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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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#66 · (Edited)
Listen people CDA is a powerful tool but you can destroy your settings and be stuck like chuck if you don't use it wisely. and I can almost guarantee most of you don't have the ability to fix what you break so step lightly.

However this post is the reason the new CDA is locked down the way it is. So enjoy it as you can. To the op im sure you thought it was a great idea to share this. but the reason this is not even given to the dealer is due to the issues that can result and the lack of knowledge. as well as CDA5 is no longer supported. Yes the version will allow a lot to do things not normally available but that's about it. and even more so I can almost bet this has become available due to the group of folks on here whom tried to keep it secluded to those who will use it wisely. so at the same time that wont exist anymore either.

I can also almost bet I know the ins and outs of the software almost better or equal to the people whom designed it.

Op you are incorrect when you say the software will not damage something. What you obviously don't know is the eng files aren't always template correctly. something might be listed as one thing but do another and the second you hit WRITE its changed and chances are you will move on and not know how to fix the mistake. and since most of these folks will not be able to use witech to repair the damages they will be stuck.



Guys whom have never even connected there car to the Dealer software witech. If you can not I would be very cautious as the eng files for cda5 are not perfect and if you change the wrong setting it will result in problems. and there will be no way for your to revert back without admitting error and seeing a dealer. as well as yes there maybe ENG files for all other modules like the PCM, abs WCm etc But those wont do anything for you. The only thing that will be useful is the BCM, FCM, TIPM files.

AND another word of advise. Witech software will not connect to anything except a DCCTOOLS built device Like the Mobile, Witech pod , Or witech mini. So all of you who want to venture off into using this software take that into account.
 
#68 ·
Well I'm still down to figure it out. Rather learn it myself, if I screw something up then well then lesson learned. Can't learn unless you do it yourself.
 
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#69 ·
I am all about figuring things out on your own I am just referring to the PICK your battles method. I am sure everyone who saw this post was like HOLY **** free engineering software,. let me buy an interface like a Cheap CAN card and go to town.
It is in no way straight forward.

and More than half of the stuff Means nothing to 90 percent. Plus there is the whole Its not supported anymore issue. Also some people think with this you will be able to do things like disable the drive lockouts on their radios ( I get the emails all the time) and it wont. That is why what I listed above is the only useful stuff to anyone. Funny part is ive forgot more stuff about it than most will learn. every car and year is different and not all things work on every car.

Can someone please post the version of the software. will state it on the top when opened. will say something like e5.xx
 
#70 ·
have played with this software for several years but never enough to get comfortable with it. I've had to restore my vehicle's build configuration several times to get myself out of trouble. as Nyinstaller pointed out, this is a very powerful tool and can be quite dangerous if used improperly.
my tip on using this software; if you're not sure that you will be able to undo what you are doing, best to try it in the dealership's parking lot. that way, you won't have to pay for a tow when you need them to restore your build configuration.
 
#71 ·
Now that's a good idea!!!!! Lol
 
#73 · (Edited)
I've already posted the software versions in previous threads, the latest #53.

Furthermore it's implicit, just like the ability to alter air / fuel ratios with a Diablosport tuner, you proceed at your own risk. There is nothing cheap about a CANcard, it is just another method of interfacing with the OBDII port without(!) the need of StarSCAN / MOBILE / WiTECH devices.
 
#74 · (Edited)
I've already posted the software versions in a previous threads, the latest #53.

Furthermore it's implicit, just like the ability to alter air / fuel ratios with a Diablosport tuner, you proceed at your own risk. There is nothing cheap about a CANcard, it is just another method of interfacing with the OBDII port without(!) the need of StarSCAN / MOBILE / WiTECH devices.
can cards are a lot cheaper than the actual REAL deal dcctools devices. plus only the real devices will connect to witech or witech with a techauthority account to fix what you break. If you know how to proceed.

Ok E5.01 .17 older version than I even thought. even less functionality. maybe it didn't come from the group.

as well as the size of the download shows a lot of people will not even get what they need. Further more adding to the possibility of braking stuff.
 
#75 ·
I don't think anyone is expecting to connect to techauthority with this, plus (as previously stated) these versions won't allow any sort of connectivity anyways. All that one can do is alter existing parameters or utilize the existing ~2400 .eng files that were also included.
 
