OBD2 Power Adapter DANGEROUS? (Is it safe to use the OBD port for power?)

Should you be afraid of using your OBD2 Port? Should you avoid using an OBD Power Adapter? Can it damage your car? Link to ODB power cable below:

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Safe to Use?
3:35 How the Adaptor Works
6:00 How the OBD Port Works
9:10 OBD2 Pinout
10:54 Potential Dangers
12:25 Final Thoughts

Disclaimers: Vehicle repair, service, modification or installation of aftermarket components should only be performed by a trained professional. Do not try this at home. Injury or Death can occur. I'm not a trained mechanic. Any action you take on the information on the AutoFun YouTube channel and in the videos, contained therein is strictly at your own risk. Autofun makes no warranties on the accurateness of the information. This video description contains income earning affiliate links.

[richardkluesek]

As an active mobile tool distributor for 40 years, 1967 to 2007, and selling scores of OBD2 diagnostics and having a few thousand customers and about 100 associates in the business, have never personally heard of a foreign object debris or any other cause of any issue with from installing an OBD plug in device. Right now I'm in the process of installing a dash camera and that brought me to this channel's videos about alternative methods of installation and ways of connecting power. I'm inclined to use an OBD power adaptor for a clean neat installation that enables optional disconnect of the equipment with minimum disturbance of panels and insulation strips, on my vehicle this can be done from the top of the dashboard and under the carpet by the pedals. Thanks for the good information.

[oscarrox]

Brilliant, I'm considering using a constant power cable for a dash cam. Now I know a bit about what the OBD port is used for. Very clearly explained, with schematics, that's the way to do it.

[JB-mjmo]

Brother, as always, you've gone above and beyond! You presented a potential problem, a hypothetical situation, and explained why there is such a small risk, if any, for these aftermarket gadgets to cause issues in our cars. Crazy to see how many people on IG, YT, etc are overnight google mechanics and electrical experts! As I've mentioned before, I am an installer out of Orange County, CA, I have been using some of the products that you recommend, including these OBD power cables and I have only encountered 1 manufacturer that didn't play nice, BMW. I have been following you from another profile for quite some time. I created this profile to relearn a few things and watch some of your informative videos. I'm sure glad people like you exist to explain the why's and how's to most common folk.I hope to catch you soon at a show out here in SoCal. Be safe and keep ROCKIN'!

[MARKEHONG]

I agree, totally safe because i've been using this for 3 years now. i learn it from your video. thank you.

[honeybeehelper-]

This is EXCELLENT. You missed your calling, professor!

[preetampatil]

Great explanation! I was checking whether using obd2 is safe for a dashcam. Now I understand the whole working of it. Thanks

[masknn]

I thought you were just an car guy but you are either an electrical engineer or researcher. Busted. Great job on the video.

[raymuniz]

I appreciate this info very much. I just bought myself a dash cam (the Vantrue N4) and the hardwiring option to the fuse box is not possible due to the fact that none of the 4 fuse holders they provided fit my Ford Edge’s fuse box slot. My only choice left if I want the park mode option is the OBD wiring. I started researching about this option and read many negative comments that stated that this connection would drain your battery or that it could damage it. So I feel more at ease now after watching this video because you really went into all the details meticulously and your comments seem to make sense. Well appreciated.

[highland]

Great video! I just ordered one from Amazon today for my arifayz q3 dash cam that I also just ordered! I do have 2 lighter outlets in my 08 Caravan but now I can use them for other gadgets! I did see your first video about using the obd2 and that's when I ordered it, Thank you!

[targipgadponson]

I appreciated this video showing how not all pins are being connected to by this particular power supply and also the potential for a short due to manufacturing errors. Have you ever looked into the security issues with various OBDII connected devices? The insurance dongles definitely do connect to the computer and often add Bluetooth and Wifi (and occasionally cellular) which is another concern than just potential power problems. The customer service department of a car manufacturer advised me not to use an insurance dongle because of all the potential problems and I've found it interesting ever since what stories could be out there of how these OBDII devices went wrong.

[notfound.....]

What you said makes a 100% sense and put my mind at ease because I'm buying a hardware - kit thank you.

[MShaafi]

Thanks Alex that was so useful information. I have purchased same obd adapter which you inspired me from your previous video . Thanks for the information

[ralphhross]

Super video, thank you. Nice presentation and very smooth camera work. I did use one of your other videos to get my Nextbase GW522 dashcam installed easily (I only mention it so others may know that yes it does work off the OBD switch with the mini-USB. I chnaged vehicles and I didn't want to use the cigarette lighter again and didn't want to route the cable in the headliner and A-pillar past the glove box and etc. It worked out great and so far I'm keeping the switch in the non-surveillance setting.

[rawskinbeyer]

There can be several solutions at different production and use levels: 1. for the manufacturer to remove all unused pins at all or replace them with non-conductive plastic dummy pins in the first place; 2. for the manufacturer to overlay exposed pin backs with a non-conductive layer of plastic between the chip and pins; 3. for the end user to do the above-mentioned removal, replacement, or overlaying procedures. (OR abstain from plugging anything potential dangerous into the "brain" of your car while there are several other solutions: cigarette socket, USB, fuse box, external battery, etc.)

[dps]

OBD II cable for power is a good choice. Blackvue has sold tons of these dash cams with the OBD II powe cable without any issues.

[RoboNurse]

Thank you so much for this video!

My wife and I have recently purchased our first vehicle and I wanted to have a dash cam with parking mode installed from day 1.

I had no qualms about using a fuse tap kit to make this happen but my wife was reluctant because she read that this can sometimes cause dealers to no longer acknowledge a warranty; and we did opt for an extended 10 year/200k km one, and have yet to pickup the car. 😬

Now I feel much better knowing that there is a middle road and both of us can get what we want! 😁

And you’re right, some car insurance companies do offer a discount if a customer plugs a telemetric device into their OBD port for 24h monitoring, which I think wouldn’t be much difference than having a dash cam plugged in using low-power mode when in parking mode.

Again, thank you! I have definitely subscribed to your channel and I look forward to learning more. Great video!

[earlkoropatnick]

Thank you, you've answered all my questions about the OBD 11 usage.

[waseemanbar]

Awesome, thanks so much for explaining, i was afraid to use obd, but after your video, it's clear😊

[vicc]

Damn good explanation sir- I was looking for a way to power my dashcam in my new F150- thanks

[Mrm]

Thank you for your super clear and informative explanation of this adapter. Very helpful!