[Me007gold]

My last car was a VW, and a company called Ross-Tech made a scan tool called VCDS, which basically emulates a dealer level scan tool. Is there any product like that available for Jeep/FCA?

 

[beerbill]

A lot of use the obdmx or obdmx+. These will use bluetooth or WiFi depending on model. All of ours are the mx+. The software is called alfaobd. There is a set of 6 adapter cables which are occasionally used depending on the function you are changing. Total cost is approximately $ 175.00

 

[atomicvet]

I have the FIXD that plugs into the data port, you use your cell phone and there app to

 

[raz-0]

I have the FIXD that plugs into the data port, you use your cell phone and there app to

That's a generic OBDII tool. THe OP wants something that deals with the vehicle like the dealer's native scan tool form the sound of it.

 

[Nev]

http://www.alfaobd.com/


I've not used it but know plenty who are very happy with it.

 

[scannerman85]

I have a Snap On Ethos Tech, a pricey tool ($900 used) but it does a ton of stuff, and not just for one brand of car. It's able to reset the service interval light no one can figure out how to turn off (not the oil life light, that's easy).

I looked at the alfaobd, and it looks good, but I couldn't find the adapters, and I didn't want to pay that much for a tool limited to just FCA.


If you get a used Snap On, make sure it has software version 17.4 or 18.2 at the minimum if you have a '15 or 16. If you have a '17, you'd need 18.4 or the new 19.2 coming out in april. The versions are a number ahead of the year, so 19.x works on '18 and earlier, 18.x on '17 and earlier, etc.


For someone who works on their own cars, and different brands, it was worth it, but if you are only doing newer FCA, then I'd try alfaobd

 

[stormrider]

simply use alfaobd guys, and the obdlink mx not the lx ( cause of the speed) and buy the A6 grey connector to do the alignement /proxi
go to the playstore and try alfaobd .

 

[stormrider]

or you can use multiecuscan, and buy an ELM327 + bleu connector and grey connector
https://www.multiecuscan.net/

 

[Marek K]

I've just joined this Forum, because we're about to pull the trigger on a new 2021 Renegade Trailhawk.

My situation is just like the OP's... We've had VWs since 1996, to include two 2009 VW Mk5's that we're keeping. I've grown to depend on Ross-Tech's VCDS scan tool, to do everything from diagnosing trouble codes to customizing features like disabling DRLs and changing locking behavior. My VCDS is a laptop-based system working through a cable dongle plugged into the OBD port. I'd like to find something similar for the Renegade.

Any updates to the info above?

So from what I understand, AlfaOBD would work as a Android-based Bluetooth system. Are there any laptop-based systems that would be easier to use, with a computer screen?

I've checked the AlfaOBD web site; and apparently, for 2018+ FCA vehicles, you have to bypass the SGW Security Gateway Module (thank you, FCA! :-/ ) with a bypass module for about $70. I don't see instructions how to get to the SGW module on a Renegade...

Also, I see that I'd need an OBDLink MX+ module or equivalent. Is that what plugs into the OBD port to communicate with the Android device? I've got a Carista OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter. Would that work?

 

[georgef]

...So from what I understand, AlfaOBD would work as a Android-based Bluetooth system. Are there any laptop-based systems that would be easier to use, with a computer screen?...

AlfaOBD offers a Windows PC version as well as the Android version, but they are separate purchases.

https://www.alfaobd.com/download.html

 

[Marek K]

AlfaOBD offers a Windows PC version as well

Ah, thanks, I didn't scroll down far enough. I guess I'll need to see whether my laptop has .NET framework 4.0 installed...

Interesting that they seem to only list the European Fiat vehicles under their Supported Cars List (AlfaOBD) -- not the Jeep Renegade... Are we positive this works?

Also, what about my other questions:

--The vehicle's Security Gateway Module needs to be bypassed with a bypass module?

--An OBDLink MX+ module is what plugs into the OBD port to communicate with an Android device? Would another brand of module work?

--And how does the PC version of AlfaOBD communicate with the car? Also using an OBDLink MX+ module (or other brand) using Bluetooth? Or through a cable?

Finally (sigh) I've been looking to see whether any service manuals are finally available for these cars, other than very expensive subscriptions. I'm not finding any. Occurs to me that it might not be worth having a good scan tool if I don't have a good guide how to disassemble things to get to bad components...

