Jeep Grand Cherokee 2018 Security Bypass Using FCA 12+8 --- DIY Tow Package

In this video I show you where to locate the security module so you can connect the bypass tool on a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.
Go here to skip to the exact location of the security module:
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 20...
My goal was to enable the trailer lights. The 18 Laredo comes with the wiring already in place for the tow electronics, but the Jeep's ECU needs to be updated in order to activate the wiring. And even if you have an OBDII reader/writer and a registered VIN with JScan, you can't write to the ECU without the bypass tool.
There's a security module under the glovebox that has 2 wiring harnesses going to it. You need to disconnect those harnesses and attach them to the "FCA 12+8 Universal Adapter Cable Adapter." You'll then plug your OBDII reader/writer into that in order to be able to write to the ECU.
In my case, I activated the Trailer Tow Lights and the associated modules.
This is basically a DIY tow package on a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee for about $200. The dealership would charge you probably 10x that.
The JGC is an excellent vehicle - the computer limitations are frustrating but there is a way around it if you know what you're doing. I hope this helps someone!
All products used:
AUGOCOM FCA 12+8 Universal Adapter Cable Adapter ($25)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner Auto OBD II ($33)
www.amazon.com/Veepeak-OBDChe...
JScan iOS App with my Jeep Grand Cherokee's VIN registered ($20)
jscan.net/
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Hitch ($130)
www.etrailer.com/hitch-2018_J...
CURT 55774 Dual-Output Vehicle-Side 7-Pin, 4-Pin Connectors, Factory Tow Package and USCAR Socket Required ($24)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

[@shockburn]

Thanks for the useful information! I ordered the cable you suggested and it worked great to hookup my tpms scantool and reset some DTC errors that were preventing new sensors from hooking up. I originally tried thru the obd2 port but it would fail to reset because it couldn’t write. This cable worked perfectly and got it reset no problem. Ill be adding a hitch later too so ill be using it again! Just wanted to let everyone know it probably works with all scan tools to bypass the security module.

[@marksickmiller]

You're welcome, I'm glad it worked for you! Yes, it probably does work with all scan tools, but I've never tried any other than the one I own.

[@jeffsutton3674]

I bought this stuff and with this video everything worked perfect on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Thank you so much!!

[@marksickmiller]

You're welcome! Glad it worked for you.

[@johncanete8317]

This is very informative and helpful. Thanks for posting this.

[@rahulmuppidi2752]

Thanks for the video and your Great efforts

[@marcuse.9522]

Awesome video.. i do have a 2018 grand cherokee altitude and you saved me a bunch of time not looking for those 2 conectors cable on the drivers side... thumbs up.. great video. Subscribed :)

[@marksickmiller]

Thanks! I'm glad I could help

[@marcuse.9522]

@@marksickmiller attach a Hopkins Towing Solution 40975 attachment to that hitch receiver.. looks nice and neat. Took me 2 minutes to connect mine.

[@ErichHimes1D]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Bought the same exact OBD connector and cable LOL. Thank you!!

[@marksickmiller]

Awesome! You're welcome. It's a nice setup

[@andrewrodriguez3292]

Tried it but it keeps telling me reading pane unavailable

[@marksickmiller]

@@andrewrodriguez3292 What setup are you using?

[@jroche26]

Great video. Thanks! You can use the same cable for immo key programming

[@SwBkRn]

Awesome video! Thank you for posting! Yup work great!

[@marksickmiller]

You're welcome!

[@johnbelton9775]

I just watched and ordered the equipment. I called my local Jeep dealer in Dallas and was told it's $147 if they don't run into issues. I appreciate the video!

[@johnbelton9775]

That was just to scan and make the changes. No equipment.

[@marksickmiller]

You're welcome. This solution is a big cost saver and gives you control over your vehicle!

[@abhshs7581]

You saved my life

[@marksickmiller]

Wow! I'm happy you found the video useful

[@Toodoff]

Thank you soooo much ❤

[@marksickmiller]

You're welcome!

[@PaytonMoore-ye1ng]

What’s the difference between this one and the adc2011 cable?

[@1INSOLENTDOBERMAN]

Did you unplug those plugs 🔌 from a black box ? Also since it was on the right side , when you pulled that carpet cover down from just below the glove compartment, was there a little white colored arrow pointed upwards? My 2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn has that. I ordered the bypass cables for my XHorse Key Tool Max Plus & am now looking for that black box. Couldn’t find it on the left side. I am praying it’s not behind the radio because I really don’t want to take all that out.

[@djwilson48625]

Are those cables universal with pretty much all the scan tools? I see different ones with different scan tools and as cheap as $20 and as high as like $80. I got to think they're wired the same?

