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OEM Diagnostics in The Aftermarket. Scantools. Since before OBD2 scantools have been a necessary tool for some repairs With the increase in vehicle technical comes an increase in scan tool usefulness and complexity
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OEM Diagnostics in The Aftermarket
Scantools • Since before OBD2 scantools have been a necessary tool for some repairs • With the increase in vehicle technical comes an increase in scan tool usefulness and complexity • Today a scantool may be necessary for simple tasks such as tire rotation, brake pad replacement, alignment, or key replacement • There are tons of scantools on the market, but which one is right for the job???
Aftermarket Scantools • Aftermarket scantools typically offer comprehensive technical support • These tools feature a common user interface across all makes minimizes “tool-specific” training • For a technician, single tool ROI is good when spread out over their entire customer range • But sometimes the technician needs more to finish the job
When the OEM tool is necessary • Flash programming where OE applications fall short of real world needs (I.e. emissions flash only) • Vehicle diagnostic functions that are missing from their aftermarket tool • Security and coding functions that OEMs have not offered thru ETI • The need for the dealer tool is growing because of vehicle complexity and number of software fixes to cars.
OEM Support Issues • Most dealer tools are hard to buy. • Technicians want to buy from their local parts store or tool truck. • Technicians also tend to buy tools that are marketed to them thru promotions, media, and sales people • They don’t want to wait weeks (or months) to buy from one source. • Some dealer tools are difficult to use, especially without training • Many “all makes” shops cannot afford the cost of every dealer tool. • OEM Tech support for factory tools can be hard to get in the aftermarket, depending on the brand.
The industry needs a solution • Without OEM tools, many technicians feel that their future is threatened • OEMs should recognize that the aftermarket needs dealership capabilities • Getting this capability to everyone is good for selling cars and customer satisfaction
One solution adopted by OEMs • Offer complete OEM Diagnostics thru a software subscription • Let the technician use a universal pass-thru interface • Allow technicians to purchase “ala carte” subscriptions by the job, make then affordable enough that they can be absorbed in the repair bill. • Give any subscriber full access to all dealer functions, use SDRM for sensitive functions • Make tech support and training available, even if it is fee-based people will want it (if it’s good)
PassThru Concept • The Pass-thru concept is relevant for as long as the car needs a pass-thru interface • Every OEM is using some form of Pass-thru in the dealerships. Many are using J2534, some are using PDU, some are using a proprietary interface • Adopting a universal interface means agreeing on an industry direction. If each OEM has their own standard, there is no universal standard • The transition from a proprietary pass-thru interface to a universal interface does not mean all OEM software has to be re-written.
J2534 vs other PassThru Standards • J2534 was originally co-developed by the OEMs, SAE, EPA, and CARB • While not perfect, every OEM and many suppliers have a lot of interest in it’s success, and over 12 companies make J2534 devices. • Regardless of what happens with other PT standards, EPA and CARB likely will still require J2534 for reprogramming • There is a path for adding OEM-specific proprietary details thru J2534-2 to support future technology • If you are going to pick “one standard”, it is the best platform because of it’s maturity, implementation by all OEMs, upcoming compliance tests, and capabilities for expansion thru J2534-2.
The future beyond PassThru • Someday when the car connects direct to the PC (or internet), the same software model works without a pass-thru device. • In the future, perhaps technicians can plug their laptop directly into the car, buy the short term subscription, and get complete diagnostics without any pass-thru hardware. • There are many automakers considering Ethernet for future vehicles. • Some of the proposed Ethernet vehicle technologies still require a pass-thru device, but others may not. • If the version of Ethernet they adopt allows connection to the vehicle without pass-thru, a direct connection may be possible. • Until that day of a direct connection, OEMs and Suppliers need to work together to ensure interoperability
Other Alternatives • In order for aftermarket scantool companies to remain viable, OEMs need to release all of their scantool data to ETI, but it has to be 100% complete • Even doing so is not enough. • OEMs also need to support “all module” flashing and SDRM functions in their J2534 application • Without both, technicians are still going to need the OEM scantool.
Summary • Right now a real problem is growing in the aftermarket • OEMs need to strongly consider two options • Make full diagnostics available thru universal pass-thru such as J2534 • Give ETI full scantool data and increase their J2534 applications to support SDRM and all module programming • Many argue that a good solution encompasses both