For Ford truck owners looking to enhance their vehicle with AMP Research Powersteps, integrating them seamlessly with existing OBD2 devices can sometimes present a challenge. Many installations utilize the OBD2 port for the power step controller, which becomes problematic when you also want to use an OBD2 performance monitor like the Edge Insight. This often leads to the use of an OBD2 splitter, but is this the best solution, and are there alternatives like an OBD2 pass-through or direct wiring? This article explores bypassing the OBD2 splitter for a more streamlined and potentially more reliable setup for your AMP Research Powersteps.
One common question arises when users want to run both their AMP Powersteps and an OBD2 monitor simultaneously: can an OBD2 splitter cause issues? Users have reported irregularities with devices like the Edge Insight when used in conjunction with a splitter to accommodate the power steps. This has prompted investigation into direct wiring methods, eliminating the OBD2 port dependency altogether for the AMP steps.
The good news is that AMP Research Powersteps can be wired directly, circumventing the need for an OBD2 splitter. This method involves tapping into your vehicle’s door trigger wiring. Instead of relying on the OBD2 port for activation signals, you can wire the AMP step controller to door switches. These switches provide a ground input to the controller whenever a door is opened, signaling the steps to deploy. This approach not only frees up your OBD2 port but can also potentially isolate any interference issues that might arise from using a splitter.
To implement this direct wiring solution, you’ll need to identify the door trigger wires in your Ford truck. The wiring schematic below provides a guide for connecting your AMP Powersteps controller directly to the door switches. Always verify the wiring colors specific to your AMP controller to ensure correct connections.
Utilizing door jamb switches offers a clean, almost factory-like integration for your AMP Powersteps, avoiding the potential complexities and possible signal conflicts associated with OBD2 splitters. This method ensures that your steps deploy reliably whenever a door is opened, without interfering with other OBD2 devices.
Refer to the wiring diagram below for detailed instructions on connecting your AMP Powersteps directly to the door switches. This schematic outlines the necessary connections to bypass the OBD2 port entirely.
In conclusion, while OBD2 splitters might seem like a convenient solution for running both AMP Research Powersteps and OBD2 monitors, direct wiring to door switches presents a more robust and potentially less problematic alternative. This method eliminates reliance on the OBD2 port for step operation, freeing it up for other devices and potentially resolving issues related to signal interference or splitter malfunctions. For a cleaner and more reliable installation of your AMP Powersteps, direct wiring is a recommended approach, moving away from OBD2 splitters and pass-through complexities.
