Vehicle theft is a persistent concern for car owners, and modern thieves are increasingly sophisticated. One common entry point for tech-savvy criminals is your car’s OBDII port. For owners of a 2009 Chevy HHR, understanding how to protect this port is a simple yet effective step in deterring theft. This article will guide you through understanding the vulnerability and implementing a straightforward security measure.
The OBDII port, or On-Board Diagnostics II port, is primarily designed for vehicle diagnostics and emission testing. However, it can also be exploited by thieves to bypass security systems and potentially steal your car. Fortunately, for your 2009 Chevy HHR, there’s a free and easily reversible method to reduce this risk: physically relocating or concealing the OBDII port.
The factory OBDII port in your Chevy HHR is typically located beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. It’s usually held in place by simple clips, making it surprisingly easy to access and remove. By removing this easy access, you can deter opportunistic thieves who rely on a quick and simple connection to your OBDII port.
Here’s how to remove the OBDII port in your 2009 Chevy HHR:
- Locate the OBDII Port: On your 2009 Chevy HHR, look under the dashboard on the driver’s side. You should see the trapezoid-shaped OBDII port.
- Detach the Port: From the cabin side, you’ll find two clips securing the port. These can usually be depressed with your fingers or a small, flat tool.
- Remove the Port: Once the clips are depressed, you can gently push the OBDII port out from the rear, gaining access to the wiring harness.
Once removed, you have a few options to enhance your Chevy HHR’s security:
- Hide the Port: The simplest and free option is to disconnect the port from its original mounting location and tuck it away out of sight. There’s often space behind the dashboard where you can conceal the connector and wiring harness. This will make it significantly harder for a thief to quickly locate and access the port.
- Install a Dummy Port: For an added layer of deterrence, consider purchasing a replacement OBDII port. You can leave the factory port disconnected and hidden, and install a dummy port in its place. A thief might assume they’ve found the active port, wasting valuable time trying to connect to a non-functional component. You can even consider wiring the dummy port with basic power and ground to give the illusion of functionality.
Important Warning: Do NOT Rewire for Reverse Polarity
While some might consider rewiring the OBDII port with reverse polarity to damage a thief’s tools, this is strongly discouraged. This action is dangerous and could not only damage a thief’s equipment but also any legitimate diagnostic tools used by mechanics when your 2009 Chevy HHR requires servicing. Such modifications could lead to legal liabilities and are simply not worth the risk.
Instead, focus on safe and reversible methods like hiding the port. You can always easily reconnect the OBDII port when you need to take your Chevy HHR for maintenance or diagnostics.
Consider a Protective OBDII Port Cover
Whether you choose to hide your OBDII port or not, a simple OBDII port cover can offer basic protection against dust and accidental shorts if the port is relocated to a less protected area.
Conclusion
Protecting your 2009 Chevy HHR from theft doesn’t always require expensive and complex security systems. Taking simple steps like relocating or concealing your OBDII port can be a surprisingly effective deterrent against opportunistic thieves. By understanding the vulnerabilities and taking proactive measures, you can enhance the security of your vehicle and gain peace of mind. Remember to keep the original port accessible for legitimate servicing and avoid any dangerous or irreversible modifications.
