Navigating the complexities of vehicle diagnostics, especially when it comes to heavy-duty vehicles, requires the right tools and knowledge. If you’re dealing with vehicles that utilize the SAE J1939 protocol and need to interface with standard OBD2 equipment, finding the correct J1939 To Obd2 Adapter For Sale is crucial. This is particularly important for compliance with regulations like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program, also known as Clean Truck Check, starting in 2024.
This guide will help you understand the necessity of J1939 to OBD2 adapters, especially in the context of CARB’s stringent emissions testing requirements. We’ll explore why these adapters are essential, what to look for when purchasing one, and how to ensure you’re choosing a CARB-certified device for compliance.
Understanding J1939 and OBD2: Why the Adapter Matters
Heavy-duty vehicles often communicate diagnostic data using the SAE J1939 protocol, which utilizes a 9-pin connector. On the other hand, many standard diagnostic tools and emissions testing equipment are designed to interface with the OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) protocol, commonly found in passenger vehicles and some medium-duty applications, which uses a 16-pin connector.
This difference in communication protocols and connector types is where the j1939 to obd2 adapter becomes indispensable. It bridges the gap, allowing you to connect OBD2-compatible devices to vehicles equipped with J1939 systems.
CARB Compliance and the Need for Certified Adapters
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing the Clean Truck Check program, requiring periodic OBD emissions testing for heavy-duty vehicles. Crucially, CARB mandates the use of certified OBD test devices for these compliance checks. For businesses and fleet operators in California, using non-certified equipment can lead to non-compliance and potential penalties.
Therefore, when searching for a j1939 to obd2 adapter for sale, ensuring CARB certification is paramount. While a simple adapter might physically connect the two ports, CARB-certified devices guarantee that the data interpretation and reporting meet the regulatory standards.
CARB-Certified OBD Test Devices: Your Adapter Solution
CARB has issued Executive Orders (EO) for devices that meet their requirements for periodic OBD testing. Many of these certified devices are designed to work with both J1939 and OBD2 protocols, often through the use of adapters. These devices are essential for performing compliant emissions tests under the Clean Truck Check program.
Here are some CARB-certified Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) devices, which are scan tool-type devices suitable for testing multiple vehicles, that support both 9-pin J1939 and 16-pin J1979/OBD2 diagnostic ports:
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-001-0001-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH RA Automotive Software Solutions, Inc. 1850 Research Drive, Suite 208 Troy, MI 48083 (586) 782 5121[email protected] | Silver Snap-Tool with Drewtech DrewLinQ | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0002-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with DG Technologies DPA XL | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0003-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
Note: The “Silver Snap-Tool” devices listed above from RA Consulting GmbH are examples of CARB-certified options that are designed to be used with various adapters (Drewtech DrewLinQ, DG Technologies DPA XL, Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2, etc.) to connect to both J1939 and OBD2 ports.
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-001-0004-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser U100 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0005-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0006-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-001-0007-2 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf v3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-002-0001-5 | HEM Data Corporation HEM Data Corporation 17320 12 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 559-5607[email protected] | DAWN OBD Inspector for iOS with CAN Mini Streamer (Wireless) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-003-0001-5 | Noregon Systems LLC Noregon Systems LLC 7823 National Service Road Greensboro, NC 27409 (855) 906-3491 (option 3)[email protected] | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (USB) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
Note: The devices from HEM Data Corporation and Noregon Systems LLC also offer solutions that are designed to interface with both J1939 and OBD2 ports, ensuring compatibility for CARB compliance testing.
For Continuously Connected (CC) devices, which are telematics devices typically assigned to a single vehicle for ongoing monitoring, several CARB-certified options also support both protocols:
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Continuously Connected (CC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-004-0001-1 | Geotab Inc. Geotab Inc. 2440 Winston Park Dr.Ontario, Canada L6H 7V2+1 (877) 436-8221[email protected] | GO9, GO9B, GO9+ family of devices. | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-006-0001-3 | Pacific Track, LLC Pacific Track Dan Rothman, VP Sales and Marketing(949) 432-9562[email protected] | PT40 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
Note: Geotab and Pacific Track offer continuously connected devices that are CARB-certified and compatible with both J1939 and OBD2, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fleet management and compliance.
Where to Find Your J1939 to OBD2 Adapter for Sale
While the term “j1939 to obd2 adapter for sale” might lead you to generic adapters, for CARB compliance, it’s essential to focus on the certified devices listed above. These vendors offer complete solutions, which include the necessary adapters and software to ensure accurate and compliant emissions testing.
To purchase CARB-certified OBD test devices and inquire about j1939 to obd2 adapter compatibility, reach out directly to the vendors listed in the tables above. Their contact information is provided to help you find the right solution for your fleet and ensure you meet California’s Clean Truck Check requirements.
By choosing CARB-certified devices, you are not just buying an adapter; you are investing in a compliant and reliable solution for your heavy-duty vehicle diagnostic and emissions testing needs. Ensure your business stays ahead of regulations and operates with certified equipment for peace of mind and environmental responsibility.
