The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) system is a cornerstone of modern automotive technology, providing crucial insights into your vehicle’s health and performance. For Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, understanding the OBD2 pinout is particularly valuable for accurate diagnostics and efficient repairs. This guide delves into the Chrysler Obd2 Pinout, offering a comprehensive breakdown of each pin’s function and its significance in vehicle communication and diagnostics.
Decoding the OBD2 J1962 Connector in Your Chrysler
The standardized OBD2 connector, officially known as the SAE J1962 connector, is the universal interface for accessing your vehicle’s diagnostic data. Located typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side, this 16-pin connector is not just a generic port; each pin is assigned specific functions defined by industry standards and manufacturer-specific implementations. For Chrysler vehicles, while adhering to the general OBD2 standard, some pins may have specific roles or nuances that are important to understand for effective diagnostics.
Let’s break down the pinout, focusing on how it applies to Chrysler vehicles:
Standard OBD2 Connector Pinout and Chrysler Applications
The following table outlines the standard OBD2 J1962 connector pinout, highlighting descriptions relevant to Chrysler vehicles based on available data. Please note that “Manufacturer Discretionary” pins can vary significantly, and while we aim to provide the most accurate information, always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for the definitive pinout for your specific Chrysler model year and trim.
| Pin Number | Description | Chrysler/OBD2 Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler Specific Functions: Can be used for various manufacturer-specific communication or control functions. In some Chrysler implementations, this might be related to infotainment CAN or ignition control. |
| 2 | SAE J1850 Bus + (VPW / PWM) | Chrysler J1850 VPW: Used for SAE J1850 Variable Pulse Width Modulation (VPW) communication protocol, which is utilized in some older Chrysler models. |
| 3 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler CCD Bus + / DCL + / Medium-Speed CAN High / UBP Network #1: Potentially used for Chrysler’s CCD (Chrysler Collision Detection) Bus +, or in newer models, for Medium-Speed CAN High or UBP (UART Based Protocol) Network #1. Also, could be related to DCL+ (Data Communication Link +). |
| 4 | Chassis Ground | Essential Ground Connection: Provides the chassis ground reference for the diagnostic system. |
| 5 | Signal Ground | Signal Ground Reference: Provides a clean ground for the signal circuits, minimizing electrical noise. |
| 6 | CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) | High-Speed CAN Communication: CAN (Controller Area Network) High is crucial for high-speed communication based on ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284 standards, widely used in Chrysler for engine, transmission, and other critical system data. |
| 7 | ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line | K-Line Communication (ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4): K-Line is used for slower speed diagnostic communication protocols like ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4 (Keyword Protocol 2000), still relevant in some Chrysler systems, especially for body control or older modules. |
| 8 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler Infotainment CAN Low / Secondary K-Line / Ethernet Enable / Trigger Signal: Potentially used for Infotainment CAN Low, a secondary K-Line for body/chassis/infotainment modules, Ethernet Enable, or a Trigger Signal for initiating/terminating events. |
| 9 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler Switched Battery Power / TD Signal / Engine RPM Signal / GM UART/ALDL: Could carry Switched Battery Power (ignition-switched power), TD (Tachometer Display) Signal / Engine RPM Signal, or in some cases, might relate to older GM UART/ALDL protocols if Chrysler systems share components or diagnostic interfaces. |
| 10 | SAE J1850 Bus – (PWM-only) | Chrysler J1850 PWM (Ford SCP) Bus -: Used for SAE J1850 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) communication, sometimes referred to as Ford SCP (Standard Corporate Protocol) Bus -, even in Chrysler vehicles in certain contexts or shared component scenarios. |
| 11 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler CCD Bus – / DCL – / Medium-Speed CAN Low / UBP Network #2 / Ethernet RX-: Potentially used for Chrysler’s CCD Bus -, DCL-, Medium-Speed CAN Low, UBP Network #2, or Ethernet RX-. |
