OBD II in a 97 MH?

Randy Elliott · 09-10-2007, 08:41 AM

Does anyone know if 1997 Motorhomes have the OBD II computer systems installed? My Chevy chassis is a 96, and I have a 16 pin connector under the dash that looks like the OBD II connector, but it doesn't seem to work with my Scan Gauge.

I know that OBD II were installed on all cars and light trucks beginnning in 96, but I was told that it didn't apply to motorhome chassis and it may or may not have one installed.

Could the connection I have be a newer OBD II connector, but really be an OBD I? I read that the olde OBD I connectors are 12 pin, rectangular connectors, but I have the 16 pin style.

Any help would be appreciated.

Randy Elliott · 09-10-2007, 08:41 AM

Does anyone know if 1997 Motorhomes have the OBD II computer systems installed? My Chevy chassis is a 96, and I have a 16 pin connector under the dash that looks like the OBD II connector, but it doesn't seem to work with my Scan Gauge.

I know that OBD II were installed on all cars and light trucks beginnning in 96, but I was told that it didn't apply to motorhome chassis and it may or may not have one installed.

Could the connection I have be a newer OBD II connector, but really be an OBD I? I read that the olde OBD I connectors are 12 pin, rectangular connectors, but I have the 16 pin style.

Any help would be appreciated.

Wallaby Dan · 09-10-2007, 12:47 PM

If your motorhome is a 97 the chassis could be a 96 or a 95 even. a friend was trying to find parts for his and the chassis was two years older than the model coach built on it! If it is a 95 it would be OBD1. Need to find the serial numbers and call the manufacturer and see what you have there. Good luck!

hamdave · 09-13-2007, 09:01 AM

A couple of issues, is your scan gauge set up for the GM protocol?, Can you tell what pins are actually wired to the connector. Usually only a few of them are used. If you go on line you can find information on them. FWIW I use an ElmScan on my OBD-II and I built a 'home-brew' for my OBD-1 moho.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 09-13-2007, 09:24 AM

I think if you have the OBD II 16 pin connector, it is OBD II compatible. May not have all the OBD II functions implemented, but whatever is there should be compatible and an OBD II reader should work.

Use the chassis VIN to determine the year of the chassis, which may well be different than the motorhome model year. But as you surmised, you cannot assume that the motorhome chassis has exactly the same functions as the light trucks of the same year (though it is probably very close). Scan codes and such should be standard ones, though.

Redapple · 09-24-2007, 06:35 PM

Randy,

what platform is your MH on? I know Ford F53 didn't go to OBDII until the 1999 model year.

Not sure what year the Workhorse platform shifted to OBDII.

Good Luck,
Bill

SteveD · 09-25-2007, 03:20 AM

The 97 Winnie that I used to have, on a '96 Chevy P30 chassis, had an OBDII "looking" connector, but it was only ODBI compliant. Had to short two wires in the connector to flash the check engine light. If your connector has most locations filled with wires, then it is probably OBDII, else if it only has 4 - 6 wires, it's only OBDI.
Steve