Are you working on a 1994 or 1995 General Motors vehicle and need to interface with its computer system? Specifically designed for OBD1 systems in certain 1994-1995 GM cars that confusingly use a 16-pin OBD2-style connector, this Aldl To Obd2 Cable with a USB interface is your ideal solution. This cable bridges the gap, allowing you to connect your computer to your vehicle’s ECM/PCM for diagnostics and potentially even reprogramming tasks.
Designed for Specific 1994-1995 GM OBD1 Vehicles with 16-Pin Connectors
It’s important to understand that during the transition period to OBD2, some 1994 and 1995 GM vehicles, while still running OBD1 systems internally, were equipped with the 16-pin diagnostic connector that would become standard for OBD2. This ALDL to OBD2 cable is specifically made for these vehicles. Common examples include:
- Chevrolet Camaro (1994-1995)
- Pontiac Firebird (1994-1995)
- Chevrolet Corvette (1994-1995)
- LT1 engine equipped vehicles (1994-1995)
- Newer Australian Holden and Commodore models utilizing similar systems
This cable features a 16-pin OBD2 connector shell, making it easy to plug into the diagnostic port located under the dashboard of these specific vehicles. Its USB interface ensures straightforward connectivity to your laptop or computer for data access.
Image alt text: Close-up of an ALDL to OBD2 cable showing the 16-pin OBD2 style connector and USB plug, highlighting its design for connecting older GM ALDL systems to modern computers.
Before ordering this cable, it is crucial to physically inspect the diagnostic connector under your dashboard. Refer to our GM OBD1 home page for helpful diagrams and references to identify your connector type and confirm if your 1994-95 vehicle has the 16-pin style. You can also see the OBD2 connector diagram below for visual reference.
Power and Data Pins for 1994-1995 GM 16-Pin OBD1
For 1994 and 1995 vehicles equipped with the 16-pin OBD2 style connector, the pinout is configured to support the OBD1 system. Specifically:
- Pin 16: Provides +12v power.
- Pin 5: Provides ground.
- Pin 9: Carries the 8192 baud serial data for communication.
This ALDL to OBD2 cable is designed to correctly interface with these pins, ensuring proper data communication with your vehicle’s computer.
Instrument Cluster Programming Capabilities
Beyond basic diagnostics, this ALDL to OBD2 cable can also be used for instrument cluster programming on certain vehicles like the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO. As demonstrated with instrument cluster programming software here, you can potentially modify settings such as:
- RPM-based shift light activation
- Cluster logo customization
- Shutdown text modification
While primarily tested on the Pontiac GTO, experimentation with other newer GM cars and trucks with similar systems might reveal further software-based customization options for instrument dash clusters using this ALDL to OBD2 cable.
Important Compatibility Notes
This 16 pin shell cable is specifically designed for the 16-pin OBD2 style connector found on certain 1994-95 OBD1 GM vehicles. It will not plug into the 12-pin style OBD1 ALDL connector common on most 1984 to 1995 GM cars and trucks.
Image alt text: Detailed diagram of a 16-pin OBD2 connector, emphasizing pin locations 5 (ground), 9 (serial data), and 16 (+12V power) relevant to ALDL OBD1 communication in 1994-1995 GM vehicles.
If you require broader compatibility for all years of OBD1 GM vehicles, including both 12-pin and 16-pin applications, consider our bare pin cable, which offers ultimate flexibility.
For 1996 and later OBD-2 vehicles, which utilize true OBD2 systems, this ALDL to OBD2 cable is not the correct tool. Instead, for powertrain sensor scanning and code reading on OBD2 compliant vehicles, we recommend our OBD2 Allinone scan tool.
Conclusion
The ALDL to OBD2 cable provides a convenient and specialized solution for connecting to the OBD1 systems of specific 1994-1995 GM vehicles equipped with a 16-pin OBD2 style connector. Its USB interface and potential for instrument cluster programming make it a valuable tool for enthusiasts and technicians working on these classic GM models. Remember to verify your vehicle’s connector type before ordering, and explore our other cable options for broader OBD1 or OBD2 compatibility.
