Will Autel Maxisys Program New Modules?

[@AutelConsultancy]

I would like to clarify the terminology f( as I get this question alot) regarding programming, reprogramming, and coding when working with ECU modules. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings: Programming: This refers to the process of connecting to the OEM servers to download a file into a new ECU module. This is done by downloading the OEM software, connecting your J2534 device to the OBD port of the vehicle, and following the required steps. Reprogramming: This is the process of updating an existing ECU with the latest software version or calibration data via the OEM software. This ensures that the ECU functions optimally and complies with the latest requirements and standards. Coding: Coding is the process of configuring a new or used ECU module to work seamlessly with the other control units in the vehicle. This is typically done after programming or reprogramming an ECU using a scan tool. For instance, if a new BMW DME is installed and programmed using ISTA or Autel, you would then need to perform coding procedures such as "Injector Quantity Compensation" adjustment. Let's take the example of installing a used PCM on a Ford F150. Although the Autel interface may display an option labeled "Programming," this is, in fact, a coding procedure. By using the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) feature, you can transfer the original module data to the donor module. This involves extracting the data from the original module and then configuring the VIN and ECU data on the used module using the Autel scan tool. It's crucial to understand these differences to avoid confusion and disappointment when conducting research or working on vehicles. I hope this explanation provides clarity on the terminology used in our industry and assists you in your diagnostic and repair efforts.

[@MegaMarclar]

Absolutely agree. The main reason for making this video was so that people in the future could look up and find out what exactly they can and cannot do. One of the things that misled me was that if you watch through autels videos, they show a bunch of module programming on BMWs. What they don't tell you is that those are the only vehicles you can program with a factory autel subscription. Unfortunately if you use any other manufacturers such as Chrysler or GM you still have to use their OEM subscription. Also I would like to add that the maxi-Flash VCI will not work with witech 2, or gm acdelco programs which is another misleading thing they tell you. You Have to use a micropod for witech. So with all of that being said, the maxi sis ultra is still a pretty decent scan tool when it works. But it does not do any OEM level programming that you would expect from this tier level, sort of like opus can do out of the box with their subscription. I would just like people to know that after they buy their $5,000 tool, and spend $1,600 a year to keep it updated it still cannot do any of these functions. Another thing I'd like to mention is that doing anything with the Ford PMI is like gouging your eye out with a hot spoon at best. Even using IDS it's still probably one of the most horrible user interfaces possible.

[@tahir1156]

Thanks very good explanation can we program any car ECU PCM TCM or BCM to use with Autal or another scanner tools? Does this true that we bay any OBD2 scanner from any company or brand does they equiped with all softwares of all brand of vehicles?

[@SurfingFLA]

Lovely, I just bought a 2-year old MS909 and updated the subscription, because I was told by Autel that it would program modules in my Ford E-Series vans.

[@MegaMarclar]

Well, they lied. There is the 'remote expert' function where someone 3rd party can do remote programming but I don't trust it.

[@SurfingFLA]

@@MegaMarclar I think that's the route I'm going. (it's that or tow my van to a Ford Dealer.) Another way is to get a Laptop and connect it to the MaxiFlash VCI, then rent Ford Motor Company Software. I was going to do that, but the Ford specifications for the Laptop don't make sense. That's why I bought the MS909 and the Total Care Program Update. Basically $200 more than the Laptop-MaxiFlash VCI combo.

[@MegaMarclar]

@@SurfingFLA You will find that the Ford scan tool, IDS, is the most unreliable poorly designed pile of crap ever in the history of man. It barely works with its own interface. You would probably end up gouging your eyes out with the hot spoon before actually getting that to work.

[@SurfingFLA]

@@MegaMarclar Are you saying the actual scan tool the Ford Dealers use is unreliable, or the Ford Diagnostic Software with a Laptop thru a J2534 interface is troublesome?

[@MegaMarclar]

@@SurfingFLA both. Ford IDS is the worst scan tool ever conceived by man. Not just the actual interface itself but the software, the interface, all of it. There are very specific software requirements for the actual laptop itself as well. It also will have conflicts if there's other scan tools installed on the laptop. You basically have to install it on a blank fresh windows install, and I'm pretty sure it only works on Windows 7, But it's been a few years since I've used it.

