wiTECH , Micropod ll upgrade ?

[dstremski]

wiTech ,Micropod ll / Tech Authority : Shop focuses heavily on Computer/ Electrical work diagnostic and repair. Just received notice from AE Tools that I must upgrade in Jan. to a Micropod ll  with serial # over WSP-31560. Hardware cost of 1,850.00 with license and subscription a special deal of 4,809.00. ($500 discount with bundle)

The Question: What are others doing with wiTECH ? The yearly cost after equipment seems way too high IDS, MDI ll have much better program cost. Are you using wiTech? Seems essential for solid diagnostic and programming on Chrysler vehicles. Does anyone have a  source recommendation for wiTECH / Micropod ll  offering a more reasonable cost? 

I did look for discussions on diagnostic equipment, please point me in that direction if I've missed the topic.

Thanks,      

[bonabros]

Yes, you will need to replace your current dongle if its not a Micropod II with serial WSP-31560 or higher. We have been using a VCI Pod for the last few years on WiTech 1.0, but our license for WiTech 1.0 expired about 2 months ago, and they would not renew it. They said (and I knew it was a long-time coming) we needed to purchase a WiTech 2.0 subscription but the old VCI pod won't work, so you also see a new Micro Pod II to go with it.

The reality of working on FCA vehicles that you NEED this tool if you want to be competent and confident in your repairs. We have a Snappy, Autel Elite, DRB3 physical and virtual at our disposal, but they aren't always able to get the job done. 

 

MicroPod II Pros

- It is small and fast

- No more stupid ethernet cord to connect. VCI pod was always clumsy.

- Wireless / uses Wifi to connect (if you consider this a pro, I personally prefer wires under 10 feet long)

MicroPod II Cons

- It is required to continue diagnostics

- Expensive and technically unnecessary since there is nothing wrong with the VCI pods, they should still work but FCA has final say. 

- Communicates to PC via Wifi, not bluetooth. There is a usb cable that only allows device setup, it won't work as a physical connection for diagnostics. 

- Turns old dongle into a doorstop you cannot use or sell.

WiTech 2.0 Pros

- It is FAST compared to Witech 1.0

- It's internet browser based instead of a desktop java program (I think 1.0 is java, cant remember now).

- It shows vehicle flashes that are available in the network tree without having an active flash subscription  

WiTech 2.0 Cons

- WiFi only connection. For test drives, you literally need to have a hotspot (phone or mobile hotspot) to keep doing diag.

- Again, an unnecessary expense when the old program still worked.

- FCA will continue to nickel and dime at every opportunity. Tool, Software, Key Codes, Flash capabilities, Info systems: All require separate transactions

- Google authentication code needs to be entered twice every time you connect to the server. 

 

Hopefully that helps give you some more information. Ultimately, if you consider yourself a shop that is up on technology, you will have to pony up for the system. 

[Don Walcheski]

Annual Subscription is $1600; and if the pod is $1850 I don't know where the $4809 amount comes from?  Are they adding Tech Authority too? If you are an ASA member you can get Tech Authority for less - makes it worth being an ASA member in addition to all the other benefits and industry support that the ASA membership provides.

I purchased my MicroPod II from my local dealer for considerably less.  I am told the dealers are not supposed to sell them to us - they want us to purchase through AE Tools or AES Wave, who will also provide support.  You can check out: https://kb.fcawitech.com/article/video-how-to-setup-witech-2-0-for-aftermarket-users-744.html