Data Link Connector: Description and Operation

Data Link Connector Location:

The Data Link Connector (DLC) is a 16-way molded plastic connector insulator on a dedicated take out of the instrument panel wire harness. This connector is located at the lower edge of the instrument panel, inboard of the steering column. The connector insulator is retained by two screws through two integral mounting tabs to the lower instrument panel reinforcement, just below the lower edge of the instrument panel steering column opening cover.

The Data Link Connector (DLC) is an industry-standard 16-way connector that permits the connection of a diagnostic scan tool to the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus for interfacing with, configuring, and retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data from the electronic modules that reside on the data bus network within the vehicle.