The world of automotive diagnostic tools can be somewhat tricky to navigate. With seemingly endless functions, features, and capabilities, it’s best to take things one at a time. If you don’t have much experience with J2534 reprogramming tools, have no fear! Industry experts and independent distributor Jared Charlesworth are here to help.
Understanding J2534
In any auto repair shop, whether it’s an independent shop or a dealership, technicians must be equipped with not only the proper tools to fix a vehicle’s problems but also ones that help identify them. According to Maurice Miller, director of technical support at Autel, J2534 tools are an essential part of any modern automotive shop.
J2534 is an interface standard designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for electronic control unit (ECU) reprogramming, describes Steven Haney, territory sales manager for Bosch Automotive. Haney continues to explain that a J2534 device is used for reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), programming correct module data into blank modules, and adapting control modules after part replacements.
“[J2534] originally started as a tool to just reflash the ECUs within the car,” says Mark Wine, Opus IVS. “It morphed into also being able to run diagnostics. Basically, the computer runs the diagnostics, and it uses the tool to collect and send information to the vehicle.”
These tools are designed to go between a computer and a car, making a bridge with the diagnostic connector and translating computer jargon to the vehicle.
“Their ability to reprogram control modules within a vehicle [ensures] vehicles run with the latest software updates,” Miller explains. This function gave the tool its alternative name of a pass-thru device.
Updates and advancements
Reprogramming has become commonplace in almost every aspect of vehicle repair and maintenance.
“The biggest change and the hardest one to accept is that the only way for some vehicle issues to be repaired or ‘fixed’ is by reprogramming,” says Haney. “Today, even things as simple as a wheel alignment require reprogramming. With all the ‘driver assist’ systems, many services just cannot be done without J2534 capability.”
Improvements in software and firmware updates have enhanced the speed and reliability of reprogramming processes, Haney explains, ultimately reducing downtime in shops. Haney notes that over the last few years, there has been an expansion of supported vehicle models and manufacturers, giving technicians a broader range of applications.
Selling the tool
Around 20 years ago, independent distributor Jared Charlesworth started his career in the mobile tool distribution business. Currently, his route is in Columbia Falls, Montana, where he visits mostly independent shops and dealerships, with a few agricultural and heavy duty locations in the mix.
Though technicians don’t always seek out the J2534 feature specifically, when they find that the diagnostic tool has that ability, it opens doors for them.
“When shops adopt J2534 tools, they benefit from the ability to perform a wider range of diagnostic and reprogramming tasks in-house, reducing the need for outsourcing,” Miller says. “By offering [these] services, these shops can set themselves apart, based on their ability to handle dealer level services in-house.”
For Charlesworth, selling J2534 reprogramming tools is like clockwork. His technicians ask for the tools almost weekly, with a sale being made nearly every month.
“I’ve been approached more so lately about having it,” Charlesworth says. “It’s started to take hold I think a little bit more in the independent shops.”
It helps that Charlesworth keeps a diagnostic tool turned on at the front of his truck so customers can interact with it and familiarize themselves with its capabilities. Demonstrations are more centered on the technician, giving them hands-on experience with the tool.
“As far as demonstrating the product’s value, I’d recommend letting the technician try it out for themselves,” says Haney. “Distributors might consider directing the customer through a routine software update or diagnostic reading, or even allowing the [technician] to test the product on a trial basis within their own shop.”
Not only can having these pass-thru devices in their shops set a technician apart from the rest, but it can also save them money. A J2534 device allows shops to expand their coverage to different vehicle models without the need to invest in OE tools, explains Wine.
Preparing your customers (and yourself)
As Alan Sipe discussed in September’s Go Sell Something article, not having an automotive background doesn’t have to hold you back.
“I didn’t grow up in the automotive industry,” Charlesworth says. “When it came to tools, I learned most of my stuff from my customers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
You don’t need to know how to operate the tool, but you should understand its abilities and benefits to sell it to your customers. While the training a technician does isn’t necessary for a distributor, it is valuable to educate yourself on these tools. To stay up-to-date, Charlesworth utilizes YouTube videos and the knowledge of his customer-base.
Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with his technicians where they feel comfortable coming to him with their questions, and they can in turn share their knowledge with him. This symbiotic relationship makes the sale just that much easier and helps Charlesworth with future customer interactions.
“I have a couple technicians that I’ve built relationships with over the years that if I have somebody asking questions about programming or whatever it may be, I send them that direction,” Charlesworth says. “I’ve always cut them a better deal on a tool, or I set them up with something where it [becomes] an incentive for them to help me teach these new technicians.”
One way to get to know your customers is to ask them questions. Get to know their shop's needs and any potential concerns they might have when purchasing these tools. Autel’s Miller suggests asking customers about the types of vehicles their shop services, as well as the diagnostic services they regularly perform.
“There are [other] things to consider as well, [like] does the shop have good and stable internet? They will need a decent laptop PC that meets the OE requirements,” explains Bosch’s Haney.
J2534 devices often require the user to be tech savvy, says Wine, with different vehicles requiring different applications depending on the OE. Charlesworth keeps informational flyers on his truck to hand to customers and recommends other training sources like the Autel Academy for more tool-specific information. You can recommend workshops, seminars, and online tutorials to your customers to help them gain practical experience on these tools.
Stocking your truck
When deciding what reprogramming tools to keep on his truck, Charlesworth likes to go to his technicians for their input. Understanding your customers’ needs will help you make informed decisions on the best inventory options for your business.
If you’re new to J2534 and need somewhere to start, or maybe you’re just looking to add more of these tools to your truck, Autel, Bosch, Opus IVS, and many other companies have an extensive selection to choose from when it comes to J2534 devices.
Autel offers a wide range of tools that perform J2534 reprogramming, but according to Miller the XLink stands out amongst their lineup based on its ability to utilize Remote Expert in case a technician requires OEM software that is not easily obtainable or is cost prohibitive. This is a good option for shops that don’t have access to, or maybe don’t possess the budget for, certain OE-specific applications.
Another option to consider is Bosch’s Mastertech II J2534 VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) which is fully validated for performing reflashing and diagnostic services on the top six OEM reprogramming applications: GM, Ford, FCA, Nissan/Infinity, Honda/Accura, and Toyota/Lexus. This tool is designed to be compatible with future OE communications requirements, explains Haney, and can work well for small or independent shops, giving them a broader scope of OEM applications and cutting back costs.
Additionally, Opus IVS has several J2534 devices available, from tools with access to many OEM applications to OE-specific ones. The CARDAQ-Plus 3 is their premier J2534 device, says Wine. This tool gives users access to OEM key codes, PIN numbers, and immobilizer reset information. With the Toolbox3 feature which provides the technician with OEM application ions and educational video tutorials, this becomes a good choice for the technician who might not have the most experience with J2534 devices.
Stocking your truck with these tools doesn’t have to be hard, and with these three options to start, you’ll be more than prepared to hit the road. Try your best to stay up to date on the ever-changing world of reprogramming, so that when customers ask about these tools, you’ll be ready to help them.
