J2534 for fun and profit

It’s no secret that more and more, onboard computers are responsible for operating our vehicle’s various systems.

“Many of today’s service fixes are accomplished with software updates. Improvements to drivability, false DTCs, even making parts last longer are often done with software,” says Dave Hobbs, Delphi technical advisor and training instructor. “The aim of (Reprogram, Reconfigure, and Remobilize: J2534 Module Flashing) is to show technicians and shop owners that they can perform this work in-house instead of sending it to a dealer.”

During Tuesday’s class, Hobbs showed the attendees all they need to know to add module reprogramming capability to their business, and proved it was a real business opportunity.

“It’s one job on a vehicle that does not require you to open your toolbox, set the lift or even require a service bay. No parts need to be stocked, so space and inventory tax are not factors,” Hobbs says. He adds that the cost of the needed equipment is typically less than half the cost of the average scan tool, and that cost easily can be recovered in just a few months by reprogramming only a few cars a day.

Hobbs explained that, while the SAE standard J2534 only covered those software updates related to vehicle emissions, many OEMs offer access to all potential updates via their service websites. He covered the differences between SAE standards J2534-1 and J2534-2, and shared information on equipment needs, telling attendees that the heart of vehicle reprogramming is the J2534 reflash tool: the link that connects their personal PC to the car to be programmed. In addition to tips on selecting the best J2534 device, often referred to as a “pass through” tool, Hobbs offered advice on setting up a reliable shop environment and Internet source to insure a successful outcome.

“Don’t lower your head and surrender,” Hobbs told the participants. “You don’t have to send these cars to the dealer. The learning curve is not that steep.”

He walked the attendees through the reprogramming procedures for a few different OEMs to prove his point, and encourage students to seriously consider taking advantage of this revenue generating operation.

Hobbs, an ASE Certified Master Technician and member of SAE and iATN, began his teaching career with Delphi when it was still GM’s Delco Electronics Division after 20 years of working in the family owned garage in Kokomo, Ind. In addition to his heavy teaching schedule, Hobbs also helps working technicians over the Delphi technical assistance hotline and teaches for Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College. He has also taught for Sun Electric, MACS, ASA and Linder Technical Services. He has worked with Auto-Video Inc in the making of several automotive training videos including his personal favorite ”F.R.E.D. Takes The Bus,”a technical training program on vehicle serial data bus communications that is being offered to CARS attendees on Wednesday.