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Want to add more features to your LX? Look here! CDA!

92K views 222 replies 57 participants last post by  Ramtruck1984 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all!

First of all if I am breaking any rules, please delete this post.

I am offering an until it expires download from wetransfer of the CDA (Chrysler Diagnostic Application) software free of charge complete with engineering files for ABS, PCM, FCM, TIPM, TCM etc etc as well as gateway files and full instructions. If someone wants to host it afterwards, go ahead but this is a limited time thing from me.

I am impressed by the physical mods that exist for the LX platform however, I am kind of disappointed that this forum doesn't do a lot of true complex DIY modding, the mentality here seems to be "pay out the ass and you'll get good results". The common question here is if there is a way to swap a V6 to a V8 and then everyone just says "oh buy a hemi" when just swapping the engine in is A LOT cheaper then buying a whole car especially since the V6 is worthless now. I am not bashing anyone this is just my opinion. I come from BMW background, coding and canbus hacking was standard (where people put LS1 engines in those tiny machines) and people have developed emulators to simulate actual dealer interfaces since they are a bit more complex then the CDA. I was amazed no one was doing this here or doing it but for ridiculously high prices of a software that is fairly easy to find on the internet.

What is CDA?
CDA is a powerful dealer tool that allows to make option changes in the VIN. Say for example you have a Chrysler 300, and you go like, gee I would sure like some steering wheel controls, or some dual climate, or some other option! Then you logon to lxforums, you ask the question and then a bunch of people tell you, LOL IT WON'T WORK, too much trouble etc etc. Adding options mechanically, splicing wires and so on is not a very complex job where it used to get tricky is getting the car to play with the new options. Well this tool will allow you to authorize options to your VIN, provided you have them wired up correctly and installed in your vehicle.

Examples of stuff you can do
Add autostick to V6 vehicles after nag1 swap
Add evic to cluster (after installing an EVIC cluster)
Authorize dual control climate
Delete DRLs
Program keys
Change VIN in PCM after engine swap or engine change
Add SKIM codes
Add any feature you might be missing and you'd like to have (after installing your parts)
Reprogram mileage in the TIPM/PCM depending on the year
Troubleshoot stuff
Change gear ratios without the predator (only the ones available at chrysler)
Troubleshoot weird pcm problems,ie: A/C does not work anymore, however mechanically everything is in order.

and many other powerful things

How does it work?
Well that's up to you to figure out there is a bunch of documentation of what can be done, basically you need a laptop and an OBD2 to USB cable that can read Chrysler's protocol (RS232) also you gotta install the proper drivers, once again, read the manual it's all there. I will not be answering any specific questions or giving any shortcut tutorials.

EDIT: I have figured out that not any OBD2 to RS232 cable will work! I just used mine that was detected as cancard XL and I do remember it costing a pretty penny on aliexpress, it seems to be a poor man's clone of the witech pod with everything integrated in it. Sorry if I lead you all to believe that this is all you will need, I was just working with what I had :p

If someone could try OBD2 to USB and report back with findings that would be great!!!

Use at your own risk!
This can brick your car and you can end up needing a new PCM, or FCM or any other modules that this can mess with (in most cases you can save it if you haven't done too much damage to the bootloader ie: power interruption. If you screw something up, you really need to read the documentation, worst thing you can do is just plug it in and start messing around.

Download link
EXPIRED
alternate link provided by ziggyzaggy
http://1drv.ms/1VF22Bt

These cars tend to have a bunch of electrical and computer problems, I feel that this could alleviate the pain and save money in your wallet, the dealer charges 300$ to reprogram a new key, that is just taking people for idiots and thinking that money grows on trees.

Once again if this pisses off anyone, or the forum feels it is illegal please, delete my thread! No hard feelings! I just believe we could all benefit from this!
 
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#38 ·
I've seen the OBD-II to USB/Serial cables around for a few bucks...if I can get it to work with one of those...man this would be beautiful especially once warranty runs out.

Problem is...you'd have to be very, VERY careful & be very competent & confident in what you were doing...
 
#41 ·
FYI, the CDA software is how my car got the SRT Performance Pages, Sport Mode, and activated my paddles shifters I added. Thankfully, I had a friend that knew his way around the software.
 
#42 ·
#45 ·
If you can post a link, I'm willing to give it a shot.
 
