Data Link Connector (DLC)

The Data Link Connector (DLC) allows a scan tool to communicate with the class 2 serial data line. The DLC is a standardized 16 way connector located below the instrument panel and close to the steering column. Both the connector design and location are dictated by industry wide agreements. All DLCs are required to provide a power supply, hot at all times, to terminal 16. This circuit is used to power the scan tool. All DLCs supply a power ground at terminal 4 and a signal ground at terminal 5. The class 2 serial data circuit is provided at terminal 2 of the DLC.

Once the scan tool is connected to the class 2 serial data link through the DLC, the scan tool can be used to monitor each module for diagnostic purposes and to check for diagnostic trouble codes.

The provision for communicating with the control module is the Data Link Connector (DLC). The connector is usually located under the instrument panel. The DLC is used to connect to a scan tool. Some common uses of the scan tool are listed below:
^ Identifying stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
^ Clearing DTCs
^ Performing output control tests
^ Reading serial data