So apparently I overpaid for an old Snap-On MT2500 only to find that the 15 pin connection cable apparently does not connect / interface with Neglected Nellie’s 16 pin OBDII port.

I’ve searched E-Bay but all the vast myriad of connectors all look the same and there appears to be no index of which cable / connector connects to what receptacle and / or pin configuration.

I’ve searched the CF library of threads and tried in vain to get any info from Snap-On since they’ve moved on to more elaborate equipment / scanners.

Any revelations on how or where I can find a cable or adaptor to transition for the Snap-On 15 pin connector on the brick to the 16 pin connector OBDII port.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.


goodyoleboy

Oops! My information was for my non-obdii RENIX.

The MT2500 was in the middle of OBDI to OBDII, and is capable of reading both. But for OBDII you'll need both a compatible "personality key" for the year of the Jeep.

It will go together with this image below, the blue board being the "personality key" that allows the MT2500 to communicate at the right protocol for the vehicle. You should be able to google the lookup table for the specific MT2500 you have and the year you want to read. It should be a K-13, I think.


Much easier for OBDII is to purchase a bluetooth reader, and you can pull live data with a phone app like TorquePro.

Heaven forbid this should be easy.

Ebay here I come (again). At least now I know what I'm looking for.

I'm told these things will read ABS codes and Neglected Nellie is acting out, sooo, . . .


Thanks for all your help.

goodyoleboy

Well, . . . got the adapter / key(s) and now the Snap -on scanner says that the OBDII is not talking to the vehicle. So I've got a collection of the manuals for the scanner and the FSM excerpts on ABS. They allege that they can cycle the hydraulic control unit so I'm trying to study up on that maneuver.

In the interim, I found a replacement at the local junk yard, but reluctant to expect it will be any better than the original.

Tried bleeding the brakes, which yielded some pretty funky looking fluid coming from the rear wheel cylinders, but the bleeder screw on the front calipers would not cooperate despite a socket and breaker bar. Rather than chance it coming apart in my hands, I ordered the new bleeder screw from Chrysler and plan to attack it with penetrating oil / spray goo and heat.

I'm also getting ready for elk season so its likely I'll just wait until I get back to tackle the project.

Heaven forbid this should be easy.


goodyoleboy

What year is your XJ? And what personality key did you end up getting? Unfortunate to hear it didn't work out yet.

You might find replacing the calipers might be an easier go than getting an old bleeder screw to come out. Unfortunately they tend to snap off flush. Good luck!

Neglected Nellie is a 96 and I found a old thread that said # 13 was appropriate which fortunately is one that came with the scanner. I've heard that old brake fluid is sticky which MAY be the source of the problem and I'm hoping repeatedly flushing through new brake fluid will resolve it. Theoretically / allegedly the scanner will cycle the ABS hydraulic control unit to help facilitate the flush and bleed the brakes.

There is an instruction in the scanner manual on how to chase down it not talking to the jeep, but I'm not holding my breath.

Yeah, that's kind of what I was expecting which is why I backed off when it didn't easily yield to the breaker bar. Worst case scenario, I'll just replace the calipers too.

All of this electronics jazz is a voyage of discovery for this techno-dinosaur, but I fear shades of things to come.

Tune in again tomorrow folks for another heart wrenching episode of How the Stomach Churns.


goodyoleboy

Just to confirm, do you also have one of these primary cartridges that covers the 1996 year?

Yep!

Came with the scanner.

Be careful! You're sounding more and more knowledgeable all the time like you know how to run these things. : -) You're liable to be imposed upon on more and more!


Thanks
goodyoleboy