 

[Marek K]

So I've been researching some more.

AlfaOBD seems to be the scan tool of choice for the current Renegade. But what concerns me is that, besides the AlfaOBD, it looks like I'd have to also get two other products from other manufacturers:

-- a security gateway bypass module, like Z Automotive (Bypass Module – Z Automotive); and

-- an OBD interface -- if I want to run AlfaOBD off a laptop (which I do), something like OBDLink EX (OBDLink® EX - OBD2 Adapter For ELM327 & FORScan).

So a total of $49 + $69 + $60 = $178, which isn't too terrible for a set-up like this. If it all works.

Is that correct? Anything else I'm missing? Can anyone who's running AlfaOBD confirm?

 

[JasoninDLH]

Glad you found a potential scanner. I don’t have a laptop, so I’ll still be looking. The $170 isn’t bad at all considering I paid $250 for my Innova for the Yukon.
As for service manuals...please let us know what you find. I looked at Haynes and gave up after that. I don’t foresee the Renegade to be much of a problem to work on (especially since it’s rust free! Compared to the old rusty Yukon I’ve got). But still would be nice to know exactly how door panels and the such come off so you don’t break anything.

 

[georgef]

There is also a 12 + 8 cable available that you can use in place of a bypass module, just search the web for "Chrysler 12 + 8" and you will find many options with varying prices. I have no experience with the cable, but I have been researching what I want to purchase once my Jeep out of warranty.

 

[Marek K]

There is also a 12 + 8 cable available that you can use in place of a bypass module

Well, the security bypass module (or security module bypass) is apparently what you plug into your security module under the dash on 2018+ (?) Renegades. The security module is what FCA thoughtfully included in recent vehicles so that only their dealer scan tool would work.

So I'm not sure how a 12 + 8 cable would make the bypass module unnecessary...

Plus, like you say, I'm seeing all sorts of 12 + 6 cables available, at wildly varying prices. Hard to tell what will work or not...

 

[georgef]

Well, the security bypass module (or security module bypass) is apparently what you plug into your security module under the dash on 2018+ (?) Renegades. The security module is what FCA thoughtfully included in recent vehicles so that only their dealer scan tool would work.

So I'm not sure how a 12 + 8 cable would make the bypass module unnecessary...

Plus, like you say, I'm seeing all sorts of 12 + 6 cables available, at wildly varying prices. Hard to tell what will work or not...

You unplug the two harness connectors from the security module and plug them into the 12+8 cable, then you plug you scan tool into the other end of the 12+8 cable.

 

[Marek K]

You unplug the two harness connectors from the security module and plug them into the 12+8 cable, then you plug you scan tool into the other end of the 12+8 cable.

Ah, OK. But the security module is only accessible, as far as I understand, by removing a panel under the dashboard. Where the Z Automotive bypass module plugs into those same two connectors on the security module and stays there -- which means you then only have to plug the your scan tool cable into the accessible OBD connector.

On the other hand, the Z Automotive bypass module apparently defeats the FCA scan tool the Jeep dealer uses. Which means you'd have to remember to remove the bypass module before taking the vehicle in to the dealer for service or repair. So a bit of a dilemma...

 

[Marek K]

So in light of my Post #17 just above, you'd either have access the Renegade's security module a) every time you scan the vehicle (to use 12+8); or b) every time you take the vehicle in for service (to remove the Z Automotive bypass).

So where is the Renegade's security module? Under the glove box, like on other Jeeps? And how easy is it to access?

 

[JasoninDLH]

This is all very confusing. Haha! So it sounds like Jeep puts a device in so people like us can’t use a scan tool which, in turn, gets more people go to the dealership for service? Unless you bypass aforementioned device by methods you have described or buy the expensive OBD scanner (which costs $1000?) that dealerships use there’s no way of scanning? Is this correct?

 

[Marek K]

Yeah, that's it as I understand it. Supposedly the FCA security module is there so that the OBD system can't be hacked into, maybe wirelessly. I'm sure it's a fortunate byproduct for dealers that it's that much more difficult for owners to use their own scan tool.

Still, everything together (scan program, OBD interface, and security bypass) isn't horribly expensive, compared to quality scan tools for other makes (i.e., VCDS for Volkswagens).