[@peterhnelosub886]

Can you keep this plugged in?

[@waelaburezeq4641]

Great video! What app are you using?

[@marksickmiller]

JScan app with Veepeak OBDII

[@lard1892]

Two Jeeps in the family ....OH Sh*t

[@leonardomoncada6189]

Saludos compañero donde compro el conector

[@Nate-uz5ph]

Mark, what trailer settings did you all activate? First option is "!Restart all ecus." I don't think I need that. Next, trailer brake module, which I also don't think I need because the trailer I'll be pulling doesn't have trailer brakes. I think all of the following settings need activated? Trailer backup lamps output present, trailer tail lamp relay control output, trailer tow present, and both right and left trailer turn & stop relays. Any help?

[@marksickmiller]

Hey Nate- I activated all of them

[@christorres873]

I bought the cable but it didn't work for my thinktool pros. It still wants me get a license or something.

[@cliffordchurch5955]

Hay mark I bought except hitch and connector wire I had that dealer wanted $175 I payed $75 I’m doing it this weekend on the J scan app is it 1st license option or 2 nd option for $20 I need to buy. And great Video hope it all works out Thx Cliff church

[@marksickmiller]

Great! Did it work, Clifford?

[@rz-hi8ou]

just to confirm after plugging the red 12+8;pig tail into security gateway connectors the other end gets plugged into the obd cable connector of my scanner

[@marksickmiller]

Yep that's correct

[@Thesheriff1776]

Can you leave that security module unplugged and always leave the bypass cable plugged in for easy access?

[@marksickmiller]

I'm not sure. I didn't try starting the engine with the bypass cable plugged in. Personally I don't see a reason to keep it plugged in all the time, as it's only needed when you want to write to the computer. If you want to continuously read from the computer, you can use the OBDII port under the steering wheel, and you can leave the OBDII device plugged in all the time.

[@djwilson48625]

There's a company that makes a module, I think it's OBDGenie.

[@MrDanilo11]

For the actual bypass do you need to activate it like download a program or it just plug and plug. I’m trying to use it with Alfaobd.

[@marksickmiller]

I haven't used Alfaobd but that should work. The security bypass eliminates the limitation the vehicles computer places on the standard OBDII port. You should be able to connect any writing OBDII device to the security bypass device to write to the vehicles computer

[@victornaja7927]

@@marksickmiller question please I have a 2019 dodge caravan so a 12+8 adaptor goes in place of module n my scanner to the other end as usual n I can scan for codes or program keys . ?? N I should nit use the already obd 2 port right

[@marksickmiller]

@@victornaja7927 Don't need to use the existing OBD 2 port when using this security bypass method.

[@naborgarcia8825]

Is it the same for a 2018 limited grand keep Cherokee ?

[@marksickmiller]

I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking yes because it's the same year and model. Just a different trim level.

[@rz-hi8ou]

what is the dongle that you plugged into the osb end of the 12x8 adaptor.

[@marksickmiller]

That is the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner Auto OBD II. It reads/writes to the ECU

[@adrianzertuche6873]

Do any of yall know if you need a bypass harness for a 2014 ecodiesel grand cherokee

[@ibowhuntga]

you should not need the bypass. the Security Gateway Module was introduced in some Jeep/FCA vehicles in 2018, but didn't make it to ALL of their vehicles until 2020 from what I understand. ...No SGM, no need to bypass it...

[@circuitboard283]

Will this work on 2020 jeep grand Cherokee??

[@marksickmiller]

I haven't tried it, but probably.

[@alexpeltek9314]

It's behind the Display, but first you need to take off the climate panel..

[@user-ed4ty8bv7z]

Will this work for programming a key fob as well?

[@marksickmiller]

I'm not sure. I don't see any options for that in the system, but again I don't know.

[@manymo5175]

On 2020 i didnt find it ??? i took 10 min but the little blackbox is not there at all ? Please can someone help me ? Maybe there is somewhere else an other plug ? Anything please help .

[@marksickmiller]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure about a 2020. This was a 2018. They may have changed it. Any luck yet?

[@alexpeltek9314]

It's behind the Display, but first you need to take off the climate panel..

[@naborgarcia8825]

What app are you using ? I’m on a iPhone

[@youngjohn3842]

OBD JScan

[@Butterstick9]

i was here

[@marksickmiller]

Thanks for watching and for your help, staring hamster!

[@DrWonderEyes]

This is some Apple type crap where the dealer doesn't allow the regular guy to work on his own vehicle.

[@marksickmiller]

Exactly.