J2534 Passthrough Programer

[Junior]

I'm looking at expanding our ability to update software on more vehicles. The tool I currectly have only has support for most Asian makes. As it is J2534 compatable it may work with others but I don't want to risk bricking a customer's ECU due to not having the correct tool. Looking at buying a Drew Tech tool. Wondering who is doing this work, have you seen a return on your invetment in this type of tool. What kind of tool are you using. How often do you do a software update and what do you charge for it?

 

We have only run into a handfull of scenarios where a software update repaired the customer complaint. I'm a little concerend about spending a few grand on a fully equiped tool that may not generate new business. At the same time I feel the need to have the tool in order to avoid sending the repairs that require updates to the dealer.

 

You thoughts and comments?

 

thanks!

[CARMandP]

I am looking at investing in one of these within the next year as well. I know in our area there are very few places that do reprogramming other than the dealer. You may want to promote this to your "competition" around you if you decide to get one. I can't give you any good recommendations for tools yet as I haven't decided myself.

[HarrytheCarGeek]

I use Cardone's Flash2

 

http://www.autopartsnerd.com/content.wws?fname=subject/cardone-flash2-reprogrammer.html

 

I bought the bench programming kit too for servicing a large fleet of Ford and Chevy CNG vehicles.

[Junior]

I saw the flash II, it looks far to limited. Focusing on only Domestic manufacturers and does not seem to support J2534-2 for other modules. So far the best I've found is the Drew Tech products. If there is something else more comprehensive or cost efective I'd like to know about it though.

[ATLAuto]

I saw the flash II, it looks far to limited. Focusing on only Domestic manufacturers and does not seem to support J2534-2 for other modules. So far the best I've found is the Drew Tech products. If there is something else more comprehensive or cost efective I'd like to know about it though.

 

Wow, what a coincidence. I clicked on this forum to ask if anyone has used the Drewtech CarDAQ yet (http://www.drewtech.com/products/cardaqplus.html). I just spent an hour on the phone with their salesperson. Very technical and knowledgeable fellow. My understanding is that the CarDAQ will interface with every J2535 vehicle (ie almost every vehicle made since 2004) for $1500.

 

However, that just gets you connected. You still need software for it. The program that comes with CarDAQ provides links to all the OEM's allowing you to buy anything from a 1 hour to a 1 year pass to use the OEM software (most is web-based).

 

Sounded pretty good to me. However, I am skeptical with salespeople, and this sounded a bit too good to be true. Anyone used this tool yet?

[ncautoshop]

 

Wow, what a coincidence.  I clicked on this forum to ask if anyone has used the Drewtech CarDAQ yet (http://www.drewtech.com/products/cardaqplus.html).  I just spent an hour on the phone with their salesperson.  Very technical and knowledgeable fellow.  My understanding is that the CarDAQ will interface with every J2535 vehicle (ie almost every vehicle made since 2004) for $1500.

 

However, that just gets you connected.  You still need software for it.  The program that comes with CarDAQ provides links to all the OEM's allowing you to buy anything from a 1 hour to a 1 year pass to use the OEM software (most is web-based).

 

Sounded pretty good to me.  However, I am skeptical with salespeople, and this sounded a bit too good to be true.  Anyone used this tool yet?

I've been looking at this to, but wondering if it would be better to buy dealer tools.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[ATLAuto]

I've been looking at this to, but wondering if it would be better to buy dealer tools.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

My understanding is that the "dealer tool" is nothing more than a fancy pass-through tool. It's the software on the laptop that matters. I'm going to give Drewtech another call this week. Please let me know if you have any specific questions you want me to run by them. Probably going to buy this tool.

[Junior]

Most manufacturers are moving towards passthrough tools as the factory scan tool. The drew tech tool supports most monufactueres that have this functionality. For some manufactueres like BMW repair data isn't even available unless you subscribe to thier system and use the guided fault finding tools.

[ATLAuto]

Junior, did you end up getting this tool? Very much looking forward to hearing someone's experience with it.

 

On another note, I've been hearing a lot about Autel lately. Supposedly, a bunch of ex Snap-On guys started the company and made this tool to give Snap-On a run for its money. Please don't quote me on that, since it's what I heard from their salesperson.

 

http://www.autel.us/

[ATLAuto]

Update on this one. Just got off the phone with DrewTech. Great guys. In summary, I would call the CarDAQ a top of the line REFLASHING TOOL with some added diagnostic capabilities. Great with Toyota's Techstream, great with Volvo's VIDA, and great on newer GM's (the sheet is misleading, you still need a Tech2 for older GM's). Other OEM's, you'll need another diagnostic tool like the Snap-On or dealership level.