[@josem1321]

I agree that the Autel BMW demonstration videos got me and was disappointed, but I have attempted to maximize my use of the Ultra in order to not regret the cost. Probably the best VCI Module to buy is a GM MDI 2 (works with GM and Ford ) made by Bosch only $900 and should work with other manufacturers ... the Dodge system is the biggest pain, even with the puck. It's so dependent on a stable internet signal(cloud based)

[@MegaMarclar]

I guess I'm sort of lucky, I dont work on fords at all, some gm stuff but primarily chrysler. I do have witech and a drb3, but still haven't bought a mdp for the new stuff. honestly I wish I would not have bought the autel. More headache than its been helpful

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

Do you find it annoying having to plug the huge vcmi everytime you scan a car ? Or does it come with a small vci pod just to scan cars ??

[@MegaMarclar]

yes it is annoying, does not come with a smaller pod but there is one you can buy separately that is much smaller.

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

@MegaMarclar thanks for the reply , I am thinking about getting this scanner or the ms909 because it has a smaller pod, but lacks the scope functionality

[@MegaMarclar]

@@ZkReAr-fs5do well buying the smaller pod really isn't that big of a deal It's a couple hundred bucks. But you can't do scope functions without the VCI pod anyway.

[@ZkReAr-fs5do]

@@MegaMarclar you're right, so maybe the ms919 and get the small pod for everyday use huh?

[@MegaMarclar]

@ZkReAr-fs5do ya there's no difference besides the screen size between the 2. Honestly it's a bit large and cumbersome

[@bob.bobman]

I am about to replace a faulty ABS module in a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The expert mechanic on Just Answer told me to get an Autel MK808s to read the old ABS module programming and write\copy it to the "new" (used) replacement ABS module. Are you saying that the MK808s will NOT do this? I will have to take it into the dealer?

[@MegaMarclar]

I have no idea, you would have to call autel and ask, not familiar with the specifics of each model.

[@ampautowerks6140]

As per Autel rep. Once subscription to remote expert expires it is a brick in terms of programming functions(not to be confused with coding). On top of that every person on the other end of remote expert chargers their own fee and subscription is 1200+ per year. So yeah if you are looking to spend big money on ultra or any other vcmi in hopes of utilizing programming function for once in a blue moon event dont bother. I was under the impression that there is a database of updates, say G37 ecu update you are sh out of luck. Talk about waste of money

[@matthewdale174]

I have successfully programmed gm, Stellantis, and ford with just the pass thru. Nevertheless I wouldn’t use it over OEM tooling if that’s what I had. However again this pass thru with the right subscription will program right out of the box new modules for quite a few manufactures. Remote programmers utilize the vcmi when they do programming.

[@MegaMarclar]

That's the debate though... Some like your self, say it works. Most others have zero success. Personally I have tried it with witech2 and tech connect, neither work for me. Remote programming via remote expert uses their proprietary hardware and software, so you would expect it to work. However my research shows marginal success. Also for the price, I would rather buy a 3 day sub and do it myself.

[@greg7886]

@@MegaMarclar Hi per the statement "you can not program a PCM with this" See GoTech channel 'Program Used HONDA ECM / ECU With Aulet' So he is using a cheaper Autel without any passthrough whatsoever. And it does not matter what he is using the Launch based tools have similar functionality for SOME vehicles for SOME modules. It all depends on what the manufacturer allows for. So ford via there PMI (programable module installation) 'functionality' allows many modules to be programmed by pulling info from the old and them loading back in the new assuming the old module can communicate of course. And there is a lot of vids on KZbin demonstrating that. I mean yes your correct about the VCI not being a pass through for anything but beamers. But there is no standard that says the above operations are called 'programming vs coding'. Bottom line like you said if the operation requires a pass through to replicate the OEM tool and program via the process of downloading the 'coding' from the OEM servers and 'flashing' then obviously no you can't do it (less BMW). So when we communicate, we have to define what we mean by programming. I'm sure you probably know all this just clarifying for anyone who sees this.

[@MegaMarclar]

@@greg7886 I'm not talking about a used PCM that already has a program in it. I'm talking about a brand new out of the box never powered up module. Yes you are correct You can do some Vin modifications and stuff like that with a used PCM. But not a new out of the box never programmed version. You still have to use HDS for that. I would consider that to be recoding, and not reprogramming. When I think of programming I think of installing an operating system in a module. Also I agree there are some function abilities with Fords where you can take the flash image off and put it in a new module. The thing is though getting that program to actually work is a feat of God by itself,.. Not to mention if the module is corrupt or the eProm is corrupt there's still no chance. So with all of that being said, you are correct, there are some things that you can do. But as far as taking a brand new PCM, BCM, cluster, ABS module, anything like that for a modern vehicle there's absolutely no functionability of the maxi system to do anything with that You still need access to your factory programming software suite.

