ODB Extension Cable keyed to Ignition

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Lothsahn

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 5, 2018
Messages
685
I can see here that pin 8 of the ODB connector is keyed to ignition power, and is 10A. Normally, ODB devices are powered off pin 16.

I'm planning on buying an extension cable for LeafSpy Pro (recommended one here), but I was wondering if anyone knows of any extension cables that have 8 wired to 16, so that my ODB II adapter would only be powered when the car is on.

Does anyone have, or know where someone would sell such a cable? I've searched but not been able to find one.

I know I could theoretically solder one on my own, but my soldering skills aren't great and it doesn't look like the connector ends can easily open in the ODB extension cable shown above.
 
Lothsahn said:
I can see here that pin 8 of the ODB connector is keyed to ignition power, and is 10A. Normally, ODB devices are powered off pin 16.

I'm planning on buying an extension cable for LeafSpy Pro (recommended one here), but I was wondering if anyone knows of any extension cables that have 8 wired to 16, so that my ODB II adapter would only be powered when the car is on.

Does anyone have, or know where someone would sell such a cable? I've searched but not been able to find one.

I know I could theoretically solder one on my own, but my soldering skills aren't great and it doesn't look like the connector ends can easily open in the ODB extension cable shown above.

Just buy one of the OBD extension cables that has an on/off switch built into it. Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/OLLGEN-Extension-Diagnostic-Adapter-Connector/dp/B01EW83OCQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1525867054&sr=8-4&keywords=obd+extension+cable+switch
 
You could have OBD Solutions make a custom cable for you. http://www.obdsol.com/ I think it is a division of ScanTool.net which is based in Phoenix, AZ. http://www.scantool.net

I bought my OBDLink MX Bluetooth scan tool at their facility which is only a few miles from my house.
 
GerryAZ said:
You could have OBD Solutions make a custom cable for you. http://www.obdsol.com/ I think it is a division of ScanTool.net which is based in Phoenix, AZ. http://www.scantool.net

I bought my OBDLink MX Bluetooth scan tool at their facility which is only a few miles from my house.


Awesome, thanks GerryAZ. I see they have a bunch of pigtail cables--maybe I could just assemble one myself from parts they sell! I'll contact them tomorrow.
 
LeftieBiker said:
I'd like one of those as well, for my eyebrow display project.

I ended up purchasing the following OBDII adapter, which has been working great:
https://bafxpro.com/products/obdreader

To solve this problem, I've decided to mod the reader itself instead of make a custom cable, as that seemed easier. There are 4 screws that hold the case shut, all located under the BAFX Products label (which conveniently fell off my reader).

Simply remove the screws and it exposes a bunch of metal pins that look like this:
http://www.prc68.com/I/Images/OBD205b.jpg

Those pins are connected to the circuit board via a set of white pigtail wires similar to the picture above. Simply unsolder the wire for 16 and solder it to 8. Done.

Saved me having to solder 16 wires into a cable harness and spend $24 on parts. The disadvantage is the reader now only works on Nissan vehicles.
 
GerryAZ said:
You could have OBD Solutions make a custom cable for you. http://www.obdsol.com/ I think it is a division of ScanTool.net which is based in Phoenix, AZ. http://www.scantool.net

I bought my OBDLink MX Bluetooth scan tool at their facility which is only a few miles from my house.


GeeryAZ, I really appreciate this feedback. Unfortunately, I called them about 10 times in the last 2 weeks, left a message a few times, and never got a callback or answer.
 
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