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#77 ·
that's the problem Which I am trying to state. If they don't buy the write tool that will allow them to possible recover the damage they can do than it is very risky to mess with the settings. and as I said 2400 files for cda5 is nothing. 99 percent will only be able to possible use 1.
 
#78 ·
@nyinstaller curious question lets say you have a predator which saves the original info for you cars pcm and this cda software is used. Is it as simple as loading the original stored information that the predator saved for your car ? im just curious if this would solve the issue if you were to do something stupid with this software ....
 
#85 · (Edited)
Hey all,
Has anyone had any joy with this? I have the software installed but keeps saying 'gateway filter missing'. I have the correct cables as have the official starscan etc but wonder if its to do with the cancardx problem mentioned in other peoples posts or it thats a different issue? I don't really want to install it on the witech but desperate to disable my DRL's as I dazzle oncoming traffic. This is literally all I need it for & no legal requirement for them where I am

Thanks


Chris

EDIT: Can it be installed on witech micropod ii as a workaround?
 
#86 ·
Sorry everyone, think I can answer my own questions now after rereading this thread. The joys of trawling through whilst at work. Going to have a go at installing this on one of the other devices tomorrow as refuse to pay $750 for cancard when have suitable hardware here
 
#88 ·
Has anyone successfully got this working? I've bought a cancardx, cancable 1054 (low speed), odb2 to can serial lead with correct pin out to match the cancable, laptop with pcmcia slot & fresh xp installed. All is well & the different menus now appear as it has detected the cancardx but doesn't see the vehicle whilst connected so can't access any of the configurables. If someone could pm it would be really appreciated as I am currently down around $600 & all I need it for is to deactivate my DRL's lol
 
#93 ·
Is cancardx compatible with XP? I know it was made for Windows 95/98 and NT.
 
#90 ·
You can purchase the cards online but are about $700 if I remember correctly.
 
#92 ·
I'm really hoping to get this working as since I've lifted my jeep, everyone flashes me plus DRLs are not a legal requirement here. Once / if I can confirm it works, I will post a comprehensive list of what is needed plus information on who is selling the items, that way, it can save everyone the same hassle & expense I am going through to sort this out

watch this space...
 
#95 ·
I was thinking of possibly finding a cheaper can card and try installing the vector drivers? Could be option as long as the specs would be the same??
 
#96 ·
Yep, that's the way to do it. For some reason I just could not get the witech or starmobile to work with it but the cancard has at least opened up the other menus; still s communication issue though

when I was looking, I could not find a cancardxl anywhere & be careful to ensure you can get the drivers for the cancardx if that's the way you go as the drivers are not listed on the vector website. It's odd as they seem to list every single other driver
 
#98 · (Edited)
SUCCESS!!!! Finally found a combination that works! Please be aware I have only tried this on a 2007 PT Cruiser so far but the software is working & communicating. My setup:
Windows XP Laptop with pc card (PCMCIA slot)
CanCardX v2
CanCable 251opto (make sure its the opto version, 251 does not work)!
ODB2 to Canbus serial lead
CDA 5
ENG files (approx 2200)
Gateway config file
CanCardX driver (5.2 or later, please note this is no longer available from the Vector website so if you can't get this, then its pointless getting the rest)

CanCardXL may also work and potentially on Windows 7 but I have not tried so cannot confirm
I have also bought an external PCMCIA reader so I can go back to one laptop running dual boot rather than keeping an old laptop just for 1 use. I will check this and confirm once my Jeep is back
Other cables are mentioned in the documentation but of the ones I tried, none of them would communicate so its up to you if you want to take a gamble or not
I suspect without having access to a different gateway config, these will not work but can confirm the items listed do with this setup

I will post links to sellers once I have confirmed it works on other vehicles but this may be some time as my Jeep is in for repair and I currently have a torn ligament in my ankle & a broken wrist. I am quietly confident all will be well but please wait for me to check as I don't want to be responsible for people buying stuff that ends up not working. That said, excluding the laptop, with a definitive list, you should be able to get this up & running for around $450-500 (possibly more depending on shipping). So far its cost me circa $850 but thats because I bought items through trial & error & refuse to admit defeat lol

Edited: PS, I have done this to help everyone out plus more importantly, to turn off my DRL's. Once this has been achieved, if my mate does not want this stuff, I will be selling the hardware as I have NO use for it after that
 
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