For automotive tuning enthusiasts and professionals deeply involved with engine performance, the AEM 30-0334 OBDII wideband sensor has been a game-changer. Born from collaborative efforts within the tuning community, this innovative device reprogrammed the CAN interface of the AEM 30-0300 wideband to seamlessly integrate with OBDII standard communications. This breakthrough enabled direct interfacing with popular scanning tools like HPTuners MPVI/MPVI2 through a simple OBDII pass-thru cable, marking a significant advancement in data logging capabilities.
However, this initial triumph encountered a limitation: the AEM 30-0300 wideband, originally designed for AEMNet protocol via its CAN interface, lacked the necessary hardware to connect with vehicles lacking CAN-based ECUs. This primarily affected vehicles manufactured before 2007, particularly those utilizing the J1850 (VPW and PWM) OBDII interfaces prevalent in many 1996-2007 models from GM, Ford, and Chrysler.
This technological gap left tuners working on these pre-CAN OBDII vehicles with limited options for accurately capturing wideband data within their scanning software. Existing workarounds, such as utilizing the Pro version with ProLink CAN, serial data connections, or resorting to older analog wiring techniques like AC/EGR signal manipulation, each presented their own set of challenges and complexities. These methods often proved cumbersome, especially when attempting to log data from dual-channel wideband setups.
Recognizing this unmet need and building upon the foundational work of the AEM 30-0334 project, a dedicated hardware solution is now being explored to bridge this gap. This new initiative focuses on creating a specialized J1850-enabled OBDII adapter, designed specifically for pre-CAN vehicles and compatible with the AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 wideband sensors.
This adapter is envisioned as a replacement for the standard pass-thru cable used with the 30-0334. It will feature a robust housing, similar in form factor to existing OBDII connectors, but equipped with terminals to accommodate the CAN wires from AEM wideband sensors. This design will not only simplify connections but also allow for the simultaneous logging of multiple wideband sensors, a crucial feature for advanced tuning and diagnostic applications.
Furthermore, to enhance sensor longevity and reliability, the adapter may incorporate an optional cold-start safety function. This intelligent feature would prevent the wideband sensor’s heating element from activating until after the engine has started, mitigating potential thermal shock and extending the sensor’s lifespan.
In essence, this project aims to deliver a direct OBDII cable wideband adapter tailored for pre-CAN vehicles utilizing J1850 communication protocols. This solution promises to streamline the process of integrating AEM wideband sensors with older OBDII systems, offering a more efficient and user-friendly approach to wideband data acquisition.
Preliminary assessments of the current component market suggest a potential price point in the $70 to $80 range for this adapter, contingent on production volume and demand. However, this cost is partially offset by the price difference between the AEM 30-0334 and the more readily available 30-0300/0310 models, making it a potentially cost-effective solution overall.
The development of this J1850 OBDII adapter for AEM wideband sensors represents a significant step forward for tuners working with pre-CAN vehicles. By providing a direct and reliable method for OBDII wideband integration, this innovation promises to empower a wider range of automotive enthusiasts and professionals with enhanced data logging capabilities, ultimately leading to more precise and effective tuning outcomes.
