For owners of older Chrysler vehicles, diagnosing engine issues can sometimes feel like stepping back in time. While modern cars boast standardized OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems, classics often utilize the earlier OBD1 standard, leaving many modern scan tools incompatible. However, there’s a clever solution that allows you to leverage your OBD2 scanner for these older vehicles: the Actron Obd2 To Obd1 Adapter. This article delves into how an Actron OBD2 scanner, when paired with the correct adapter, can become a powerful diagnostic tool for your OBD1 Chrysler, offering capabilities far beyond simple code reading.
Many enthusiasts familiar with OBD2 systems have invested in scanners like the Actron 9145. The exciting news is that this investment can extend to your older OBD1 Chrysler with the addition of a specific adapter cable, such as the Actron CP9129 Chrysler adapter. This adapter acts as a bridge, allowing your OBD2 scanner to interface with the diagnostic port on your OBD1 vehicle. Initially, many owners are only aware of the basic “key trick” method for retrieving fault codes from OBD1 systems. This involves turning the ignition key in a specific sequence to make the check engine light flash codes. While this method provides basic fault codes, it lacks the depth and functionality of a dedicated scan tool. The Actron adapter, however, unlocks a range of diagnostic features, offering a significant upgrade over the rudimentary key trick.
Unlocking Advanced Diagnostic Features with the Actron Adapter
Beyond simply reading and resetting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using an Actron OBD2 scanner with an OBD1 adapter opens up a suite of valuable diagnostic capabilities. These features can significantly aid in troubleshooting and understanding your OBD1 Chrysler’s engine management system. Here are some of the diagnostic functions you can access:
- Battery Temperature Monitoring: Provides real-time data on your battery’s temperature, which is crucial for assessing battery health and charging system efficiency, especially in varying climates.
- Charging Voltage Analysis: Displays the current charging voltage, allowing you to monitor the alternator’s performance and identify potential charging system issues that could lead to a dead battery or electrical problems.
- A/C Clutch Relay Operation Test: Enables you to directly test the functionality of the air conditioning clutch relay, helping diagnose issues within the A/C system and pinpoint electrical faults.
- Brake Switch Operation Check: Verifies the correct operation of the brake switch, essential for diagnosing problems related to cruise control, torque converter lockup, and other brake-related electrical functions.
- Actuator Tests (ECU Controlled Relays): This powerful feature allows you to test the operation of relays controlled by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This helps confirm the ECU’s ability to command various components and isolate relay failures.
- Idle Speed Test (RPM Variation): Provides a controlled method to vary the engine RPM, useful for diagnosing idle speed issues, vacuum leaks, and confirming proper engine response to throttle changes.
- Closed/Open Loop Operation Simulation: Allows you to simulate closed and open loop operating conditions. This is invaluable for diagnosing sensor-related issues and understanding how the engine management system behaves under different modes.
- ASD (Automatic ShutDown) Relay Operation & Shutdown Voltage: Tests the ASD relay, a critical component in the fuel and ignition systems. Monitoring shutdown voltage helps diagnose issues related to engine stalling or failure to start.
- Sensor Output Voltage Tests (IAT, CPS, TPS, MAP, etc.): Provides live voltage readings from various engine sensors like Intake Air Temperature (IAT), Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), and Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. This allows for direct assessment of sensor accuracy and identification of faulty sensors.
To utilize these features, the Actron scanner typically requires you to select the specific Chrysler vehicle year and engine from a menu. These menus often extend back to 1989 models, suggesting broad compatibility for older Chrysler vehicles equipped with the 6-pin diagnostic connector. The adapter cable then simply plugs into this diagnostic connector and connects to your Actron scanner. It’s worth noting that adapters are also available for older Ford and GM vehicles, expanding the versatility of your OBD2 scanner even further.
Important Compatibility Note: Renix Systems
While the Actron OBD2 to OBD1 adapter offers impressive capabilities for many classic Chrysler vehicles, it’s crucial to be aware of a significant limitation: Renix systems are not compatible. Renix engine management systems, found in some older Jeep and Chrysler models, utilize different diagnostic connectors and communication protocols. The 6-pin connector discussed and shown is not present on Renix systems. Diagnostic connectors do exist on Renix vehicles, but these are specifically designed for dealership-level DRB (Diagnostic Readout Box) analyzers with a specialized Renix interface card. Therefore, owners of Renix-equipped Chrysler vehicles will unfortunately not be able to utilize the Actron OBD2 to OBD1 adapter for advanced diagnostics.
Conclusion: A Valuable Tool for OBD1 Chrysler Diagnostics
For owners of compatible OBD1 Chrysler vehicles, the Actron OBD2 to OBD1 adapter is a game-changer. It transforms a standard OBD2 scanner into a powerful diagnostic tool capable of far more than basic code reading. From monitoring critical system voltages and temperatures to conducting actuator and sensor tests, this adapter provides invaluable insights into your vehicle’s health. While Renix system owners are excluded, for many classic Chrysler enthusiasts, the Actron OBD2 to OBD1 adapter represents a cost-effective and efficient way to bring modern diagnostic capabilities to their vintage vehicles, making troubleshooting and maintenance significantly easier and more precise.
