Where is the OBD interface of the X-Trail located?
4 Answers
The OBD interface of the X-Trail is located 5cm to the right of the fuse box under the steering wheel. The X-Trail is a compact 5-door 5-seater SUV with body dimensions of: length 4675mm, width 1820mm, height 1722mm, wheelbase 2706mm, and fuel tank capacity of 65 liters. The X-Trail is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine and CVT continuously variable transmission, with a maximum power of 110 kilowatts and maximum power speed of 6000 revolutions per minute. Its drive system is front-engine front-wheel drive, with front suspension using MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear suspension using multi-link independent suspension.
The OBD interface of the X-Trail is located right under the steering wheel, and you need to bend down to see it. I learned this from a mechanic when installing a dash cam last time. Specifically, it's at the bottom of the instrument panel, just a little to the left of the steering column, about 15 cm above the brake pedal. It's a 16-pin black square port. Some owners can't find it because it's hidden behind a plastic cover—just pry it open with your fingernail. The design is quite reasonable: it doesn't interfere with leg movement while driving, and it's easily accessible for plugging in diagnostic tools during repairs. For newer X-Trail models with auto start-stop, there's a green connector nearby—don't mix them up.
I drive a 2019 Nissan X-Trail, and it took me quite a while to locate the OBD port back then. Crouching on the driver's seat floor mat and looking upwards, it's hidden behind the left-side panel of the steering column—you'll need to reach in and feel for it. Actually, most Nissan vehicles have it in this same spot, like the Qashqai and Sylphy. The port is positioned about 20 centimeters below the steering wheel, colored dark gray with a dust cover. My advice is to use your phone's flashlight when searching, and avoid pulling forcefully on nearby wires. Another trick is to check above the accelerator pedal for a blue label, as Nissan often places maintenance tags near the interface. If you still can't find it, try flipping to the last chapter of the glove compartment manual—there's usually an illustrated diagram there.
The OBD port of the X-Trail is located on the inner side of the dashboard trim panel right in front of the driver's knees. Last time I used an OBD scanner to read fault codes, I found this position ingeniously designed: it neither occupies legroom nor causes cable entanglement with the brake pedal. Specifically, if you crouch down, you'll see a trapezoidal cover at the base of the steering column - just pry it open with your little finger. The location has remained largely unchanged from 2014 to 2023 models, making this reference useful for both new and veteran owners. Note that models with autonomous driving features may have millimeter-wave radar cables bundled with the OBD port - the large black square connector is the diagnostic port. Avoid using excessive force when plugging/unplugging; a click sound indicates proper alignment.
