If you work on heavy-duty trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles, you’ve likely encountered the challenge of connecting a standard OBD-II scan tool to the older 9-pin and 6-pin diagnostic ports. The Autel Original OBD to Green Type2 9 Pin J1939 and 6 Pin J1708 Split Y Cable is designed to bridge that gap, allowing you to connect an OBD-II device to both J1939 and J1708 protocols simultaneously. In this review, we’ll examine what this cable does, how it performs in real-world scenarios, and whether it’s the right adapter for your needs.
At its core, this is a passive adapter cable. One end features a standard OBD-II female connector, which plugs into your diagnostic tool. The other end splits into two male connectors: a green 9-pin Deutsch connector for J1939 (CAN) and a black 6-pin Deutsch connector for J1708 (legacy serial). The “Y” design means both outputs are live at once, so you can leave both connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic ports and switch between protocols via your scan tool’s menu. This is particularly useful for vehicles that have both ports populated, as many heavy-duty trucks do.
The cable is constructed with Autel’s original quality, meaning it’s built to withstand the rigors of a shop environment. The connectors are robust, with secure locking tabs on the Deutsch ends to prevent accidental disconnection. The wiring is straight-through, with no active electronics, so there’s no risk of signal degradation or interference. The OBD-II end is a standard female connector, compatible with any OBD-II scan tool, not just Autel’s. However, it’s worth noting that this cable is specifically designed for Autel diagnostic tools; while it may work with other brands, Autel doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
In practice, this cable shines when you’re working on vehicles that require both J1939 and J1708 communication. For example, a typical semi-truck might use J1939 for engine and transmission data, while J1708 is used for body controllers and older systems. With this Y cable, you can connect both ports to your scan tool and access all modules without swapping cables. That saves time and reduces wear on the vehicle’s ports. The 9-pin J1939 connector is the standard green type, and the 6-pin J1708 is the older black type, so you’ll need to ensure your vehicle has these specific ports. If you only have a 9-pin port, you can still use the cable, but the 6-pin branch will be unused.
One limitation is that this cable doesn’t include any protocol conversion. It simply routes the pins from the OBD-II connector to the respective Deutsch connectors. That means your scan tool must support J1939 and J1708 protocols natively. Many high-end diagnostic tools do, but some entry-level OBD-II scanners only support standard OBD-II protocols (like CAN, ISO, etc.). If your tool doesn’t support J1939 or J1708, this cable won’t magically make it work. Also, the cable is relatively short—about 1.5 feet from the OBD-II end to the split—which might be tight if your vehicle’s ports are far apart or in awkward locations. An extension might be needed in some cases.
Compared to generic adapter cables, the Autel Original is priced higher, but you’re paying for assured compatibility and build quality. Cheap knockoff cables often have poor pin fitment or reversed wiring, leading to communication errors. With this cable, you get the peace of mind that it’s designed to work with Autel tools, and the connectors are likely to last longer. However, if you’re on a tight budget and only need occasional use, a generic cable might suffice, but be prepared to troubleshoot potential issues.
Who is this for? It’s ideal for professional technicians or fleet maintenance shops that use Autel diagnostic platforms and regularly service heavy-duty vehicles with both J1939 and J1708 ports. It’s also a good spare to keep in a service truck. Who is it not for? Casual DIYers who only work on light-duty cars with standard OBD-II ports won’t need this. Also, if you own a non-Autel scan tool that supports J1939/J1708, this cable may work, but you’ll need to verify pinouts and compatibility yourself. Finally, if your vehicle only has one of the two ports, you might be better off with a single-protocol adapter to save cost.
In summary, the Autel Original OBD to Green Type2 9 Pin J1939 and 6 Pin J1708 Split Y Cable is a niche but valuable tool for those who need it. It’s well-built, does exactly what it’s supposed to, and eliminates the hassle of swapping cables. Just be aware of its limitations and ensure it matches your diagnostic setup.
