For automotive enthusiasts and professional tuners diving into pre-CAN era vehicles (1996-2007), integrating wideband oxygen sensors for accurate air-fuel ratio monitoring has often presented a challenge. The introduction of the AEM 30-0334 OBDII wideband controller marked a significant step forward, particularly for vehicles equipped with CAN bus systems. This innovation, born from collaborative efforts within the tuning community, enabled seamless data logging with tools like the HPTuners MPVI/MPVI2 via a direct OBDII pass-through connection. However, a gap remained for those working on earlier OBDII vehicles utilizing J1850 communication protocols (VPW and PWM), common in many GM, Ford, and Chrysler models of that period.
Traditionally, tuners of these J1850-based OBDII systems had to navigate less than ideal solutions to feed wideband data into their scanners. Options ranged from utilizing the HPTuners Pro version with ProLink CAN, resorting to serial data connections, or even employing outdated analog wiring techniques like AC/EGR signal manipulation. These methods often presented limitations and complexities, especially when attempting to log data from dual-channel wideband setups.
Recognizing this hurdle, and building upon the foundational work of the AEM 30-0334, a new solution is being explored: a dedicated J1850 OBDII adapter tailored for AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 wideband controllers. This adapter is envisioned as a hardware intermediary, replacing the standard pass-through cable used by the 30-0334. Its design, utilizing existing housing components, would incorporate terminals to directly connect the CAN wires from AEM wideband sensors.
This innovative adapter aims to simplify the integration process for pre-CAN vehicles. It will feature user-friendly screw terminals on one side to accommodate the CAN high (CANH) and CAN low (CANL) wires from AEM 30-0300 or 30-0310 widebands. Crucially, the design will support the connection and simultaneous logging of multiple wideband sensors, a significant advantage for comprehensive engine tuning and diagnostics. Furthermore, a contemplated addition is a cold-start safety feature. This optional enhancement would delay the heating of the wideband sensor’s ceramic element until after the engine has started, potentially mitigating thermal shock and extending sensor lifespan.
In essence, this project seeks to deliver a plug-and-play J1850-enabled OBDII adapter, specifically engineered for seamless compatibility with AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 wideband oxygen sensors. Preliminary assessments of the current component market suggest a potential price point in the $70 to $80 range, contingent on production volume. This price point is particularly compelling when considering the cost savings realized by opting for the 30-0300 or 30-0310 models over the 30-0334 for pre-CAN applications.
The development of this J1850 OBDII wideband adapter is currently in the exploratory phase, with the goal of gauging interest within the automotive tuning community. For those working with 1996-2007 pre-CAN vehicles, particularly GM, Ford, and Chrysler models utilizing J1850 protocols, this adapter promises a direct, efficient, and cost-effective solution for integrating AEM wideband technology into their diagnostic and tuning workflows. The next steps involve rigorous debugging and refinement to bring this concept to production, further bridging the gap between modern wideband technology and classic OBDII systems.