| 12 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler Ethernet TX+ / Flash EEPROM / Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus +: Could be assigned to Ethernet TX+, Flash EEPROM programming voltage, or Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus +. |
| 13 | Manufacturer Discretionary | Chrysler Ethernet TX- / FEPS — ECU Programming Voltage / Flash EEPROM / Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus -: Similar to Pin 12, this could be Ethernet TX-, FEPS (Flash Electrically Programmable System) — ECU Programming Voltage, Flash EEPROM, or Chassis High-Speed CAN Bus -. |
| 14 | CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) | CAN Low Communication: CAN Low is the complementary signal to CAN High, forming the differential CAN bus for robust communication. |
| 15 | ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (Optional) | L-Line Communication (ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 Optional): L-Line is an optional companion to the K-Line in ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 protocols, used for bidirectional communication. May or may not be implemented in all Chrysler models. |
| 16 | Vehicle Battery Power: – Type “A” 12V/4A – Type “B” 24V/2A | Battery Power Supply: Provides battery power to the diagnostic tool. Type “A” (12V) is standard for most passenger Chrysler vehicles. Type “B” (24V) is for some heavy-duty or commercial vehicles, which is less common in typical Chrysler consumer vehicles but possible in RAM trucks or commercial models. |
It’s important to note that Chrysler, like other manufacturers, may utilize the “Manufacturer Discretionary” pins (1, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13) for various purposes depending on the vehicle model, year, and specific systems. These can include:
- Communication Buses: Additional CAN buses (Medium-Speed, Chassis CAN, Infotainment CAN), Single-Wire CAN, or older Chrysler-specific buses like CCD.
- Ethernet: For newer, high-bandwidth diagnostic and communication needs.
- Programming Voltages: For ECU flashing and reprogramming.
- Control and Trigger Signals: For specific module activation or event triggering.
- Legacy Protocols: Potentially for supporting older diagnostic protocols or interfaces in specific modules or backward compatibility scenarios.
Understanding the Type A OBD2 connector, commonly found in 12V Chrysler vehicles, is crucial for accurate diagnostics. Pin assignments can vary based on specific Chrysler models and communication protocols.
Chrysler Specific OBD2 Pinout Examples and Variations
While the standard pinout provides a general framework, Chrysler vehicles may exhibit variations, especially in the “Manufacturer Discretionary” pins. Examining specific examples can offer further clarity. Based on the provided data, we can see examples that might be relevant or reflect potential Chrysler implementations:
Example 1 (Potentially Reflecting Chrysler CCD Bus Usage):
| Pin Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unused (or unknown) |
| 2 | SAE J1850 VPW Bus + (10.4Kbps) |
| 3 | CCD Bus + |
| 4 | Chassis Ground |
| 5 | Signal Ground |
| 6 | – CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps) – SCI A Engine (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 7 | – ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps) – SCI A Engine (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) – SCI A Trans (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) – SCI B Engine (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 8 | Unused (or unknown) |
| 9 | SCI B Trans (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 10 | Unused (or unknown) |
| 11 | CCD Bus – |
| 12 | SCI B Engine (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 13 | Unused (or unknown) |
| 14 | – CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps) – SCI A Trans (RX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 15 | – ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 L Line (10.4Kbps) (Optional) – SCI B Trans (TX) (SAE J2610) (7812.5bps, 62.5Kbps, 125.0Kbps) |
| 16 | Vehicle Battery Power: – Type “A” 12V/4A – Type “B” 24V/2A |
In this example, pins 3 and 11 are explicitly designated for “CCD Bus +” and “CCD Bus -,” respectively, highlighting the use of Chrysler’s older CCD bus system alongside standard OBD2 protocols like CAN and ISO 9141-2. Pins 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15 also show various SCI (Serial Communication Interface) protocols, indicating a complex communication network.
