Are import restrictions or high prices preventing you from getting an ENET cable to connect your BMW to a laptop for coding and diagnostics? Don’t worry, you can easily build your own Obd2 To Ethernet Cable at home! This guide will show you how to create a fully functional cable using readily available components from Amazon, saving you money and giving you the satisfaction of a DIY project.
For those who prefer visual instructions, a video tutorial is also available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmwAUATXI48
What You’ll Need to Make Your OBD2 to Ethernet Cable
Before you begin, gather these essential tools and components. You can find most of these items on Amazon through the provided links:
- Soldering Kit: https://amzn.to/2JVcr1h (For soldering wires and components)
- Multimeter: https://amzn.to/34dnAB8 (To test resistor value and continuity)
- Ethernet Cable (10 Feet): https://amzn.to/3adGmw3 (Standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable will work)
- OBD2 Connector (Male): https://amzn.to/3qYUVJR (16-pin OBD2 connector)
- 510 Ohm Resistor: https://amzn.to/3ad8WO8 (For proper cable termination)
- Optional Combo Kit: https://amzn.to/3qRcQSO (Soldering Kit + Multimeter + Cutter for convenience)
Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your OBD2 to Ethernet Cable
Follow these steps carefully to assemble your OBD2 to Ethernet cable.
Step 1: Prepare the Ethernet Cable
Cut your Ethernet cable in half and slide the cable protector and boot onto one end. This end will connect to the OBD2 connector.
Step 2: Expose and Tin the Wires
Carefully remove the outer plastic jacket of the Ethernet cable to expose the internal wires. You’ll see eight wires, each with a different color. It’s crucial to identify each wire’s color and corresponding pin number. Tin the exposed ends of the wires with solder to make them easier to work with.
You will only need six of the eight Ethernet wires for this project. The blue, white/blue, and white/brown wires (typically associated with pins 4, 5, and 7 in standard Ethernet configurations) are not required and can be trimmed.
Step 3: Open the OBD2 Connector
Open the OBD2 connector housing. You’ll see 16 pins inside, arranged in two rows of eight, numbered 1 to 16.
Step 4: Test the Resistor
Use your multimeter to check the 510 Ohm resistor. Ensure its resistance is within the range of 506-560 Ohms for optimal performance in your OBD2 to Ethernet cable.
Step 5: Solder the Connections
Refer to the pinout diagram below to connect the Ethernet wires to the correct pins on the OBD2 connector. Solder each wire to its designated pin.
OBD2 to Ethernet Cable Pinout:
| Ethernet Pin | Wire Color | OBD2 Pin |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | White/Orange | Pin 3 |
| Pin 2 | Orange | Pin 11 |
| Pin 3 | White/Green | Pin 12 |
| Pin 6 | Green | Pin 13 |
| Pin 8 | Brown | Pin 4 & 5 |
Finally, solder the 510 Ohm resistor across pins 8 and 16 of the OBD2 connector. This resistor is important for proper communication.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Testing
Carefully close the OBD2 connector housing, ensuring no wires are pinched. Your DIY OBD2 to Ethernet cable is now complete! Connect it to your BMW and your laptop to start coding, diagnosing, and customizing your vehicle. Enjoy the power of DIY car diagnostics!
