TPD diagnostic cables pre-assembled

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asavage

Well-known member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2017
Messages
869
Location
Oak Harbor, Wash.
I have assembled a batch of diagnostic cables for use with Tesla Powertrain Diagnostics ("TPD"), which I can provide at my cost for those who don't wish to fabricate (solder) their own. The soldering is straightforward, but nibbling out the connector shell's side and center plastic is a little fiddly; I use two Dremel tools. Do NOT push the out-of-the-box OBDII connector shell onto the diagnostic port without removing the side locking feature, or you'll have some trouble removing it (it wants to mate for life), and the diagnostic port itself has a plastic blocking key; I remove the mating plastic from the OBDII connector shell, so it slips on without fuss. Throws a lot of black plastic around, though, whilst modifying.

I assemble them using a generic OBDII connector, and a Belkin 10' CAT6 ethernet patch cable. The cables are in various colors, depending upon availability.

OBDII Connector: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083FF4Y85
Belkin CAT6 cable, 10': https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000067RM9

I will mail one of these anywhere USPS can deliver via Ground Advantage, for $24.
If you need it shipped faster (Priority), add $6.

RAV4EV_Diagnostic_Adapter_Cable_09b.jpg

I chose 10' lengths in case someone wants to be in the drivers seat whilst using TPD. If you're working in the back, next to the diag. port, only 2' is needed. I can make different length cables upon request.

Zelle or PayPal to
[email protected]

No Venmo, CashApp, etc.
Want to send a paper check? DM for mailing address.

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Edit 04Sep2024
The OBDII basic standard is J1962. It's defined in at least two flavors: Type A (12v) and Type B (24v). The Type B has the cutout in the connector shell to mate with the Tesla/DLC No. 2 connector below the Gateway module. I had been manually cutting out the Type A connectors above to turn it into a Type B, but I've bought some Type B w/pigtails:

OBDII J1962 Type B Connector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D49H1CLN

and am trying them out. I can't seem to locate Type B connector shells only (without pigtail) for a reasonable price. Splicing/insulating four wires instead of just terminating them at a connector PCB is not fun, but neither is Dremeling the divider, so IDK which type I'll settle on.

Screenshot from 2024-09-04 16-44-03.png RAV4EV_Diagnostic_Adapter_Cable_05b.jpg RAV4EV_Diagnostic_Adapter_Cable_06b.jpg

Also, the price of Belkin patch cables went crazy a few months ago, so I've been only buying the orange ones, which can cost half of other colors. If you really want another color, let me know when you contact me and I'll order one in, but I only stock orange at this time.

IMG_8981.jpg
 
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I will buy a 10' blue cable from you.
I can Zelle you, how do we contact each other to exchange addresses etc.?
 
Al , I got the tracking number - thanks. I am so relieved that you have already tested these, it is one less thing that can go wrong when setting up my "automotive computer". I will try to repurpose an old MacBook Pro, that is running Win 7.
 
I’d like one and just sent the Zelle. Address in the notes. Thank you!
As I didn't receive your email address, I'll put tracking here:

Tracking Number
9400111206217071210144

It will probably ship tomorrow afternoon.

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I have only one left, though I have just received supplies to assemble three more; after that, it'll be 26Mar before I can assemble more. The Belkin cables I like are harder to obtain than usual.
 
Hi Al, I got the cable yesterday, it looks great! Now to install the S/W on a laptop and try it out. I don't know which connector to plug it in, but I suspect it is obviously on the Tesla gateway in the left rear fender well.

Thanks,
Scott
 
Thank you! That's clear. I want to see how old my replacement traction battery really is. It was replaced by Toyota back in 2018, I noticed less capacity after replacement. It was replaced for the contractor...
 
Thank you! That's clear. I want to see how old my replacement traction battery really is. It was replaced by Toyota back in 2018, I noticed less capacity after replacement...
Ok.
You can evaluate this HV battery data using the data from window of the Battery Return parameter. It's available of the previous version* of the diagnostic program and/or using data from the Gateway clone and data recorded on the Gateway SD card.
* https://alflash.com.ua/2019/to_rav4ev/bat_ret_46a.png

It would be interesting to compare SOH** values of the previous and “new” HV batteries.
** https://alflash.com.ua/2019/to_rav4ev/degradation_compare.png
p.s.
 
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I just bought a 2014 so I'm trying to assemble all the diagnostic stuff since my local Toyota dealer didn't even want to touch the thing when it started going into emergency mode. There's not much local support for EVs where I live now but I'm moving in a few months to Chicago where finding help should be easier.
 
Hi Al, do you still have cables available? I'm hoping to get another one.

I'm having trouble connecting with TPD with the cable from November. I've tried it on two separate cars and seeing the same behavior so I'd like to try another cable. If that doesn't turn out to be the issue I can give it to my friend with the other RAV4EV. Even back in November when I was able to clear my faults the software was only able to read my VIN once or twice across the 10s of times connecting. Have you seen this before?
 
I've not had any of the maybe (40) cables I've assembled and tested have a reported issue; that doesn't mean they haven't failed, only that that info hasn't gotten back to me. The software, OTOH, is a PITA. .46 seems pretty reliable, but .42 is a mess, unless you dot your ayes and cross your tees. I'm thinking your laptop setup is more likely to be an issue, unless you've already ruled that out by substitution.

I'll mail you another cable, and if it fixes your problem, mail me back the one you think is bad. It'll go out Monday.

Tracking Number
9400111105503483339637
 
I made/tested five last week, and shipped three. Two "on the shelf" right now.

[later edit]
Just shipped out those two, so I am out of stock until ~20Sep. I've just ordered parts to make another five. I'm out of mailing envelopes, too, so I ordered another case of them.
How do i get one of those? I dont have any issues with my Rav4EV right now (in fact i might sell it becuase im not using it as much as i used to) but id like to have the cable to look around anyway and in case something happens.
 
How do i get one of those?
Information on obtaining pre-assembled and tested interface cables are in the first post of this thread ;)

Information for obtaining and installing Tesla Powertrain Diagnostics (TPD) 1.1.46 is here. This is easy and straightforward.

Information for obtaining the much older, but slightly more functional (!), TPD 1.1.42 is here. This is a lot less easy to install, and the install is fragile; dedicate a laptop to it, and never let it see the internet for best results.

You'll want one of the flavors of TPD + this adapter cable to do basic stuff. You can build the adapter cable yourself, if you're handy that way, it's not that special. IDK of anyone making these for others, except myself.

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For a lot more money, there's also a way to use ScanMyT3sla (SMT) to get different information via CAN. The pre-assembled cable discussed in this thread will not aid in that, but I can make one if someone's interested. For SMT, it isn't required to use that rear Gateway connector; any Tesla powertrain CAN connection will work, but the DLC3 No. 2 connector under the Gateway is easily accessible. Besides a way to tap into the Tesla powertrain CAN (ie a custom cable, usually), a CAN->BT (or Wi-Fi) dongle is required and good/reliable ones aren't cheap. A one-time payment for the SMT app, and a way to power the dongle (I inject 12v into the adapter cable I made). Depending upon how you obtain the 12vdc source, that might involve a USB power bank and 12v-5v converter; that's how I handled it. And a phone/tablet/PC to run SMT on and view SMT's output.
 
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