#47 · (Edited)
The zip file is full of unusable information; it takes some digging to find readable Word files or pdfs to move forward. The files below are what you are after, cut / paste exactly and search (find function) the entire zip file;

Word;
AN-1002 - CDA Version Branching
Chrysler Diagnostic Application User Guide v4.03 / v5.03
Release_Notes_E4_01_148
Release_Notes_E4_02_45
Release_Notes_E5_01_17

pdf;
EngineeringToolDiagnosticTroubleCodeStatusDisplay
CDANewECUFlashSupportProcess_v1_4
Chrysler Diagnostic Application FAQ
Chrysler Diagnostic Application User Guide v5.01

From the above you have all the information required for minimum operating system parameters and what type of pass-through device to the vehicle's OBDII port will function with your particular hardware. Essentially, when using a PC (laptop etcetera) you would employ Vector hardware. If your PC has a PCMCIA slot you can employ CANCardX or Vector XL with the appropriate cable (PCMCIA to OBDII) are supported.

This is as far as I've got for the time being other than resurrecting an idle laptop with a 80GB SSHD to use as the CDA platform...
 
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#50 ·
The zip file is full of crap; it takes some digging to find readable Word files or pdfs. The files below are what you are after, cut / paste exactly and search (find function) the entire zip file;

Word;
AN-1002 - CDA Version Branching
Chrysler Diagnostic Application User Guide v4.01
Release_Notes_E4_01_148
Release_Notes_E4_02_45
Release_Notes_E5_01_17

pdf;
EngineeringToolDiagnosticTroubleCodeStatusDisplay
CDANewECUFlashSupportProcess_v1_4
Chrysler Diagnostic Application FAQ
Chrysler Diagnostic Application User Guide v5.01

From the above you have all the information required for minimum operating system parameters and what type of pass-through device to the vehicle's OBDII port will function with your particular hardware. Essentially, when using a PC (laptop etcetera) you would employ Vector hardware. If your PC has a PCMCIA slot you can employ CANCardX or Vector XL with the appropriate cable (PCMCIA to OBDII) are supported.

This is as far as I've got for the time being other than resurrecting an idle laptop with a 80GB SSHD to use as the CDA platform...
Thanks Simon. Once I got rid of the MAC files things started to make sense.
 
#49 ·
Wow! I can't believe I just saw this thread. I've been thinking of getting a witech for a while now maybe I can get this to work. Unfortunately I'm working right now. Once I get home I'll download and host this file as well. A big thumbs up to the_oblivion for this. Can't wait to get home and check this out.
 
#51 ·
Interesting..
 
#52 · (Edited)
Here is another link hosted by me.

http://abodiesonline.com/LX/Manuals/

Also, the OBDII to USB eBay cable will not work. Canbus interface adapter is what you need in order for it to work like Hemissary stated. Supported devices are CANcardX, CANcardXL, CANcardXLe, CANcaseXL, CANboardXL, StarMOBILE, and the wiTECH Pod.

I also found this site interesting. Might an alternative to the expensive Vector devices.

http://spin.atomicobject.com/2014/02/28/affordable-can-bus-tools/

Now the problem is if CDA detects the RS232 or the CanUSB adapters and if there are drivers available for them or if needed. You would also need a ODBII to serial adapter for either one.

If we could get this to work it work be a great alternative. Also, one other problem is that in order to flash a PCM or TCM you need an active subscription to Tech Authority.

Here a couple other interesting reads.

http://www.can232.com/

http://canusb.com/

I'm wondering if any CAN ODBii device would work??
 
#53 · (Edited)
After speaking to Vector themselves, the only(!) way this Chrysler Diagnostic Application (CDA) tool will function (and it will function) is with a Vector-specific PCMCIA CANcard and one of their PCMCIA interface cables. So to answer the question if typical USB to OBDII cables you can find here and there will work, the answer is a resounding no. The CDA tool using Vector embedded drivers will simply not recognize them.

The actual CDA utility (the program), either v4.02 or v5.02 (I installed v5.02 successfully) that we all downloaded will only function with the required CANcard drivers that can be uploaded (for free) from Vector's website. So, in order to effectively use this tool you will need;

(1) Vector 07100 CANcardXL PCMCIA card: $795.00USD http://vector.com/vi_cancardxl_en.html
(1) Vector 22049 251MAG cable (PCMCIA to DB-9): $230.00USD
(1) DB-9 to OBDII cable wired for CAN buss protocol (build or buy preassembled)
(1) download from Vector the specific CANcard XX drivers (free)

In simple terms, if you do not have a type II (5.5mm width) PCMCIA slot in your hardware device, you're toast.

It would be easy to build a DB-9 to OBDII cable for less than $10 as both are available dirt cheap (the wiring protocol for CAN is pins 2 and 7):

OBDII cables - unterminated (DB-9's with solder cups are a dime a dozen):
http://www.ocp.com/automotive/obd2.html
http://www.ocp.com/automotive/obd2.html

Or, here's one (of many I'm sure) already properly terminated: http://gridconnect.com/obd2-cable.html

Although Vector offers a slightly less expensive USB to DB-9 network interface system (http://vector.com/vi_vn1600_en.html) the CDA tool versions kindly given to us (v4.02 / v5.02) are too old. We would need at least 6.xx for this interface system that goes from USB to the interface box, which then breaks out into two DB-9 transceivers that require the same DB-9 to OBDII cable needed above.
 
