AEM X-SERIES User manual

P/N 30-0311
X-SERIES GAUGE
OBD-II
STOP! - READ THIS BEFORE INSTALL OR USE!
WARNING:
THIS INSTALLATIONMAY REQUIREWELDING ORINTEGRATIONINTO A VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DAMAGE
TO SENSITIVEELECTRONICS, FIRE, OREXPLOSIONMAY OCCURIF PROPERPRECAUTIONIS NOTTAKEN. IF THERE
IS ANY DOUBT, DO NOT ATTEMPTTHEINSTALLATIONANDCONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
NOTE: ITIS THERESPONSIBILITY OF THEENGINETUNERTO ULTIMATELY CONFIRMTHECALIBRATION USEFOR
ANY PARTICULARENGINEIS SAFEFORITS INTENDED USE. AEMHOLDS NO RESPONSIBILITY FORANY ENGINE
DAMAGETHATRESULTS FROMTHEMISUSEOFTHIS PRODUCT.
Instruction
Manual
Features
·2-1/16" / 52mm outer diameter mounting
·Only model year 2008 and newer vehicles (CAN bus
based OBD) supported
·41 OBD-II parameters (PIDs) supported
·Read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
·US or Metric / SI display modes
·Black bezel / faceplate supplied; Silver/white available
as optional purchase
·Locking connectors
·Auto-dimming
·Supports vehicle/system voltages up to 16V
KIT CONTENTS
PN
Description
10-0311
INST, X-SERIES OBD2 GAUGE
35-0311
GAUGEASSY, X-SERIES OBD2 GAUGE
35-8618
NUT, KNURLED, M4x0.7 (2)
35-8614
BRACKET, X-SERIES GAUGE
35-8617
RUBBERBAND, X-SERIES GAUGE
35-3458
CABLE, X-SERIES GAUGEPWR/IO OBD2 V2
*OPTIONAL* ACCESSORIES
PN
Description
30-0311-
ACC
BEZEL, X-SERIES SILVER
FACEPLATE, X-SERIES OBD2, WHITE

2
30-0311 - OBD-II
Wiring Installation Diagram
Installation
The only wiring installation that is required is to plug the supplied OBD harness into your vehicle's OBD2 port. The port is
located beneath the driver's side dash or in the driver's side kick panel and may be located beneath a removable cover or
door. Please refer to your vehicle's service manual if you have trouble finding your port.
Notes on 12V Supply
The 12V power available at your vehicle's OBD2 port is a permanent "always on" 12V -- no key switched power is available
at this port. The AEM X-Series OBD2 Gauge uses a specific algorithm to detect when the key is on and the engine is
started to wake up or go to sleep down, conserving power. The engine must be running for the gauge to remain on and
display information.
NOTE: It is advised to unplug the gauge from the OBD port if the vehicle is to be stored for long periods of time to avoid
excess drain on the battery. The gauge can consume up to 20mA while in sleep mode.
Connector A - Power / IO
Pin
Color
Description
1
WHITE
OBD2 / CANH
2
GREEN
OBD2 / CANL
3
RED
Switched 12V Power
4
BLACK
Power Ground
5 - 10
NC
NC

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30-0311 - OBD-II
Operation
View Parameter IDs (PIDs)
Depress the PAGE button to scroll through the available OBD-II PIDs/parameters; an
abbreviation of each parameter name will be briefly displayed after each button press.
The inner numeric LEDs and outer ring LED display the currently selected
parameter reading. Please reference the supported OBD-II PID description table
further on in this document. The gauge is capable of displaying all the PIDs listed in
this table, however, the PID must be available on your specific vehicle. Not all PIDs
are available on all vehicles.
PAGE and DTC buttons are located on the face of the gauge and are used to perform
various functions, described below.
Display or clear stored DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
§After pressing the DTC button, "dTC" will be briefly be displayed.
§If no DTCs are available, "nonE" will be displayed.
§If DTCs are available, the gauge will begin displaying the codes by briefly displaying
the alphabetic prefix and then the numeric suffix.
§DTC codes have a standardized format; one letter followed by four numbers, e.g. P0030.
§For example, a P0030 code will be displayed as first "P" and then "0030".
§Briefly pressing the DTC button will scroll through the stored codes if there are more than
one.
§Depress and hold the DTC button, while viewing the DTCs, to clear them.
§Some vehicles require the engine be off to clear codes. In this case, start the engine to
wake up the gauge, turn off the engine but return the key to the "run" position so the ECU
is on. Immediately after, follow the procedure to clear the DTCs before the gauge goes
to sleep.
§Alternatively, if you don't wish to start the engine, you may unplug the gauge from the OBD
port and plug it back in to wake up the gauge, turn the key to Run, and then follow
the procedure to clear DTCs.
§The gauge will return to normal display mode a few seconds after the last button press
Change display unitsUS / SI (metric)
§The gauge should be in its normal display mode, showing the current parameter reading
§Depress and hold both the PAGE button for three seconds until US or SI appears
§Press the PAGE button to toggle between US or SI (metric) modes
§The gauge will return to normal display mode a few seconds after the last button press

