Automotive Data Cable / Connections
Automotive Ethernet can be thought of, as the physical networking architecture used to allow multiple vehicle controllers and components to communicate. Ethernet can transport data 100 times faster than CAN and is better suited for the needs of modern safety systems. Just as CAN Bus communications are monitored via the OBD-II diagnostic link connector, Ethernet Bus communications can be monitored in the same way.
Ethernet equipped vehicles use the standard 16 pin OBD-II diagnostic link connector for diagnostic tool connection, however the diagnostic tool and/or data cable must be designed to support Ethernet communication.
If your diagnostic tool and data cable are compatible with Ethernet communication, It will connect to the vehicle automatically.
If your diagnostic tool and/or data cable are not compatible with Ethernet communication, when you try to connect you may be prompted to connect a special data cable. For example, "Use the DA-4EA Ethernet adapter cable. This vehicle is equipped with and Ethernet communications system. Please see your sales representative for more information."
In order to communicate via Ethernet, follow the prompts on the diagnostic tool to use the data cable marked “DA-4E” or “DA-4EA” . Substituting a different data cable may result in no or an erroneous communication condition.
Snap-on supports Ethernet communication for select Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo models.
Only use the supplied data cable, and/or original equipment accessory cables with your diagnostic tool. Total data cable length must not exceed 114.17 inches (2.9 meters).
The diagnostic tool will automatically turn on when the Data Cable is connected to a vehicle that has 12VDC at the data link connector (DLC). An LED indicator on the DLC end of the data cable illuminates when power is being supplied. If the LED fails to illuminate, check the data cable connection and then the DLC power circuit.
1. | For OBD-II/EOBD compliant vehicles, connect the DA-4E data cable (26 pin end) to the diagnostic tool. Connect the cable with the arrow facing up (display side). |
1Arrow highlighted for illustration purposes only.
The supplied data cable, includes an LED flashlight on the vehicle DLC connector end. The LED flashlight is powered by the diagnostic tool battery, and is useful when locating the vehicle DLC.
2. | Connect the 16‑pin (J-1962) end of DA-4E cable to the vehicle DLC. |
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During vehicle identification, on-screen cable connection instructions may be provided along with the location of the DLC.
For most OBD-I (non-OBD-II/EOBD) compliant vehicles you can use the supplied data cable with the optional DA-5 adapter, and an optional manufacturer specific OBD-I adapter.
a. | The 26-pin end “A” of the cable connects to the diagnostic tool. |
b. | The16‑pin end “B” of the cable connects to the DA-5 adapter “C”. |
c. | One end of the manufacturer specific adapter “D” connects to the to the DA-5 adapter. |
d. | The other end of the manufacturer specific adapter “E” connects to the vehicle. |
OBD-I adapters with a power jack MUST be connected to the vehicle battery using an accessory power cable “F”.
If the OBD-I adapter does not have a power jack, an external power connection (accessory power cable) is not needed.
The image below shows a typical OBD-I adapter (with power jack). This type of adapter MUST be connected to the vehicle battery, using either of the power cables shown.
1. | Connect Clamps to Vehicle Battery |
2. | Accessory Power Cable (Battery clamp type) |
3. | Power Cable Connection |
4. | Connects to DA-5 Adapter |
5. | Typical OBD-I Adapter (with power jack) |
6. | Connects to Vehicle |
7. | Accessory Power Cable (Power port type) |
Only use original Snap-on data cables and accessories with your diagnostic tool. Total data cable length must not exceed 114.17 inches (2.9 meters).
● | An optional OBD-I data cable adapter (DA-5) is available, which allows connection of the supplied DA-4E (OBD-II/EOBD) cable to the DA-5 adapter. The DA-5 adapter connects to the manufacturer specific OBD-I adapter. This may be used instead of the optional OBD-I data cable. Part# EAA0355L93A |
● | An optional OBD-I data cable is available, which allows direct connection between the diagnostic tool and the manufacturer specific OBD-I adapter. This may be used instead of the optional DA-5 adapter. DA-5 Cable - Part# EAX0068L01A |
● | An optional U.S. domestic and Asian vehicle OBD-I adapter kit is available for select vehicles. The kit includes multiple manufacturer specific adapters and cables for OBD-I connection. |
● | An optional European vehicle OBD-I adapter kit is available for select vehicles. The kit includes multiple manufacturer specific adapters, cables and personality keys, providing OBD-I connection capabilities for select vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, VW and BMW. Depending on your diagnostic tool, optional European vehicle software may be required. |
Contact your sales representative to purchase all optional accessories and software.