For automotive enthusiasts and tuning professionals working with pre-CAN vehicles, achieving precise air/fuel ratio monitoring has often presented unique challenges. While the advent of OBD2 technology brought advancements, earlier systems utilized different communication protocols, leaving a gap in seamless wideband integration. However, a groundbreaking solution, stemming from community collaboration, is set to redefine tuning capabilities for these vehicles: an innovative approach centered around the Aem Wideband Obd2 Scanner.
Initially conceived and developed within the tuner community, the AEM 30-0334 OBDII enabled wideband was a pioneering project. It cleverly reprogrammed the CAN interface of the AEM 30-0300 wideband to align with OBDII standard communications. This ingenious modification allowed direct interfacing with popular tools like the HPTuners MPVI/MPVI2 scanners via a simple OBDII pass-thru cable, marking a significant leap forward in data logging for many users.
However, the original AEM 30-0300 wideband was designed with the AEMNet protocol in mind. Consequently, it lacked the necessary hardware to communicate with vehicles employing non-CAN based ECUs, specifically most vehicles manufactured before 2007. This limitation posed a hurdle for tuners working on 1996-2007 OBDII vehicles, particularly those utilizing the J1850 (VPW and PWM) interfaces. Integrating wideband data into scanners for these vehicles became a complex task. Solutions often involved the Pro version with ProLink CAN, serial data workarounds, or even resorting to older analog wiring techniques like AC/EGR tricks. These methods presented their own set of problems, especially when attempting to log dual-channel widebands effectively.
Addressing this critical need, a dedicated solution is emerging to bridge the gap for pre-CAN vehicles. Building upon the groundwork laid by the AEM 30-0334, a new piece of hardware is under development. This adapter is specifically designed for earlier GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles equipped with J1850 variants on their OBDII bus. Envisioned as a replacement for the pass-thru connector cable used by the 30-0334, this adapter will house terminals to connect CAN wires directly from wideband sensors. This approach allows for a direct OBDII cable wideband integration, similar in concept to the 30-0334, but tailored for the J1850 communication protocol.
This innovative adapter, utilizing the same housing design for familiarity and ease of use, will feature screw-terminals on one side for connecting the CANH and CANL wires from AEM 30-0300 or 30-0310 widebands. Crucially, it will support the connection and simultaneous logging of multiple wideband sensors, streamlining complex tuning scenarios. Furthermore, a planned cold-start safety feature will protect the delicate ceramic elements of the sensors by delaying heating until after the engine has started, enhancing sensor longevity.
This J1850-enabled OBDII adapter represents a significant step forward for users of AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 widebands who tune pre-CAN vehicles. While still in development, preliminary estimates suggest a price point in the $70 to $80 range, influenced by demand and current chip market conditions. This cost-effective solution offers considerable savings compared to the price difference between the 30-0334 and the 30-0300/0310, making high-performance tuning more accessible for a wider range of vehicles. The development team is actively gauging interest in this direct OBDII cable wideband adapter for 1996-2007 pre-CAN vehicles and welcomes feedback from the tuning community as they move towards debugging and production.
