Vehicles today come in a vast array of makes, models, and sizes, manufactured globally with varying specifications. This diversity extends to the OBD II (On-board diagnostics) port, which can differ in size and location across vehicles. When integrating telematics technology via this port, using an OBDII adapter, such as an obd2 connector obd2-hub 9 pin t cable, becomes crucial for establishing a reliable connection. Geotab has developed a comprehensive suite of telematics harnesses designed to accommodate these diverse vehicle configurations and connector types.
Why Use a Telematics Harness?
While Geotab GO devices are engineered for direct plug-in to a vehicle’s OBD II port, certain situations necessitate the use of a harness. These include:
- Discreet Installation: To conceal the telematics device, keeping it out of sight and freeing up space in the cabin.
- Maintaining OBD Port Accessibility: To ensure the OBD port remains available for other uses, such as connecting scan tools for diagnostics or utilizing IOX Add-Ons for expanded functionality.
- Compatibility with Different Connector Types: To interface with vehicles equipped with 6-pin or 9-pin diagnostic ports, which are common in heavy-duty vehicles.
- Expanding Connectivity: To connect the Geotab telematics device while simultaneously preserving the OBD port’s availability for diagnostic equipment or other accessories. An obd2 hub or obd2 connector based T-cable design makes this possible.
Exploring Different Types of Harnesses
Geotab offers a wide selection of harnesses, meticulously designed in various shapes and sizes to match the diverse range of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) OBD connectors found in vehicles worldwide.
Generally, the primary diagnostic interface types you’ll encounter in fleet vehicles are:
- OBD 16-Pin: The standard OBDII connector found in most light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.
- 6-Pin Deutsch Connector: Commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles, particularly for J1708 protocols.
- 9-Pin Deutsch Connector: Another standard in heavy-duty vehicles, typically used for J1939 protocols. An obd2 connector obd2-hub 9 pin t cable is often utilized in these applications.
For detailed information, the Geotab Harness Guide, available on the Installation Documentation page, provides a complete listing of available telematics harnesses, including special order models. This guide includes descriptions, harness lengths, intended purposes, compatibility with Geotab GO devices, and other essential specifications.
Geotab categorizes harnesses into five main groups:
- OBD Harnesses: For standard OBDII 16-pin connections.
- Deutsch Connector Harnesses for Heavy-Duty Installations: Designed for the robust environments and connector types of heavy-duty vehicles, often utilizing 6-pin or 9-pin configurations.
- European Heavy Goods Harnesses for EU Markets: Tailored to meet the specific standards and connector types prevalent in European heavy goods vehicles.
- Custom Harnesses: Developed for complex scenarios requiring multiple connection points, specialized wiring, weather resistance, or compatibility with unique global vehicle models.
- Special Order Harnesses: Manufactured to meet specific, less common application needs.
Geotab has a history of creating custom harnesses in response to significant customer demand. For specific harness requirements, contacting the Geotab Sales Team at salesteam@geotab.com is recommended.
Universal T-Harness Kits: Simplifying Installation
To streamline the purchasing and installation process, Geotab offers two Universal T-harness Kits: one for vehicles with OBD II ports and another for heavy-duty vehicle applications. These kits include a variety of mounting adapters, eliminating the need for pre-installation vehicle-specific information. The obd2 connector obd2-hub 9 pin t cable concept is central to these universal kits.
Universal Heavy-Duty T-Harness Kit
The Universal Heavy-Duty T-harness Kit (HRN-GS09K2) is designed for international heavy-duty vehicles. It includes a 9-pin T-harness and four mounting adapters (with Adapter 1 pre-installed) to ensure broad compatibility. The HRN-GS09K2 replaces the HRN-DR09T2, HRN-DS09T2, and HRN-DN09T3 harnesses, which are being phased out as stock depletes.
Universal OBD II T-harness kit
The Universal OBD II T-harness Kit (HRN-GS16K22) is engineered for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles globally. It comprises a T-harness and 12 different mounting adapters, offering extensive compatibility. This universal kit replaces five previous Geotab harnesses: HRN-BE16T2, HRN-BF16T2, HRN-BG16T2, HRN-BS16T2, and HRN-BT16T2. The universality simplifies fleet management by allowing a single harness type to cover multiple vehicle applications.
[Watch the YouTube install video for the Universal OBD II T-Harness Kit](example youtube link – replace with actual link if available).
Popular Geotab Harnesses
The table below highlights some of Geotab’s most frequently used harnesses. A more comprehensive list is available on the harness identification page.
Geotab Harness Naming Convention: All Geotab harness names begin with “HRN” followed by six alphanumeric characters (excluding I and O to avoid confusion).
Example: HRN-DS09T2
- D: Deutsch connector type
- S: Standard OBD, Deutsch, or FMS connector
- 09: 9 pins/wires
- T: T-harness configuration
- 2: Length in the 12-24 inch (30-60 cm) range
| Harness Name | Type | Description |
| HRN-BD16S5 | T-harness | For ALDL installations for gas and/or OBD vehicles (i.e. GM, Ford, etc.) and Freightliners with gateway. CARB compliant. solutions page. |
| HRN-DC09T2 | T-harness | For Heavy-Duty vehicles with a CAT motor with different pinouts, connector, and engine data received.
Maintaining Data Integrity with Telematics Harnesses
A secure and correct vehicle connection is paramount for ensuring the accuracy of telematics data. Here are essential do’s and don’ts for harness usage:
Do’s:
- Select the Correct Harness: Always choose the harness specifically designed for the vehicle type and connector.
- Follow Installation Procedures: Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended installation guidelines.
- Extend Harness Length (If Needed): Straight harnesses can be connected to T-harnesses or other straight harnesses to achieve a longer reach when specified in the Harness Guide.
Don’ts:
- Never Connect Two T-harnesses: Regardless of length requirements, connecting two T-harnesses is prohibited.
- Avoid Exceeding 2 Meters (6.5 Feet) Total Length: Combining harnesses to exceed 2 meters can compromise data integrity and potentially cause issues with the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Future Innovations
Geotab is committed to ongoing improvements in harness selection and installation ease. Recognizing the preference for T-harnesses among customers, their automotive engineering team continuously works to match connector types with OEM connectors. The Universal T-harness Kits exemplify this commitment to innovation within the Geotab solution.
For any questions about harnesses or installation, please visit the Geotab Community Forums or consult the comprehensive Support Documentation available online.
Related Articles:
- The Power of PTO Connections in Telematics
- Transforming Fleet Management with IOX Technology
