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So who needs a starscan tool when you can get this....

104K views 40 replies 26 participants last post by  Pyper70 
#1 ·
#5 ·
I have heard some good things about auto enginuity. I work at an Import repair shop and we looked at it to replace out old Audi/VW tool. We went with VAG-COM instead because it has a more established rep. I personally think that manufacters should have their software and software updated available to download for a price to you on your desktop or laptop. Alot of money to be made that way.... Could you screw yourself if you don't know how to use the software?? sure. Doesn't mean we as owners have to shell out to go to the the stealer and have to deal with the crapshoot of having an incompitent boob or a seasoned, decorated, and deticated wrench look at our cars when it can be done ourselves, or by our local guy.
 
#11 ·
Very cool find. I came from a VW, and was familiar with the VAG-COM tool that moose mentioned. When I got my Jeep, I was looking to see if there was anything similar for Chrysler. I found a few threads about a Charger (I think) owner who bought and was reverse engineering a StarScan, but had to stop because of legal threats from Chrysler. I'm surprised I missed this.
 
#12 ·
Chrysler has a very strange mentality when it comes to their starscan, kinda like land rover and mercedes, they try very hard to keep as much of it as possible under lock and key. Toyota, and VW seem to embrace the idea of letting owners, and the aftermarket see and reverse engineer the stuff. By doing this they accomplish one very important thing. By letting the owner and non- dealer shops have easy access to their technology, the owners have a "better" ownership experiance by allowing them to DIY their cars, or have whomever they want wrench thier ride.... and that will most likely lead the owner to be loyal at their next purchase. The auto enginuity Chrystler add on I belive ( not positive, so don't hold me to it!) has the ability to " turn on" things for troubleshooting purposes such as cooling fans, o2 sensor test, things like that, I don't think it was made to do things such as turn off tilt down mirrors. Here is a link with all of the manufacter enhanced abilities, you'll have to scroll down to find Chrysler..


http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-software.html#EI04
 
#14 · (Edited)
yeah, it's a damn shame they are so proprietary with this stuff. Add in the sleazy dealer (not saying all of course, but in my experiences, Chrysler dealers are lower than some of the others as a %) and it can and will shy away potential buyers that they are supposedly marketing to. I mean, they speak offroad prowess, performance, etc., yet they make you deal with the mopar side of things (dealer). Sure, they have some cool products, but look what you have to do/pay to get them :D

It would be a wise business decision, IMO, to allow an owner that is savvy and has the passion to, buy something that he/she could control. However, we get the politics involved and now more than ever the environmental whackos (aka government's cloak) who hath no idea what they speak for, etc.

Regardless, $500 sounds reasonable if it would allow a good amount of control.
 
#15 ·
Hopefully "Proprietary" will go by the wayside as manufacters notice there is good money to be made by releasing their info to the public. I do think the autoenginuity system should work well. If you choose to buy it, Gossamer let us know how you like it!
 
#21 · (Edited)
I see this is a pretty old thread but, since then, there is newer/better computerized diagnostic scanners available. I got tired of just being able to read and clear codes and wanted something that could actually use to diagnose our computerized vehicles. And since, I think, all new vehicles are computerized, I wanted something that would "do it all" for the home mechanic. And, since I never take my vehicles to the stealer anyway, I wasn't too worried about spending a little more cash. Anyway, a year ago I purchased an Autel MaxiDas DS708, and it does more than the Autoenginuity tools, plus the price includes ALL makes and models anyone is likely the ever own, now or until they do away with the OBDII interface. The initial price is fairly steep, but if you had to take your ride to the stealer, it'll pay for itself if you take it in just a few times. You also get one year of free online updates....mine is up next week so I have to update one last time before then. After that updates are around $600 a year, but I don't think I'll need them unless I buy something much newer in the future. Since I usually keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off, this is not likely. I have also used it on friends/family vehicles and it is a great way to save them $$$ and score points. Here's a couple references on it and you can find more (including how to videos) by just typing in the part number:

Buy Multi-language Autel MaxiDAS DS708 Get MaxiTPMS TS401 For Free And Free Shipping From USA

Original Autel MaxiDAS® DS708 Spanish+English Version Wireless Scanner

As I said, I've had mine almost a year now and I am still trying to figure out everything it can do. I haven't had time to "play" with it much so I do a little tinkering everytime I get a chance. It seems to have thousands of different things it can check, reprogram, reset, calibrate, and actually operate remotely. So far, for what it is and does, I give it a 9 or 10 on a 10 point scale. Just my 2 cents.
 
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#22 ·
It seems that your device does the same as the autoenginuity except that the autoenginuity also allows you to make some configuration files. Also, you get free updates for a year and then they are only $450 (if you have more than one region (Domestic, Asian, etc)).
Both seem to offer live data, recording, and updates, etc.
Both are good options and definitely save you over going to the dealer.
 
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#23 · (Edited)
How much are the additional modules for that one? What kind of configuration files does it allow you to make? The DS708 covers all makes and models, European, Asian and American for one price.....no additonal modules needed. All updates (now and after the first year) include all covered vehicles for one price too. You can update the ones of your choice, or do them all....it's up to you.

AMEN on the savings, and not having to go to the stealer. From what I've read on these forums, many of the independents don't even have stuff like this. I don't see how they can accurately troubleshoot and work on the newer vehicles without something like these. Maybe that's why so many just replace parts (at customer expense) based on the DTC's that are thrown.
 
#24 ·
The price for the autoenginuity depends on what you want. The complete kit is showing $1200 on their site: https://www.autoenginuity.com/order-online/vm-bundles.html

As far as programming, I have found that it allows you to change programming options in all modules.

I don't have the balls to change some of the settings unless my friend is around to reflash the configuration to my car. lol
 
#25 ·
The price for the autoenginuity depends on what you want. The complete kit is showing $1200 on their site: https://www.autoenginuity.com/order-online/vm-bundles.html

As far as programming, I have found that it allows you to change programming options in all modules.

I don't have the balls to change some of the settings unless my friend is around to reflash the configuration to my car. lol
That's exactly why I haven't messed with some of the stuff either. Won't either, unless I have a problem with one of the systems.
 
#28 · (Edited)
"Mirror Tilt in Reverse" is listed among the sensors under the section labeled "Body Control Module / Central Gateway CAN (Var. 04) Sensors" (*). My DeVille also has this feature (and I can turn it on/off using existing dashboard buttons).

* https://www.autoenginuity.com/wordp...e-list/#Seat/Mirror Memory Module VPW_sensors

NOTE: As of 15 Dec 2020, the AutoEnginuity site has been rearranged and this link is no longer good.
 
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