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Where is the 2004 Ford Explorer’s OBD port location?

My friend has a 2004 Ford Explorer, and the check engine light is on. I’ve got an OBD reader, so I thought I’d see if I could help him figure out what’s going on, but I can’t find the port to plug it in. Can you help?

avatar
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Of course! I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s Explorer, but it’s great that he’s got you to help him out. The onboard diagnostics (OBD) port on the 2004
Ford Explorer
is located under the dashboard directly beneath the steering wheel.
There are lots of reasons the
check engine warning light
may be on in your friend’s Explorer, but not all of them are serious. In fact, one of the most common reasons the check engine light turns on is a loose gas cap—a super simple fix.
Here are some other issues that often cause this warning light to flash on:
  • Problems with one or more sensors
  • Bad
    spark plugs
    and/or wires
  • Bad (or missing) catalytic converter
Depending on what your OBD scanner tells you, it may be worth taking your friend’s 2004 Explorer to a mechanic for the
car repairs
. Of course, you could always tackle these on your own if you know your way around the inside of a car. But if not, a mechanic will best be able to keep your friend’s old Ford running as long as possible.
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