DIY: How to install a 3-way OBDII splitter/replicator

[whats77inaname]

Time allotment: 30-45 mins

What you need to purchase:

1) This bracket: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200901287023
2) This ODB II splitter http://www.ebay.com/itm/321221830865


What tools you'll need:
a) Phillips head screwdriver
b) small torx set
c) trim removal tool
d) mini flat head screwdriver

1. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the hood release handle. There will be another screw now visible. Use the torx to remove it.

2. Pull back the door weather stripping by the dash, then remove the black, plastic door trim. Remove the kick panel surrounding the OBD II port by carefully pulling it towards the transmission tunnel. There will be 2 snap clips, one in the lower middle of the panel, and the other will be visible when you remove the weather stripping. Use the trim removal tool and remove the snap connector closest to the trunk release, and put it in the appropriate place in the kick panel. (Trust me on this one).

3. Push the trunk release button from behind to release it from the kick panel. Rotate it around so you can see how the wire harness clips into the release. Use a miniature flat head screwdriver to release it. Set it, and the kick panel, to the side.

4. Use the torx to unscrew the lower dash panel screws. You only need to remove the one closest to the door, and the screw to the right of it (2 out of 3).

5. There are 2 Phillips screws that attach the OEM OBD II port to the car. Remove them both.

6. Take the OEM harness and plug it into the replicator.

7. Take the first connector in the series and plug it into the aftermarket bracket.


8. Plug in any auxiliary devices into the remaining 2 connectors. Pull down a bit on the lower dash panel and shove those 2 connectors up there. Screw the panel back in to place.

9. Screw the new bracket in place.

10. The orientation and location of the OEM harness/replicator connection is crucial in making sure the kick panel fits back into place smoothly, I can't stress that enough. When positioning, make sure the trunk release harness is as shown to make it easier to reconnect. Check the picture.


11. Put the kick panel back into place. That top snap connector you removed in step 2? The kick panel goes in place a lot easier when in the snap connector is in the kick panel vs having to slide the kick panel over the snap connector. Make sure the the trunk release wiring is still accessible, and then plug in the trunk release button.



12. Put the door trim back in place, followed by the weather stripping, and finally, the OBD II access cover.

[dmppdx]

That's cool I guess, and excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is that used for?

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by dmppdx

That's cool I guess, and excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is that used for?

Because I have one of these (P3 vent gauge)


and one of these (BT OBD II adapter)



and they both need to be plugged into the OBD II port in order to work. 1 port = problem. 3 ports = no problems.

[Klepper1]

Great idea!!

Is there anything special about that splitter (other than it being 1 to 3 way) vs others, such as one like this?



I only need one extra port for my P3 gauge.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by Klepper1

Great idea!!

Is there anything special about that splitter (other than it being 1 to 3 way) vs others, such as one like this?


I only need one extra port for my P3 gauge.

Not really, but I have one like that, and it's rather thick, so it's harder to bend into position, and you have to work with all the extra cable. The company from which I purchased the 3 way splitter also makes a 2 way. You'll have to buy the bracket separately, however.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321221831560

I received it about 10 days after purchase.

[ibd12nv]

Glad I ran across this. Thanks for the write up

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Not really, but I have one like that, and it's rather thick, so it's harder to bend into position, and you have to work with all the extra cable. The company from which I purchased the 3 way splitter also makes a 2 way. You'll have to buy the bracket separately, however.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321221831560

I received it about 10 days after purchase.

Are you SC'ed? What sort of info does that give you? I love the look.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by Haywood

Are you SC'ed? What sort of info does that give you? I love the look.

The P3 boost gauge will display boost when/if I sc. I'm debating it still. The main reason I'm doing it is b/c of the tablet I'm installing in the car to replace the CCC system. I use Torque Pro: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...g.prowl.torque with https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...meterfortorque and https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...prowl.recorder

[mkPOTO]

Very cool, thanks for sharing

[longbow0404]

I'm getting this

[whats77inaname]

Bracket is now available again (have not seen it sold separately in quite a bit of time):

www.ebay.com/itm/191212490542

[Lunker325]

Thanks for sharing, I just ordered a splitter and the bracket so I can leave my WIFI adapter plugged in and still have an OBDII port open. Winter project when I get bored!

[nik89]

One question, I saw this post http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=847391
I assume that you don't have this problem "the two OBD2 devices would take turns connecting - which didn't really do what I wanted. Basically device A would get data, then device B would connect kicking out device A, then device A would connect kicking out device B etc etc - not desirable."
Sorry for my bad english.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by nik89

One question, I saw this post http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=847391
I assume that you don't have this problem "the two OBD2 devices would take turns connecting - which didn't really do what I wanted. Basically device A would get data, then device B would connect kicking out device A, then device A would connect kicking out device B etc etc - not desirable."
Sorry for my bad english.

No problem, man I don't have that issue at all. The P3 gauge stays lit and on, and Torque runs simultaneously via the tablet w/out dropping.

[Lunker325]

I would like to do this, however the WIFI adapter that I am using does not "turn on" if I leave it plugged into the OBDII port and shut the car off. When I turn the car back on, I have to unplug the adapter and plug it back in to have it broadcast WIFI again. I'm using the below Vgate one from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/BestDealUSA-Wi...or+iPhone+5+4S

From reading the reviews, it is a problem with this adapter, should have read more into it before buying!

Other than this issue, it codes fine with the BMWhat app and the DashCommand app.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by Lunker325

I would like to do this, however the WIFI adapter that I am using does not "turn on" if I leave it plugged into the OBDII port and shut the car off. When I turn the car back on, I have to unplug the adapter and plug it back in to have it broadcast WIFI again. I'm using the below Vgate one from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/BestDealUSA-Wi...or+iPhone+5+4S

From reading the reviews, it is a problem with this adapter, should have read more into it before buying!

Other than this issue, it codes fine with the BMWhat app and the DashCommand app.

I see a winter project turned into a spring project

[Lunker325]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

I see a winter project turned into a spring project

Lol, yes indeed!

[msan]

Thanks, just installed a p3 vent Guage and used the 2 to 1 splitter. Thanks for the eBay links and writing it up . I could not get my Oem obd as low as you did in the pic but was able to stuff the kick panel shut .

[msan]

Pic 2

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by msan

Thanks, just installed a p3 vent Guage and used the 2 to 1 splitter. Thanks for the eBay links and writing it up . I could not get my Oem obd as low as you did in the pic but was able to stuff the kick panel shut .

Glad everything worked out and that so many people are getting use out of this