For those familiar with the AEM 30-0334 OBDII wideband, it’s known that this device was born from community innovation, specifically designed to seamlessly interface with HP Tuners MPVI/MPVI2 scanners via the OBDII pass-thru. This was achieved by reprogramming the CAN interface of the AEM 30-0300 wideband to align with OBDII standard communications, a significant advancement celebrated by tuners.
However, the original AEM 30-0300 wideband, designed with the AEMNet protocol in mind, lacked the necessary hardware to connect with pre-CAN vehicles—primarily those manufactured before 2007. This limitation posed a challenge for tuners working on 1996-2007 OBDII vehicles utilizing J1850 (VPW and PWM) interfaces, leaving them to seek alternative, often cumbersome, methods to integrate wideband data into their HP Tuners logs. These workarounds included using the HP Tuners Pro version with ProLink CAN, serial data connections, or even resorting to older analog AC/EGR wiring techniques. Each of these methods presents its own set of complications, particularly when attempting to log dual-channel widebands effectively.
Recognizing this gap, and building upon previous technical groundwork, a solution is being explored to provide a 30-0334-esque experience for pre-CAN vehicles, specifically targeting early GM, Ford, and Chrysler models that employ J1850 protocols on their OBDII systems.
This solution takes the form of an additional hardware component—an OBDII adapter—designed for pre-CAN vehicles. This adapter will replace the standard pass-thru cable used with the 30-0334 and will be compatible with AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 wideband sensors, which do not inherently support J1850 interfaces. The physical design, utilizing existing housings, is visualized below, demonstrating the integration of terminals for connecting the CAN wires from the wideband sensors.
The adapter will feature screw-terminals on one side to accommodate the CANH and CANL wires from AEM 30-0300 or 30-0310 widebands. Importantly, it will support the connection and simultaneous logging of multiple wideband sensors. Furthermore, a cold-start safety feature is under consideration as an optional addition. This function would delay the heating of the wideband sensor’s ceramic element until after the engine has started, mitigating potential thermal shock and extending sensor lifespan.
In essence, this initiative aims to deliver a dedicated J1850-enabled OBDII adapter tailored for AEM 30-0300 and 30-0310 widebands, specifically for pre-CAN vehicles. Preliminary assessments of the current chip market suggest a price point in the $70 to $80 range, contingent on production volume. This cost is intended to be offset by the price difference between the 30-0334 and the 30-0300/0310 models, offering a cost-effective solution.
The crucial next step is to gauge the level of interest within the tuning community for a direct OBDII cable wideband adapter designed for pre-CAN vehicles (1996-2007). Development, debugging, and production will follow based on the demonstrated demand for this solution.