Example 2 (Potentially Reflecting Chrysler Network Variations):
| Pin Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | – Infotainment CAN High – Ignition Control (activates low current switching device to power ignition current) |
| 2 | SAE J1850 PWM (Ford SCP) Bus + (41.6Kbps) |
| 3 | – DCL + – Medium-Speed CAN High (125Kbps, 250Kbps) – UBP Network #1 (9600bps) |
| 4 | Chassis Ground |
| 5 | Signal Ground |
| 6 | CAN High (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps) |
| 7 | ISO 9141-2 / ISO 14230-4 K Line (10.4Kbps) |
| 8 | – Infotainment CAN Low – Trigger Signal (multiple module trigger input controlled through the communication link to initiate / terminate an event) |
| 9 | Battery Power (Switched) (vehicle battery power available via the ignition switch or ignition control [Pin 1]) |
| 10 | SAE J1850 PWM (Ford SCP) Bus – (41.6Kbps) |
| 11 | – DCL – – Medium-Speed CAN Low (125Kbps, 250Kbps) – UBP Network #2 (9600bps) |
| 12 | Flash EEPROM |
| 13 | – FEPS — ECU Programming Voltage – Flash EEPROM |
| 14 | CAN Low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE J2284) (500Kbps) |
| 15 | Unused by Ford |
| 16 | Vehicle Battery Power: – Type “A” 12V/4A – Type “B” 24V/2A |
This example demonstrates a more modern Chrysler network architecture, potentially. Pin 1 and 8 are designated for “Infotainment CAN High” and “Infotainment CAN Low,” indicating a separate CAN bus for the infotainment system. Pin 3 and 11 are used for “Medium-Speed CAN High/Low,” and “UBP Network #1/#2,” showcasing a layered communication approach. Pins 12 and 13 are related to Flash EEPROM, crucial for ECU programming. The mention of “Ford SCP” on pins 2 and 10 again suggests potential shared component usage or protocol similarities in certain Chrysler applications.
Type B OBD2 connectors, designed for 24V systems, are less common in standard Chrysler consumer vehicles but may be found in some heavy-duty or commercial models. Understanding both Type A and Type B is important for comprehensive diagnostic work.
Utilizing Chrysler OBD2 Pinout for Diagnostics
Understanding the Chrysler OBD2 pinout is essential for several diagnostic and repair tasks:
- Pin Verification: Before connecting any diagnostic tool, especially aftermarket or non-Chrysler specific tools, verifying the pinout ensures compatibility and prevents potential damage from misconnections.
- Custom Diagnostics and Probing: For advanced diagnostics, knowing the pinout allows technicians to directly probe specific pins to measure voltages, check signal integrity, or bypass sections of the diagnostic system.
- Wiring Repairs: When diagnosing communication issues, the pinout is crucial for tracing wiring, checking continuity, and repairing damaged wires or connectors related to the OBD2 port.
- Module Communication Troubleshooting: If a specific module is not communicating, understanding the pinout and the communication protocols assigned to each pin (CAN, K-Line, etc.) is vital for targeted troubleshooting.
- Developing Custom Diagnostic Solutions: For developers creating custom diagnostic tools or interfaces for Chrysler vehicles, the pinout is the foundation for establishing physical and communication layer connections.
Important Considerations:
- Vehicle Specific Information is Key: Always refer to the specific repair manual or wiring diagrams for the exact Chrysler model and year you are working on. Pinouts can vary.
- Safety First: When probing or working with the OBD2 connector, always disconnect the vehicle’s ignition and take necessary safety precautions to avoid electrical shock or damage to the vehicle’s electronic systems.
- Protocol Knowledge: Understanding the communication protocols (CAN, ISO 9141-2, J1850, etc.) associated with each pin is as important as knowing the pinout itself for effective diagnostics.
Conclusion: Mastering Chrysler OBD2 Pinouts for Effective Vehicle Diagnostics
The Chrysler OBD2 pinout is more than just a connector diagram; it’s a roadmap to your vehicle’s electronic communication network. By understanding the function of each pin, especially the Chrysler-specific variations in “Manufacturer Discretionary” pins, technicians and enthusiasts can perform more accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and develop advanced automotive solutions for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. Always prioritize vehicle-specific documentation and safety when working with the OBD2 system.