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30-0311 - OBD-II
Faceplate / Bezel Installation
The gauge kit is supplied assembled with a black faceplate and black bezel. An accessory kit is available (for purchase
through AEM dealers) which includes an optional silver bezel and white faceplate. Please reference the Optional
Accessories section earlier in the document for the appropriate part numbers.
The faceplate may be reversible, displaying alternative scalings on either side. Reference the Operation section of this
manual for details on how to switch the display mode when reversing the faceplate. Disassembly is required to change
the faceplate, flip/reverse the faceplate, or change the bezel of the gauge. The following diagram will provide
familiarization with the major components of the gauge prior to beginning the procedure.
Item
Qty
Description
1
1
Lens
2
1
Bezel
3
1
Faceplate
4
1
Diffuser
5
1
Light Guide
6
2
Button
7
2
Mounting Stud (M4 x 0.7)
8
3
Assembly Screw
9
1
Mounting Bracket
10
2
Brass Thumb Screw (M4 x 0.7)
11
1
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

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30-0311 - OBD-II
Gauge Disassembly
STEP 1 - Remove the three assembly screws (8) using a #1 Phillips
head screwdriver. Separate the bezel (2) and cup (7) from the restofthe
assembly. Ifyou have purchased the optional accessory kit, the silver
bezel may be replaced for the existing bezel atthis time
STEP 2 - Separate the PCB (11) fromthe remaining components
STEP 3 - Slide the lightguide (5) upward to remove it, the buttons may
fall outatthis time - take care not to lose them
STEP 4 - As you separate the remaining components, diffuser (4),
faceplate (3), lens (1), note the order in which they were assembled.
The faceplate (3) may now be reversed to display an alternate scaling or
replaced for a different color as included in the optional accessory kit

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30-0311 - OBD-II
Gauge Assembly
STEP 1 - Place the lightguide (5) on a flatsurface (black side up) and
slide the buttons (6) into the slots
STEP 2 - Stack the diffuser (4), faceplate (3), and lens (1) in order, over
the buttons, and on to the lightguide
STEP 3 - Reassemble the PCB and display stack with the bezel, making
sure screw holes are aligned through the entire assembly
STEP 4 - Reassemble and tighten screws to 2 in-lb (previously
assembled bezel) or 3 in-lb (new bezel). Do not over-tighten!

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30-0311 - OBD-II
Gauge Installation
Installation using supplied bracket
Installation without bracket, using rubber band
A 2-1/6" (52mm) hole is required to mount the X-Series gauge. A bracket and thumbscrews are provided to facilitate
installation into a panel or gauge pod. In some cases, the gauge cup may be pushed into a mounting hole causing an
interference fit strong enough to retain the gauge; the supplied rubber band may be fit to the gauge to create a tighter fit in
mounting holes slightly larger than 52mm. It is, however, recommended that gauges be mounted securely using the
supplied bracket to ensure they never become loose and cause a hazard during vehicle operation.
Note: The gauge is not water-proof and should not be installed in a location with exposure to water or snow. Damage
caused by water ingress will not be covered under warranty.
OBD-II Parameter IDs (PIDs)
PID
(hex)
Display Label
Description
US
SI
Notes
10
A.FLo
MAF air flow rate
lb/min
g/sec
0F
Air.t
Intake air temp
degF
degC
46
Air.t
Ambient air temp
degF
degC
68
Air.t
Intake air temp sensor
degF
degC
If $0F is n/a
33
bAro
Barometric pressure (abs)
psi
kPa
42
bAtt
Control Module Voltage
V
V
05
Cl.t
Engine coolant temp
degF
degC
23
d.Prs
Fuel Rail Pr (die or gdi)
kpsi
bar
If $0A & $22 are n/a
59
d.Prs
Fuel Rail Pr (die or gdi)
kpsi
bar
6D
d.Prs
Fuel Rail Pr (die or gdi)
kpsi
bar
78
EGt.1
EGT Bank 1
degF
degC
B1S1 only
79
EGt.2
EGT Bank 2
degF
degC
B2S1 only
0C
E.SPd
Engine RPM
rpm
rpm
52
Eth
Ethanol fuel %
%
%
66
Flo
Mass air flow sensor
lb/min
g/sec
FLOA + FLOB (if supp)
2F
F.LVL
Fuel Level Input
%
%
0A
F.Prs
Fuel pressure (gauge)
psi
bar
22
F.Prs
Fuel Rail Pr (rel to map)
psi
bar
If $0A & $23 are n/a
5E
F.rtE
Engine fuel rate
ga/hr
liter/hr
5B
H.bAt
Hybrid Battery Charge
%
%
03
Loop
Fuel system status
n/a
n/a
"OL" = Open Loop / "CL" = Closed Loop
0E
Ign
Timing advance
degBTDC
degBTDC
-Negative sign indicates retard e.g. "-10" = 10
degATDC
0B
Int.P
Intake Manifold press (abs)
psi
kPa
70
Int.P
Boost pressure control
psi
kPa
Gauge pressure
87
Int.P
Intake man abs press
psi
kPa
If $0B is n/a
24
LA.1
O2S1_WR_lambda(1)
AFR
Lambda

