For automotive enthusiasts and professional tuners, accurately monitoring air-fuel ratios is crucial for optimal engine performance and diagnostics. The Aem Wideband Obd2 Scanner has become a staple tool in this domain, particularly the AEM 30-0334 OBDII wideband, celebrated for its seamless integration with modern vehicle systems via CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Initially conceived and developed within the tuning community, this technology allowed direct interfacing with popular scanning tools like the HPTuners MPVI/MPVI2 through the OBDII pass-thru, marking a significant leap forward in data logging capabilities.
However, a challenge persisted for owners and tuners of pre-CAN vehicles, predominantly those manufactured between 1996 and 2007. These vehicles, encompassing many models from GM, Ford, and Chrysler, utilize the J1850 communication protocol (VPW and PWM variants) on their OBDII systems. The AEM 30-0300 wideband, while excellent, was originally designed with the AEMNet CAN interface, lacking native hardware compatibility with these J1850 based OBDII systems.
This limitation presented hurdles for those seeking to integrate wideband data into their scanners on these older platforms. Existing workarounds, such as utilizing the Pro version with ProLink CAN, serial data connections, or resorting to analog wiring methods via AC/EGR circuits, each came with their own set of complexities. These methods often proved cumbersome, especially when attempting to log data from dual-channel wideband setups.
Addressing this gap, a dedicated solution is under exploration: a J1850-enabled OBDII adapter tailored for AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 wideband controllers. This innovative adapter is designed to bridge the communication divide, specifically for pre-CAN vehicles employing J1850 protocols on their OBDII bus.
Envisioned as a replacement for the standard pass-thru cable used with the AEM 30-0334, this adapter will incorporate a robust housing, already sourced for development. Crucially, it will feature terminals to directly connect the CAN wires from AEM widebands. This design facilitates straightforward integration, enabling users to easily link their AEM 30-0300 or 30-0310 widebands to their J1850 equipped vehicles. Furthermore, the adapter is being engineered to support multiple widebands simultaneously, streamlining the process of logging comprehensive air-fuel data across multiple channels.
Beyond basic connectivity, consideration is being given to incorporating a cold-start safety feature. This optional enhancement would prevent the wideband sensor from initiating its heating cycle until after the engine has started. This precaution is intended to mitigate thermal shock to the sensor’s delicate ceramic components, potentially prolonging sensor life and ensuring accuracy.
Currently, based on chip market analysis, the estimated pricing for this J1850 OBDII adapter is projected to be in the $70 to $80 range, contingent on production volume and demand. Despite this additional component cost, users would still benefit from the cost-effectiveness of choosing the AEM 30-0300 or 30-0310 widebands over the 30-0334 when working with pre-CAN J1850 vehicles.
This initiative aims to provide a direct, OBDII cable-based wideband adapter solution for the often-overlooked segment of pre-CAN vehicles from 1996-2007. By offering a purpose-built interface for J1850 systems, this adapter promises to simplify wideband data logging and enhance tuning capabilities for a broad spectrum of classic and modern performance vehicles. The development is ongoing, with debugging and production phases to follow, as the commitment to refining and expanding the capabilities of aem wideband obd2 scanner technology continues.