 

Junior, I'm not sure if you've seen this chart, but it really clarifies what the CarDAQ does and does not do:

 

http://drewtech.com/technician/support/oemapps.html

 

I'm going to order one.

[ATSAutomotive]

I recently bought a Snap On PassThru Pro 2 (the cardaq with snapon written on it) Works awesome for me. Keep in mind this is certainly not an all in one. This is for flashing mostly, but you can look at codes and some data on some vehicles. Its a very good pass thru device and couple with our snap on solus, we can do most of what we need. Buy the cardaq from drew technologies as I have to download driver updates from Snap on because they are slightly different. (snap on most likely just wanted control of something....not a big supporter of Snap on...)

[Pjauto]

That Drew Tech unit looks real nice. Do you know if it can program PATS and other security systems? Thus far I have had to have a locksmith come to my shop 3 times in 4 months to program keys due to either new lock cylinder or ECM or what have you. That costs me $100 bucks a pop. If this tool could help with just that it could pay for itself quickly.

[ATLAuto]

Do you know if it can program PATS and other security systems?

 

Yes and No.

 

Ford, GM, Volvo, and Toyota allow security programming through the standard J2534 protocol. The rest of the OEM's do not allow security through J2534; rather, they require their proprietary tool to do this programming (example: Honda needs the MVCI, Nissan needs the Consult3).

 

The DrewTech CarDAQ-Plus is pass-through interface from your laptop to the vehicle. You still need a subscription to the OEM database. Most offer one to three day subscriptions (Ford = $27, GM = $55, Volvo = $115, and Toyota = $55). The DrewTech software walks you through getting this subscription.

 

Is it worth it to do the key programming yourself? That really depends on your volume and how many times you call the key guys to come visit you. Most shops pass the subscription fee through to their customers. I don't have a problem with this, because they are still paying pennies on the dollar for what it would cost to bring their vehicle to the dealership.

[Pjauto]

I looked up the tool I saw my locksmith using online and I can buy one for only 90$ with free shipping and it claims to do every make and model key programming. I've seen him use that same tool to do a Honda and a Ford. So, I was assuming that if a cheasy tool like that can program all those different models that a nicer unit like the DrewTech could eat them for lunch.

[ATLAuto]

Whoa. $1500 vs. $90 is a HUGE difference. Would you mind linking to the tool your guy used?

[Pjauto]

Whoa. $1500 vs. $90 is a HUGE difference. Would you mind linking to the tool your guy used?

I can't find the exact one I saw the other day but this is similar. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012-Top-Rated-Wholesale-Price-Key-Programmer-Sbb-V33-Hot-Promotion/510959259.html

 

Mind you that this is just a key programmer that a locksmith would use or that we could for programming keys to cars or if we replaced a used PCM to program the security system. It is definitely limited compared to the DrewTech. I was just sort of hoping the DrewTech would also serve as this programmer as well.

[ATLAuto]

Interesting. For $90, I think you need to buy one and report back to us. I'll come down to Savannah and help you test it out!

[Pjauto]

Interesting. For $90, I think you need to buy one and report back to us. I'll come down to Savannah and help you test it out!

Sweet! Whats your credit card number so I can order this thing?? Just kidding. Yes, I will likely get one soon and let you know.

[mspecperformance]

If anyone is looking for a Pass Thru not that I have had first hand experience but I believe NAPA has a promotion for a Bosch VCI on a monthly rental. I believe it is a $149 fee and they provide the pass thru with laptop scanner suite software.

[ATSAutomotive]

http://www.drewtech.com/technician/products/cdplus.html

 

"Technicians can use CarDAQ-Plus for Security Key systems/programming on Ford, GM, and Toyota vehicles."

 

Most of the time I just run in to the issue of needing the PIN which you can only get if you are part of the Locksmith association crap. Maybe I need to do a little more research in to that.

Edited November 6, 2013 by ATSAutomotive

[mmotley]

http://www.drewtech.com/technician/products/cdplus.html

 

"Technicians can use CarDAQ-Plus for Security Key systems/programming on Ford, GM, and Toyota vehicles."

 

Most of the time I just run in to the issue of needing the PIN which you can only get if you are part of the Locksmith association crap. Maybe I need to do a little more research in to that.

 

http://www.aloa.org/NASTFSDRMDocs/

 

$375 gets you a license for 2 years ($75 app fee to cover background check, $300 for 2 year membership).

Edited November 6, 2013 by mmotley

[ATLAuto]

Most of the time I just run in to the issue of needing the PIN which you can only get if you are part of the Locksmith association crap. Maybe I need to do a little more research in to that.

 

Good point. We are really getting to the point where we need an actual locksmith in this thread to answer some questions.