n business revenue from the ability to reprogram vehicle software. This is not yet a sure-fire revenue producer, but many believe this service will continue to grow over the next couple of years. However, before we get into pass-through reprogramming and what it is all about, first answer these two questions:
1. How many times in the last few months have you had to send a customer's late-model vehicle to a dealership to have some of its in-vehicle software modules reprogrammed or reflashed?
2. How many late-model service jobs have you turned away because you knew that some of them may have to go to a dealer anyway for reprogramming?
Some dealership service shops have make-dedicated reprogramming equipment in place right now. That's the OEM-specific kind of gear you MAY not have yet. So without that gear you cannot do this kind of service work. But think about this ...
SOFTWARE TO GROW
In-vehicle software is an expanding part of virtually every vehicle design today; some vehicles have seen more expansion than others since the 2000 model-year. In fact, OEM industry experts project that software itself will become the single largest vehicle construction cost item by the end of this decade. How much? Some say at least 35 percent of the cost to build a vehicle will be assumed by software. Metal, glass, rubber, plastic, paint and chemicals will gradually become lesser manufacturing cost items.
In order to standardize future vehicle reprogramming procedures, the SAEJ2534 standard was developed and released in 2004. It is a standard that will have an impact on service facilities of all kinds, particularly those in the independent service market. Today it is common for many independent shops to send a late-model vehicle to a dealership to have some of the in-vehicle software updated after a service job because they lack a reprogramming tool to complete the work. But that will change.
One other fine point: "Reprogramming" is performed at the car dealership service shop. But at an independent shop, the process is generally referred to as "pass-through reprogramming."
SOME OFFER IT TODAY
We do know that a few tool and equipment manufacturers are now providing either a standalone unit capable of reprogramming in-vehicle software modules or a scan tool upgrade for the benefit of independents. One software package is available which will run on a laptop PC to allow flexibility within the shop itself.
The SAEJ2534 standard is a legal requirement by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definition. J2534 defines the framework that allows the reprogramming of in-vehicle software applications from all OEMs to work with multiple-vehicle data link connector (DLC) interface tools from various tool suppliers. This should enable each OEM to control the reprogramming sequence for electronic control units (ECUs) in their respective vehicles.
In these cases, a make-specific reprogramming unit may be validated by an OEM as part of its approval process. But for the independent service providers, the end result is proving to be some kind of generic reprogramming tool which will allow any independent shop to do this task competitively in the service aftermarket.
GENERIC REPROGRAMMING TOOLS
The J2534 standard also defines a single set of programming hardware and vehicle interfaces to be used to reprogram modules for all OEM makes. This also will have benefits for all independents since they will no longer have to send a vehicle back to a dealership for a simple reprogramming procedure.
However, not all OEMs have yet made pass-through reprogramming information available to the independents. This data must be provided either via the Internet on an OEM's Web site or by some other means such as a paid subscription CD or DVD.
Once this new hardware and operational software becomes widely available to independent shops, they will have the ability to reprogram many in-vehicle software modules as part of a routine job and to complete the service job themselves. If this procedure is not done, some cars may not start--or at best run poorly and lead customers to believe you do not know how to fix their vehicles' problems.
The J2534 standard does not limit the hardware possibilities for either the specific connector or connection between the PC, which uses the software application and the tool. For example, RS-232, RS-485, USB, Ethernet or similar connectors are all likely to be supported by most of the generic tools now being developed for reprogramming tasks in an independent shop.
Tool suppliers are free to choose the hardware interface appropriate for each one's tool design. We also may see a variety of connections offered in each tool for the maximum freedom of choice and connection in the hands of a technician.
CARB PROPOSES, EPA REGULATES The goal of SAEJ2534 is to ensure that reprogramming software from any automaker is compatible with the hardware supplied by any tool manufacturer. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed to EPA requirements for the service reprogramming of vehicles. EPA will promulgate these service requirements once they have approved them, and the OEMs will be notified.
The J2534 standard also allows tool and equipment reprogramming devices to meet those proposed requirements starting with 2003 model-year vehicles. Additional requirements for 2004 and later model-years may require revision of SAEJ2534--most notably the possible later inclusion of SAEJ1939 for some heavy-duty vehicles.
J2534 will be reviewed for possible revision after the CARBEPA regulations have been finalized and the requirements are better understood. Possible revisions may include SAEJ1939-specific software and an alternate vehicle connector for heavy-duty trucks. The basic hardware of an SAEJ2534 reprogramming interface device, however, is expected to remain unchanged.
PLAN NOW TO INVEST
What is important for service dealers to understand is that the new service feature of reprogramming vehicles from the 1996 model-year and newer is a billable service--if the information is available from the OEMs. The demand for this service will surely grow. It will expand with each succeeding model-year's range of vehicles to come; some models require it now.
Reprogramming equipment in your independent shop will permit your company to offer this new service to your customers and to retain in-shop service revenue you now may be sending to others. Your future equipment investment plans should include acquiring a reprogramming unit--if profitable late-model vehicle service is something you wish to be able to do in the years ahead.
ACTIA PASSTHRUXS
The Actia PassThruXS reprogramming unit has connects to a PC or laptop by means of RS232 and US8 connectors provided. Many current protocols are supported, and the PassThruXS unit is approved by Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.
Price: $1,000. For more information, visit
www.actia.com.
CARDONE FLASHZ
CARDONE's FLASH2, Model #70-1100, is a standalone device. It can reprogram all domestic U.S. make vehicles. The unit is configurable for just the range of vehicle information options that a service provider may need. Sales and technical support also are provided.
Price: $1,000. For more information, visit
www.cardone.com.
AES WAVE
I-FLASH OFF-BOARD GLOBAL REPROGRAMMER AND OTC TECH 2
The AES Wave product line has added two options for pass-through reprogramming capabilities. The BEBD 35702-i-Flash Off-Board Global Reprogrammer and the Model 3562 w3625-17--OTC Tech2 with GM Expertec TS Starter Kit (pictured).
For information and pricing on the i-Flash Off-Board Global Reprogrammer, e-mail
kenvf2600@yahoo.com. The OTC Tech2 is available for $6,743.90; for owners of an OTC Tech2 unit (formerly marketed as a Vetronix Tech2), the starter kit is priced at $1,249.
BLUE STREAK FLASH UNIT AND BDM PRO KIT
Blue Streak's i-Flash 2534 Global Programmer is a J2534-compllant pass-through reprogrammer which also may be used on non-J2534 systems. Connect it to your PC, download the latest updates from an OEM's Web site and upload to your customer's vehicle.
Price: $1,316.75.
The BDM Pro Kit is a bidirectional graphing scan tool that has a built-in two-channel oscilloscope and DVOM. The upgradable and expandable software allows for future modifications where required.
Price: $3,560.
For more information, visit
www.bsocorp.com.
CAR CODE PASSTHRU + XSFLASH
Car Code's Passthru+ XSflash reprograming unit is fully compliant with the J2534 standard. This standalone device plugs into a laptup which runs Windows. The price of Sl,20O includes special cabling needed for OBD II connection.
For more infurmation, visit the company's Web site at
www.carcode.com.
CARB PROPOSES, EPA REGULATES The goal of SAEJ2534 is to
