thunder

I recently acquired my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, which is a 2 door, 4.0L, 4x4. Today while cleaning it I noticed a multiport female plug screwed into the underneath of the dashboard on the driver's side. This connection is a mystery to me.

I called the previous owner (he was the second owner) and he said he knew nothing about the connector.

I have attached a picture. Can anyone identify this receptacle?

Abovetimberline

I am pretty sure that is your data link connector.

thunder

Is that what the authorized Jeep Service departments plug into to diagnose problems?

Abovetimberline

yes,most shops have the scan tools and connectors to diagnose also.

SeriousOffroad

Any shop, autoparts store, or shadetree mechanic with a scanner uses that port. No special Jeep Voodoo or Black Magic.

5-90

OBD-II Diagnostic Port, SAE J-something or other.

That's where you'll plug in your scan tool (if you buy one - I'd suggest you do, since it can come in handy...) and where the wrench would plug his in as well. That's the standard port on all OBD-II vehicles, 1996 and later. (OBD-I had each manufacturer with their own port spec. OBD-I was mandated by CARB - OBD-II was started by CARB, but SAE took over and standardised the whole thing for simplicity's sake.)