[@greg7886]

@@MegaMarclar yep, these so-called "virgin" modules that require and oem download and flash are a no go without pass through or OEM tools. But for example on that Honda in that video I mentioned the tool is doing a bit more then just writing the correct VIN to the new PCM. It does the handshake process to match the reset the immobilizer as well. My point is there is confusion terminology. AKA Fords PMI and very title of GoTechs video. So, as you say in the video someone was asking can I program a PCM with the Maxisys. I guess I would answer the question with a question: are talking new virgin, used or like one from a rebuilder that takes your takes your vin online and sends you a rebuilt. The latter two the answer is maybe and probably. But the for OEM 'virgin' unit no. Ther person is really just asking can I make it work. We can say the latter two are 'coding' and not programming. But the person asking the question just wants to know if they can make the module work.

[@timwheeler1503]

@@greg7886 Do you have any experience with the Thinktool Pro? I watch Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics and he seems to be able to code most any module with a Thinktool Pro. As you stated, code not program.

[@zacharydavid5686]

I have had no issues using mine as j2354 pass through. Ive used it with ISTA, FDRS, FJDS, Witrch, tds, tech line connect. I would check your drivers on your computer and make sure you habe the correct stuff

[@zacharydavid5686]

This tool in general is VERY powerful if you know how to use it man. Just saying.

[@MegaMarclar]

how did you get it to work with witech 2? I cant seem to get mine to register with WT

[@zacharydavid5686]

@@MegaMarclar i dont know. I bought my autel directly from JB tools so its not the chines version you see on amazon. Maybe that has something to do with it? But ive used it for just about every software except IDS. IDS requires the VMC from ford but FDRS you can use any compatible jbox.

[@MegaMarclar]

@zacharydavid5686 all autels are Chinese, but ya I agree I'd never buy anything like that on Amazon. Mine came from Cornwell distributor. But regardless, it has some serious limitations and lack of function it's advertised to have.

[@asid731]

I was able to program a new headlamp and a headlamp module on a 2016 mercedes gl450 with the ultra.

[@MegaMarclar]

Well... Ya, Bmw and Mercedes are the only 2 you can "program" with an autel subscription... Everything else requires an OEM subscription.

[@SPANTALEO]

perche non date posibilita di sottotitoli in italiano ?

[@MegaMarclar]

I don't speak Italian. Not sure how to do that

[@OreetButler]

Can you program a 2016 Chevrolet Cruz ECU with this?

[@MegaMarclar]

Did you watch the video... No. You can not

[@benardjenkins6636]

So is it worth buying the ultra compared to there lower models in your opinion ?

[@MegaMarclar]

its not a bad tool, but its also not the greatest. there are a lot of things it doesn't do which its advertised to do.

[@muhammedcevdedgali8238]

they defined it as programming tool so what can it program ??

[@MegaMarclar]

Did you watch the video...? It can't program anything unless it's a bmw

[@muhammedcevdedgali8238]

@@MegaMarclar even kia /huyndai cars ? 🥲

[@MegaMarclar]

unless a Kia is a bmw... NO.

[@صلاحالحراصي-غ1ض]

A lot of things are still not clear about autel scanners. People need clarifications and I'm one of them.

[@stitchedbyfelicia]

What about Dodge TCM?

[@stitchedbyfelicia]

I have a ms919 with the same Jbox as you have?

[@MegaMarclar]

Like I said in the video, you can't program anything with it unless its a bmw. Some people have had success with the 2539, but mine has never worked. You will need witech and techauthority anyway.

[@ADDAUTOMOBILESERVICES]

👍

[@DavidPetrisor]

It will also program Benz

[@DavidPetrisor]

Also my autel ultra vci works with sps2 and witech2 and fdrs

[@MegaMarclar]

Its sort of 50/50 on if it will work. Lots say it does, but lots also say it doesn't. Getting the vci sn registered with witech is something I have never been able to get to work.

[@DavidPetrisor]

@@MegaMarclarthat’s because u need to register ur pc with the j2534 program from witech and it takes about 3 days for them to approve the pc then once u do that u can use any vci u want