What is J2534?
SAE J2534 is a standard for communications between a computer and a vehicle. Government regulations require all automakers provide a J2534 service to EVERYONE in the U.S. for reprogramming (also called reflashing) emissions related controllers. If you own a J2534 Pass Thru device, you can reflash and, in some cases, diagnose vehicles with factory functionality.
What do I need to reprogram a vehicle controller?
1. J2534 Pass thru Device (VSI NxGen)
2. PC with Access to the Internet
3. OEM Data Subscription(s)
What is a J2534 Pass Thru device?
A J2534 Pass-thru Device, such as the VSI NxGen, is an interface that acts as a gateway between a vehicles controller and the technician’s PC. Its purpose is to translate the messages back and forth between the PC and controller into a protocol that is understood by the vehicle.
Why do I need a J2534 reprogrammer?
Computers and software in cars have been expanding at an exponential rate. There are now over 100 Million reprogrammable controllers on the road today. Updating vehicle controller software is becoming one of the leading solutions for vehicle repairs. Reprogramming may be the only way to fix some of these issues:
1. Driveability
2. Fuel efficiency
3. Power loss
4. Fault codes
5. Durability of mechanical parts
How to choose j2534 devices？
Now j2534 devices are more plentiful, Drewtech Cardaq Plus3, VXDIAG VCX SE, Openport 2, Scanmatik Pro2/PCMTuner, Autel MaxiFlash VCI, Godiag J2534, GM MDI, Mongoose Pro etc.
1st generation: Autel MaxiFlash Elite J2534 is a fully compliant SAE J2534-1 & SAE J2534-2 device, which performs standard PassThru J2534 functionality. 1st generation VCI does not have CAN FD and DoIP protocols.
2nd generation: The MS9** Ultra series MaxiFlash VCI/JVCI+ supports CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, D-PDU, IS 022900-1 (j2534-1) and ISO 22900-2 (j2534-2) protocols and is RP1210 compliant. The MaxiFlash VCI can be use with Windows computer with applicable OE subscription for vehicle module programming
2. Openport 2.0:
only supports CAN 2.0 (CAN/ISO15765) and K-line (ISO9141/ISO14230(KWP2000)/dual K line) protocols. (See: openport passthru pros and cons)
What OEM J2534 software does the Openport 2.0 work with?
| Company | J2534 Program | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | erWin | Not Tested | |
| BMW | ISTA | Minimal Testing | |
| Chrysler | wiTech | Not Tested | |
| Ford | http://www.motorcraftservice.com | Not Yet | J1850 support pending |
| General Motors | Tis2Web | Minimal Testing | CAN vehicles only |
| Honda | Honda Pass Thru | Works | |
| Jaguar | http://www.jaguartechinfo.com | Not Tested | |
| Mazda | Mazda J2534 | Works | |
| Mercedes Benz | J2534 Pass Thru Software | Not Tested | $925.00! |
| Mitsubishi | MMC Update Manager | Works | |
| Nissan | Nissan J2534 | ||
| Porsche | Pass Thru DME | Not Tested | |
| Saturn | Tis2Web | Not Tested | |
| Saab | Tis2Web | Not Tested | |
| Subaru | STIS Pass Thru Programming Too | Works | |
| Toyota | TIS Techstream | Works | |
| Volkswagen | erWin | Not Tested |
3. Scanmatik Pro2/PCMTuner
SM2 PRO J2534 VCI Functions:
1. Read and write ECU data
2. ECU clone
3. ECU parameter adjustment
4. ECU maintenance engineering
5. Chip turing
6. Read ECU maps
7. Checksum correction
8. Stage1-3, gearbox tuning , LC, sportdisplay , immo off, adblue off, dpf off, dtc off ,vmax ,swirl off
9. Read flash and ep files
10. Powertrain adjustment
11. Support online update
12. VR files supply
13. Pinout comewith
14. Helpdesk and tuner account
15. OBD2 reading
16. Cover-free wielding-free no disassembly data reading, greatly reduce the risk of destroying the ECU, bench mode.
17. Cover-opening data reading, boot mode
4. Mongoose Pro
Protocols
— CAN Bus (capable of ISO 15765, GMLAN, and ISO14229)
— ISO9141/KWP2000
— J2534 and J2534-1
Mongoose is engineered to work with one of the following OEM’s J2534 applications for Chrysler, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota, & VW/Audi.
VXDIAG VCI will emulate following software
Toyota Techstream
Honda HDS
Benz Xentry
BMW ISTA
Subaru SSM3/SSM4
JLR SDD Pathfinder
Porsche PIWIS II/PIWIS III
Ford/Mazda IDS
Renault Clip
Volvo VIDA
GM GDS2/Tech2win
VAG ODIS
VXDIAG VCX SE/Multi VCI also can be used as J2534 passthru for Hyundai/Kia J2534, Techstream official, FDRS, FJDS, Techline Connect SPS2, pcmflash, bitbox, alexflasher, gromcalc and much more.
6. GM MDI/MDI2 can also emulate GM GDS2/Tech2win software. It can also be used as j2534 for multiple software. If you’re on a budget you can get a good quality GM MDI clone (there’s even a Bosch firmware that you can put on it) and that works fine for most applications.
7. Super ICOM Pro N3+ is a new device to replace ICOM emulator. It will emulate ICOM ISTA VCI. It can also be used as J2534 and DoIP device for many applications.