Why won't my bmw x3 obd port connect?

A scan tool allows for the OBD II (On Board Diagnostics) codes to be read from the engine computer in a car. These are common electronic diagnostics tools used by automotive technicians. They are usually used when a check engine light comes on to determine the error codes associated with the check engine light.


They almost always connect via a standard plug on the divers side under the dash.


Most automotive parts supplier will check a car with complementary service to determine the codes stored in a customers automobile.

Get a diagnostic code reader. Read more about them here:
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1790673-cheap-code-reader-bmw-e39

Look up codes here:
http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/bmw/

There should be two OBD ports on this vehicle, one under the steering wheel the other is located by the computer unit under the hood. Attach an OBD reader or OBD II Reader (available to be borrowed from most car part stores) and read the code.

Perhaps one of the cylinders are misfiring. Did you get CEL (Check Engine Light)? If so, you need someone with OBD reader to read the codes. I had same issue: turned out to be faulty coil on cylinder 4.
When is the last time you changed spark plugs?

SORRY, FOR 1993 BMW, THERE IS NO PLUG FOR DIAGNOSTIC TOOL,
or you can ask the 24 hrs live technical support http://www.diyobd2.fr/ they will like to help you, good luck

You need to have the engine computer scanned with an OBD II code reader.
If the light is on the computer has detected a problem with it's engine or emission controls. As long as the light stays on, the problem is ongoing. You won't know what it is until you get the diagnostic trouble codes retrieved form the computer's memory. Then a technician or someone here may help you solve it.
Autozone and a few other parts stores will read your codes for free.

call parts dept at a different dealer and ask for the code, or check with other car dealers with service depts,, Flippin Jeep and all their codes, is highway robbery ,

All late model cars are computerized and every little glitch turns on the generic "check engine" light. Dealers love this because they can charge you (usually about $100) to read the diagnostic code and then charge you again to fix the problem. Take your money to an auto parts store and buy a low cost OBD-II code reader for about that same amount - you can use it forever. Plug it into the diagnostic port (usually located under the steering column but could be anywhere within 1 metre), turn the ignition to ON (not START) and read the code(s). Make note of the code(s) and then go to http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ to find out what caused the code to be set. Your OBD-II reader can also reset the codes. Sometimes that's all it takes and if it doesn't re-occur, no repair is necessary, which brings me to your fuel comment - one of the most common causes of a check engine light is simply not tightening the gas cap until it clicks. That fools the computer into thinking there is a problem with the fuel vapor recovery system, commonly shown by a P0440 code (evaporative emission system malfunction). Hope that helps!

Does the code reader power up? If not, check the fuses. OBD II ports supply power to the code reader. Typically GM uses the cigarette lighter fuse to power the OBD II port on their vehicles (could share a fuse with somthing else, but I doubt it). Good luck!

It's essentially our "check engine" light.

Go to a local mechanic or auto parts supply store and have them read the diagnostic code on the OBD2 port. Auto parts stores usually do it for free. With the code in hand, they can look up the code to help diagnose your problem.

It can mean something as simple as the gas cap is not on tight to a serious malfunction. It's best to have the code read soon!