I've got a '96 F250 351w regular cab XL. I'm getting a check engine light. For the life of me, I cannot find the DLC port to plug the OBD-II device into. I've checked every website, they say it's supposed to be under the dash, left of the glove box, right of the ashtray. I cannot find it. The truck was built in late '95, but is a '96 model sold in '96. It has to have one, but maybe Ford hid it in a strange location at first. Any help would be appreciated.

 

All of mine have been pretty much right under the steering wheel....

 

The rest of my vehicles are too (the ones that have them). According to the Cleanairforce website, after 1996, it was moved under the steering wheel. In 1996, it's supposed to be right of the centerline of the truck, left of the glovebox, right of the ashtray. That doesn't leave too many options, since there's not many places it could hide. I'm just missing something... would it be possible for a 1996 to not be OBD-II compliant?

 

I thought the F-150 I saw, it was at the end of the antisubmarine panel, inline with the gas pedal. This was a F-150, and some time ago.
Did you run your hand along the end of the anitsubmarine ( knee ) panel from driver's door to the ashtray ?
It has been some time since I have seen that old of a truck up close, sorry I might be thinking of something else. Just a thought on the location.

 

Chances are pretty good that's it's not an OBD 2 truck, OBD 2 was mandated from 97 and up, you might run into problems there too.

 

This site maps DLC locations for just about every vehicle, but I'm not saying it's 100% accurate.

F150s & Broncos were all OBD-2 in '96, but I'm not sure on trucks over 8500GVWR. They might still be EEC-IV.

'96 OBD-2 DLCs are under the dash along the L edge of the glove box. '86-95 EEC-IV DLCs are under the L hood hinge. It has to be one of those 2 places. If it's EEC-IV, read this thread.

 

Thanks! GVWR over 8500 may be the key here. I'll check under the hood to see what I have. I appreciate all the help!

 

I came across this at the Motorcraft service site:

OBD-II Systems
California OBD-II applies to all gasoline engine vehicles up to 14,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) starting in the 1996 MY and all diesel engine vehicles up to 14,000 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1997 MY. Federal OBD applies to all gasoline engine vehicles up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1996 MY and all diesel engine vehicles up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR starting in the 1997 MY. OBD-II system implementation and operation is described in the remainder of this document.

OBD-I Systems
If a vehicle is not required to comply with OBD-II requirements, it utilizes an OBD-I system. OBD-I systems are used on all over 8,500 lbs. GVWR Federal truck calibrations. With the exception of the 1996 MY carryover EEC-IV OBD-I systems, Federal > 8,500 lbs. OBD-I vehicles use that same PCM, J1850 serial data communication link, J1962 Data Link Connector, and PCM software as the corresponding OBD-II vehicle. The only difference is the possible removal of the rear oxygen sensor(s), fuel tank pressure sensor, canister vent solenoid, and a different
PCM calibration.