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30-0311 - OBD-II
34
LA.1
O2S1_WR_lambda(1)
AFR
Lambda
If $24 is n/a
28
LA.2
O2S5_WR_lambda(1)
AFR
Lambda
38
LA.2
O2S5_WR_lambda(1)
AFR
Lambda
If $28 is n/a
07
L.Ft.1
LT fuel % trim—Bank 1
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich
09
L.Ft.2
LT fuel % trim—Bank 2
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich
04
LoAd
Calculated engine load
%
%
5C
oIL.t
Engine oil temp
degF
degC
06
S.Ft.1
ST fuel % trim—Bank 1
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich
14
S.Ft.1
Bank 1, Sensor 1: STFT
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich, If $06 is n/
a
08
S.Ft.2
ST fuel % trim—Bank 2
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich
18
S.Ft.2
Bank 2, Sensor 1: STFT
%
%
-Negative = Lean / +Positive = Rich, If $08 is n/
a
62
torq
Actual Engine - Percent
Torque
%
%
11
tPS
Throttle position
%
%
% = ( TPS Voltage / 5.0V ) * 100
45
tPS
Relative throttle position
%
%
% = ( (TPS Voltage - Closed TPS Voltage) / 5.0V
) * 100
44
tr.LA
Command eq ratio
AFR
Lambda
0D
VSS
Vehicle speed
mph
kph
FAQ / Troubleshooting
I installed my gauge correctly and the display just shows dashes, "----", or keeps going dark, turning the display
off
oMake sure the OBD-II connector is firmly seated into the car's OBD-II port
oMake sure that your car is fitted with an OEM ECU that supports OBD-II over CAN. This is federally mandated for US
vehicles 2008 and newer, however some older cars may have adopted CAN in earlier model years.
oMost vehicles require the key to be in the 'Run' position such that the OEM ECU is powered on and sending OBD-II
data to the gauge.
oThe engine must be started and remain running for the gauge to remain "awake."
oMake sure that the AEM OBD-II gauge is the only OBD-II device/scanner that is connected to the vehicle. Multiple
devices on the bus may cause unexpected functionality.
This manual says that a PID is supported but I can't find it when I scroll through the PID list using the PAGE
button.
Your vehicle may not support every PID that is supported by the AEM OBD-II gauge. Upon power-up, the gauge will query
the vehicle for a list of the available PIDs and display the ones which are supported by the gauge. If the PID is not listed
when scrolling through the list using the PAGE button, then the PID is not supported by your vehicle.
My gauge is displaying DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) but I don't know what they mean.
DTC codes have a standardized format; one letter followed by four numbers, e.g. P0030. You may look up their meaning
by referring to your vehicle's factory service manual or using an online resource such as www.obd-codes.com.
My check engine light is on or my other OBD-II scanner saysI have a DTC but the gauge reports "nonE" when I
depress the DTC button.
The OBD-II specification sets forth a distinction between "pending" trouble codes and "stored" trouble codes. The AEM
OBD-II gauge will only display "stored" trouble codes. Please refer to your factory service manual or SAE specification for
further information on "pending" codes. The gauge's DTC clear function will, however, reset ALL codes, both pending and
stored.
I followed the procedure to clear my DTC, the gauge said "CLr" but the light remains on and I still have codes.
Some vehicles require the engine be off to clear codes. In this case, start the engine to wake up the gauge, turn off the
engine but return the key to the "run" position immediately so the ECU is on and transmitting CAN data to the gauge.
Immediately after, follow the procedure to clear the DTCs before the gauge goes to sleep. Alternatively, if you don't wish
to start the engine, you may unplug the gauge from the OBD port and plug it back in to wake up the gauge, turn the key to
Run, and then follow the procedure to clear DTCs.
My gauge seems to take a long time to turn on/off.

9
30-0311 - OBD-II
The 12V power available at your vehicle's OBD2 port is a permanent "always on" 12V, no key switched power is available
at this port. The AEM X-Series OBD2 Gauge uses a specific algorithm to detect when the key is on and the engine is
started to boot up or shut down, conserving power. The engine must be running for the gauge to remain on and booted up.
NOTE: It isadvised to unplug the gauge from the OBD port if the vehicle isto be stored for long periodsof time
to avoid excessdrain on the battery.
What pins are used in the connector?
To populate optional extras, use JST P/N SPUD-001T-P0.5 terminals for 22-26 AWG wire.
Specifications
Dimensions
diameter (bezel)
2.40
in
diameter (cup)
2-1/16
in
depth (incl. bezel)
0.825
in
depth (cup only)
0.200
in
SupplyVoltage
min
10
VDC
max
18
VDC
SupplyCurrent (13.8V)
nominal
50.0
mA
Operating Temperature
min
-4 / -20
degF / degC
max(16VSupply)
185 / 85
degF / degC
Learn more about custom gauges on our website.