#57 ·
After speaking to Vector themselves, the only(!) way this Chrysler Diagnostic Application (CDA) tool will function (and it will function) is with a Vector-specific PCMCIA CANcard and one of their PCMCIA interface cables. So to answer the question if typical USB to OBDII cables you can find here and there will work, the answer is a resounding no. The CDA tool using Vector embedded drivers will simply not recognize them.

The actual CDA utility (the program), either v4.02 or v5.02 (I installed v5.02 successfully) that we all downloaded will only function with the required CANcard drivers that can be uploaded (for free) from Vector's website. So, in order to effectively use this tool you will need;

(1) Vector 07100 CANcardXL PCMCIA card: $795.00USD http://vector.com/vi_cancardxl_en.html
(1) Vector 22049 251MAG cable (PCMCIA to DB-9): $230.00USD
(1) DB-9 to OBDII cable wired for CAN buss protocol

In simple terms, if you do not have a type II (5.5mm width) PCMCIA slot in your hardware device, you're toast.

It would be easy to build a DB-9 to OBDII cable for less than $10 as both are available dirt cheap (the wiring protocol for CAN is pins 2 and 7):

OBDII cables - unterminated (DB-9's with solder cups are a dime a dozen):
http://www.ocp.com/automotive/obd2.html
http://www.ocp.com/automotive/obd2.html
http://www.med-obd.com/3-in-1-tcs-box-for-autocom-pro-plus-m6636b-oki-chip-20123-for-trucks-cars-professional-auto-diagnostic-too-p-223.html

Or, here's one (of many I'm sure) already properly terminated: http://gridconnect.com/obd2-cable.html

Although Vector offers a slightly less expensive USB to DB-9 network interface system (http://vector.com/vi_vn1600_en.html) the CDA tool versions kindly given to us (v4.02 / v5.02) are too old. We would need at least 6.xx This interface system goes from USB to the interface box, which then breaks out into two DB-9 transceivers that require the same DB-9 to OBDII cable needed above.
Simon, iIf I'm not mistaken the PCI or PCIe vector cards should work as well. It means having a dedicated garage desktop with long cables but it's doable. Don't have a price on the card, were they mentioned to you? I did get everything up and running then hit the wall with the input configuration which needs the card and driver.
 
#54 ·
Still a cheaper alternative than a starscan, star mobile, etc...
 
#55 ·
A bit pricey for casual use but excellent information. Man, they're proud of that PCMCIA card. If it came down to it, I do have a couple of old IBM A31 ThinkPads around here with PCMCIA slots and Windows XP.

I'm thinking the key here for someone looking to do it on the cheap is one of the bootleg Vector devices OP mentioned being on Alibaba. The tough part is knowing which one is "real" (real being a relative term.) Guessing could get expensive quick, and may leave you better off just buying the genuine one.

Richard
 
#58 · (Edited)
Never asked about PCI cards or costs Bryan :^)
 
#61 · (Edited)
I spent an hour of so last evening searching high and low for any CANcards used or even bootleg copies (for example, Aliexpress). Nothing, nada. Within the conversation I had with Vector, they assured me they (and FCA) would (rightly) take action against anyone found to be marketing unapproved / copied hardware. Maybe at one time there were CANcard copies, can't find anything now. I even contacted a few sources within both Chrysler and the electronics industry...

As what we are attempting to affect is not going to be approved by anyone, and is for personal use, I'm game to explore alternatives such as unapproved hardware. So post up or PM me what you have found...
 
#62 ·
I'm wondering what the difference is between Vector cards and others? Is it because the drivers are already included with CDA? As long as the protocols are the same I'm wondering if a generic card would work and trick CDA into thinking its a Vector card. Unless there some type of digital signature that CDA is looking for.
 
#63 · (Edited)
Both the CDA utility (tool) and CANxxxx xx devices are keyed by firmware as part of Chrysler's elaborate means to protect / control authorized distribution and use. Any unauthorized devices, be they network devices (CANcard xx) or handhelds (StarSCAN / MOBILE or WiTECH) will require that specific firmware to be seen / identified by the CDA utility. As far as I understand the drivers that can be downloaded (for free) from Vector's website for that particular hardware / operating system configuration.

EDIT; I forgot to ask the critical question whether indeed Vector (single source BTW) would actually sell me any products. I doubt it...
 
#64 ·
The way my guy got it, was stating he needed it to maintain his fleet of vehicles he has for his small business. They didn't ask what was included in his fleet, but the purchase did go through his company.
 
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