The OBD2 port, the primary interface for diagnosing vehicle electronic systems, connects to the vehicle’s CANBus network. While the CANBus, power, and ground pins have standard locations on the OBD2 connector, other pins, like those for K-Line and manufacturer-specific protocols, can vary. This is where an Obd2 Pin Out Box comes in handy.
An OBD2 pin out box breaks out each pin of the OBD2 connector to individual banana jacks, allowing for easy access to each signal. This is invaluable for tasks like diagnosing communication issues, prototyping custom interfaces, and reverse engineering vehicle systems. Commercially available OBD2 breakout boxes can be expensive, often costing between $150 and $250. However, with some basic skills and readily available materials, you can build your own OBD2 pin out box for a fraction of the cost.
Building Your Own OBD2 Pin Out Box: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide outlines the process of building a high-quality OBD2 pin out box for around $30 to $50, significantly less than commercially available options.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Project Box: A suitable enclosure to house the connections. A plastic project box with dimensions sufficient to accommodate the banana jacks and OBD2 connector is recommended. (Example: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BSRIO)
- Panel Mount Banana Jacks (16): These will provide individual connection points for each OBD2 pin. Ensure they are rated for the appropriate current and voltage. Nickel-plated banana jacks may require additional preparation before soldering. (Example: https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Panel-Mount-Banana-Jack-5TWY9)
- OBD2 Extension Cable: This will be used to connect the breakout box to the vehicle’s OBD2 port. (Example: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DBB3ZBK)
- Panel Mount OBD2 Cable: This will be used to create a male OBD2 connector on the box. (Example: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LKQACE2)
- Soldering Iron and Solder: Essential for making secure electrical connections.
- Wire Strippers and Cutters: For preparing the wires.
- Drill and Drill Bits: For creating mounting holes for the banana jacks and OBD2 connector.
- Optional: Heat shrink tubing, cable grommet, and labels for a more professional finish.
Assembly Instructions:
- Prepare the Project Box: Drill holes to accommodate the 16 banana jacks and the panel mount OBD2 connector.
- Install Components: Mount the banana jacks and the OBD2 connector to the project box.
- Wire the Connections: Cut off the female end of the OBD2 extension cable and carefully strip the insulation from each wire. Using the wiring diagram for your specific OBD2 cable (refer to the image above for a common configuration), solder each wire to the corresponding banana jack. Pay close attention to the color code and ensure correct connections. If using nickel-plated banana jacks, consider using a Dremel tool with a carbide stone bit to remove the plating from the solder cups for improved solder flow.
- Connect the OBD2 Connector: Wire the other end of the OBD2 extension cable to the panel mount OBD2 connector. Again, ensure correct wiring according to the color code.
- Final Assembly: Close the project box securely. Add labels to identify each pin for easy reference.
By following these steps, you can build a functional and cost-effective OBD2 pin out box that will be a valuable tool for any automotive enthusiast or professional. This DIY solution provides the same functionality as expensive commercial products, allowing for in-depth analysis and manipulation of vehicle data. Remember to always double-check your wiring before connecting the box to a vehicle.
