MP3Car.com - View Single Post

joeyoravec · 07-28-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Podaman

Could you confirm, joeyoravec, that Subaru's don't work with the Mongoose via the J2534 pass-thru standard? I'm not too worried about reprogramming the ECU. I have the OpenPort 1.2 for that now

. Will the Mongoose ever support reprogramming Subaru ECUs?

I can't confirm it because it's not true. But I'll clarify what I think he meant to say:

Similar to the generic driver that lets all printers work together, the SAE (in document J2534) defines a generic driver that lets laptop-to-vehicle PassThru interface cables work together. In this way the low-cost Mongoose cable works perfectly fine with Subarus. You can read and clear codes, pull live parameters, etc. At a basic OBD-II scantool level things are quite simple, always compatible, and the main difference you'll see between tools is speed.

Lloyd's point is that all automakers are required by law to provide reprogramming software to update the factory calibration, but Subaru is on the "naughty" list for failing to provide this software. Subaru assures me that they're working on software and it should be available soon. The older Subarus require a more complex flash tool because they need an extra voltage to enter programming mode. The newer models got rid of that requirement and the Mongoose could probably flash fine. I'll do the testing as soon as something's available.

07-28-2006, 12:53 PM	#8
joeyoravec Constant Bitrate Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Livonia, MI Vehicle: 2003 Mustang GT Posts: 147 My Photos: ()	Quote: Originally Posted by Podaman Could you confirm, joeyoravec, that Subaru's don't work with the Mongoose via the J2534 pass-thru standard? I'm not too worried about reprogramming the ECU. I have the OpenPort 1.2 for that now . Will the Mongoose ever support reprogramming Subaru ECUs? I can't confirm it because it's not true. But I'll clarify what I think he meant to say: Similar to the generic driver that lets all printers work together, the SAE (in document J2534) defines a generic driver that lets laptop-to-vehicle PassThru interface cables work together. In this way the low-cost Mongoose cable works perfectly fine with Subarus. You can read and clear codes, pull live parameters, etc. At a basic OBD-II scantool level things are quite simple, always compatible, and the main difference you'll see between tools is speed. Lloyd's point is that all automakers are required by law to provide reprogramming software to update the factory calibration, but Subaru is on the "naughty" list for failing to provide this software. Subaru assures me that they're working on software and it should be available soon. The older Subarus require a more complex flash tool because they need an extra voltage to enter programming mode. The newer models got rid of that requirement and the Mongoose could probably flash fine. I'll do the testing as soon as something's available.