes it prone to accidental kicks, so some owners use an extension cable to route it to the glove box for safety. If you still can't find it, occasionally it might be located under the center console—older Touareg models sometimes have it near the ashtray. Don’t forget to clean carbon buildup from the port, as poor contact is the most common cause of diagnostic failure.

Last week, I accompanied a friend to the repair shop to have his Touran inspected. The technician squatted by the driver's seat, pulled open a small plastic cover, and connected the device. The port is located near the knee area just below the steering wheel—bending down reveals a black square socket. It’s actually not difficult for women to operate themselves; wearing a headlamp for better lighting is recommended. I noticed this port is prone to water splashes during rain or snow, so it’s best to clean the pins regularly with a cotton swab. Common issues include being blocked by floor mats or tangled with dashcam wiring, making it hard to insert the plug. Some smartphone apps can now read trouble codes—my friend bought a Bluetooth OBD adapter and keeps it plugged in all the time. However, remember to unplug it if unused for long periods to avoid battery drain.


