Geotab HRN-RS12S2 Harness

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What Is the HRN-RS12S2?

The HRN-RS12S2 is a 12-way Amphenol harness that connects a vehicle's 16-pin OBD-II diagnostic port to the 12-pin connector of a GO RUGGED device, built to resist weather. Geotab lists it at 30 cm (12 in) and says it moves the device out of the driver's way without leaving the connector exposed.

The GO RUGGED's 12-pin connector carries pins for 12 V or 24 V power, ground, ignition, CAN, J1850, K line and some make or model specific functions, and Geotab notes that not every pin is populated on every vehicle. The RS12S2 is the link between that connector and the familiar 16-pin port found on many on-road vehicles and some equipment.

Which Vehicles and Devices Does the HRN-RS12S2 Work With?

It is made for the GO RUGGED. The vehicle needs a 16-pin port; Geotab's harness identification doc calls it OBD-II, and the GO9 RUGGED page describes the same harness as serving the 16-pin ALDL connector, supplying power, ground and ignition. Geotab does not publish a make or model list for the part.

The identification doc gives a maximum connected cable length of 2 m (6.5 ft) and shows China as country of origin. It lists no superseded part, no required companion part and no separate installation document. Geotab describes it as designed for adverse weather, but the GO9 RUGGED page is specific that the harness is only partly IP67 rated: its gray connector is the only weatherproof element.

What Problem Does It Solve on the Job?

The GO RUGGED is a large, sealed unit, and it cannot hang off a 16-pin port in a footwell without getting in the driver's way. The RS12S2 gives a short, weather-resistant run so the device can be mounted securely nearby while the connector stays covered. That suits work trucks, utility vehicles and equipment with a 16-pin port that see rain, dust or wash-down, where a fleet has standardised on the GO RUGGED for durability.

It also keeps a mixed fleet on one device type: the same GO RUGGED can go on a 9-pin machine with the GR09K1 or a 16-pin vehicle with this harness.

How Is the HRN-RS12S2 Installed?

Geotab lists no part-specific install document, so our technicians apply Geotab's GO RUGGED requirements and harness rules:

1. Confirm the vehicle is supported in Geotab's release notes or vehicle-specific installation notes, and add the GO RUGGED serial number to MyGeotab.
2. With the vehicle parked securely, check that no dash warning lights are on and that lights and signals work.
3. Plug the 16-pin end of the RS12S2 into the vehicle's port and the 12-way Amphenol end into the GO RUGGED's 12-pin connector, keeping the gray connector intact.
4. Mount the GO RUGGED where it is clear of the driver's legs, pedals and entry space.
5. Secure both sides of the harness at the diagnostic connector with cable ties, as Geotab requires, and tie the device down.
6. Start the vehicle and confirm the device beeps six times and powers on, then verify the LEDs and confirm reporting in MyGeotab before completing MyInstall.

Total harness length must stay at or under 2 m (6.5 ft), and no T-harness may be connected to another T-harness anywhere in the chain.

Which Related Harnesses Should You Compare?

• HRN-GR09K1: the IP67 rugged T-harness kit for a 9-pin Deutsch port instead of a 16-pin port.
• HRN-RX06S4: the GO RUGGED IOX harness, which shares the gray weather-resistant connector design.
• HRN-RC12T2: a Komatsu harness for machines with a 12-pin diagnostic port and Tier 4 engines.

What Are Common Questions About the HRN-RS12S2?

Is the HRN-RS12S2 fully waterproof?

No. Geotab calls it weather resistant and notes that it is only partly IP67 rated, because its gray connector is the only weatherproof element. It is not listed with a full IP67 rating like the HRN-GR09K1.

Which vehicle port does the HRN-RS12S2 plug into?

The 16-pin port. Geotab's harness identification doc calls it OBD-II, and the GO9 RUGGED page describes the same harness as serving the 16-pin ALDL connector.

Are there install instructions for the HRN-RS12S2?

Geotab's harness identification doc lists no separate documentation for this part, so the install follows the GO RUGGED requirements and Geotab's general harness rules, which our technicians apply on every job.

API Signal supplies and installs GO RUGGED devices and their harnesses on site at your yard, for trucks and equipment alike. Call 803-513-1009 or use Get a Quote to set up an install.

Sources: Geotab Harness Identification and Application; Geotab GO9 RUGGED. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.