Snap-On Solus Legend ($800.00 Kit via eBay)

[mrrsm]

This has been a week of "Revelations" that, "In a Nutshell" encapsulate something like THIS:

(1) My DIL allowed her "New To Me" 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee to continue in operation after having a Coolant Leak... and she drove it until it blew all of the *Stuff* RTF Out of the Coolant Reservoir and left her stranded.

(2) BOTH Batteries in the Jeep went side-ways afterwards and required a complicated R&R that would end up with having to completely R&R the Passenger Seat... just to get at them. In spite of the "Help" my Son rendered (Ahem...) this portion took Two Days while I UNFUBARed all of the unnecessary Damage he did by being too GEEDEE impatient from the Get-Go.

Unfortunately, he wound up making a "Dog's Breakfast" out of the Battery Thermister Wiring and Destroyed that Sensor Harness and the H2SO4 Gas Venting Piping plugged into both Batteries. THIS kept me Fixing, Creating and Soldering while acting like an "Ancient McGyver" with a fistful of Nylon "T" Fittings, some high end TYVEK Yellow Fuel Line... mixed and matched up with some other Silicone Hosing and clamps over the Entire First Day, while I was bent down over and inside of that cramped, Super-Secret Battery Well.

I stayed in there pretty much all during the day in order to *U-F* the Works down there and then be able to keep going on towards doing the necessary Engine Diagnostics... But... NOT having the usual Pro-Grade Diagnostic Gear I am accustomed to using and working with for such things on Late Model Vehicles made progress STOP..

(3) Meanwhile... I'm still intent upon performing both a "Relative Compression Test" ...AND... An "In-Cylinder Live Compression Wave Form Test" using my MICSIG Oscilloscope along with a 500 PSI Pressure Transducer to visualize any possible damage done to the Heads-Valves, etc. of this Truly Remarkable Well Built Chrysler-Fiat Designed 3.6L Pentastar V-6 DOHC 300+ HP Engine.

However, up until an hour or so ago, I was NOT in possession of any Decent Late Model Capable Bi-Directional Scan Tool outfitted with Guided Component Instructions and the ability to perform all of the requisite Chrysler OEM Engine Tests because I needed to DEEP SCAN THE 2019 JEEP FIRST.

(4) Ordinarily, the one I would want to get would be the Snap-On Solus Legend or the Solus Edge that sell USED right now as a Kit over on eBay with Snap-On's On-Line Updates already paid for and installed ranging from the 2018.4 level all the way up to 2024.4. HOWEVER...they ALSO seem to run in the Very Pricey Range of $1,500.00 -$3,000.00.

Man... THAT is a LOT of Bread (aka...The Elusive Spondulex)...!!!

(5) Well... Lah-Dee Dah, Ladies & Gents.... I kept checking eBay all last night and today and managed to find just ONE that has been updated to 2022.4 and was listed as Complete and Fully Operational KIT for only... $800.00...and so.... I *Pinched* it On The SPOT.

Guys... THIS Gear is a SERIOUS Professional Grade Bi-Directional Scan Tool LOADED with Features they take seriously enough at Snap-On to supply THESE YouTube Training Videos for Professional Mechanics ...So Keep Your Eyes Peeled ...and Scope out eBay Frequently enough to find Great Deals like THIS One!!!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=solus+legend+snap+on

Snap-on Diagnostics

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

I'll pick up the MICSIG Diagnostics over on the Oscilloscope Thread once I get past doing whatever the Snap-On Solus Legend points me towards with what might be going on under the hood...

PS... The Prior Owner must have managed to install the Oil Filter UPSIDE DOWN and it completely collapsed it ...making it By-Pass filtration for whatever amount of time THAT involves.

 

[m.mcmillen]

All Mopar vehicles from 2018 and up have a secure gateway module. You should be able to read all of the data with this scan tool but bi-directional controls will not work. You can't even clear codes.

To get through the SGW, you have to have a subscription to a place call autoauth (https://webapp.autoauth.com/) and it costs $50 per year. The downside is that the scan tool that you use has to be up-to-date. So, if you sign up for autoauth and your scan tool isn't current, it won't work.

Another workaround - find the green "STAR" connector and plug a cable into it. This bypasses the SGW. They're in various places on different vehicles. On the 2019 Grand Cherokee, it is on the passenger side of the center console up near the firewall. Pull the carpet back and you will see it there.

This is the cable you need - it says for Ram trucks but it will work. You'll need an OBD extension cable for it to reach from the passenger side to the driver's side. You plug into the OBD2 port for power and the STAR connector for data.

Edit: Here's a video showing where the connectors are.

 

[mrrsm]

Sweeeeet! (The Legendary MAC...Comes To The RESCUE!)...

For the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

For the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo:

@m.mcmillen ...Thanks Brother... for --==The Knowledge Bounce==-- over to "The Good Stuff". I Just "Pulled The Pin" and ordered BOTH Chrysler Specialty Cables ...AND... The OBD2 Cable Extender... They will all arrive around the same time that the Snap-On Solus Legend will be getting here early tomorrow morning!






Now comes the Deeper Dive into what I might need to get next, including that New $50.00 Diagnostic Account for Programming Calibration Updates...Or... WETF Fiat-Chrysler-Etc. Calls them... HERE:

AutoAuth

webapp.autoauth.com

@m.mcmillen ...What Pass-Thru Device do YOU Use for PCM Programming on Chrysler Products and... is any of that possible to do via the Snap-On Solus Legend? It is Up To Date only as far as 2022.4.

I also put in a Bid over on eBay for $215.00 this morning for the TOPDON R-Link J-2534 Diagnostic and Pass-Thru Device shown below (with Specs):

Oh... and I thought THIS was a Pretty Damned Cool "2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee No Start" Hack as well:

We ALWAYS Appreciate ALL of YOUR Help and Guidance about Learning New Things!!! Bravo again, MAC...

Ahmmatellmygrandchildren'boutchooBrah!!!

 

[mrrsm]

I've been rambling around on the Ground, Seas and Skies of this...The Good Earth ... for a VERY long time and so seldom in that temporal reference have I EVER seen the coming together of SO many serendipitous events that include Specific, Technical Machinery along with Target Specific NEED that meet up at JUST the Right Time and appear almost like Magic at Just The Right PLACE... that it is quite beyond my capacity to take it all in!

Late this afternoon... much of the final Gear of the eBay purchase of this Amazing Snap-On Solus Legend Diagnostic Kit arrived and independently the Amazon Purchases of the Specialty Chrysler Cables also arrived.... (Once Again... Thanks a Million to @m.mcmillen "The Legendary MAC" for coming to my RESCUE!!!)

A month or so earlier, for completely different reasons, I had Bid & Won an Amazing Blow Molded Carry Case for the Latest Model Snap-On Solus Pro. But I decided instead to set up that Tool Kit within an OEM Snap-On Black Nylon Soft Case I had available and was very happy with that arrangement. I had not even bothered to open that Black Plastic Case to see what was inside... until TODAY!

But after this late evening - early morning Un-Boxing of the New Arrivals... I could NOT believe my eyes... The Scan Tool, Documentation and ancillary cables were all completely Brand New! No Shop Wear, No Brake Dust, No Grease, No Chips, Dents or Scratches, No Touch Screen Damage, No Dimness or Screen Yellowing... and On and On!

All THAT... and the chance to Transfer it all into the "BNIB" (Brand New In Box) Snap-On Pro Auto Dealership Black Blow-Molded Carry Case... Form Fitted to PERFECTION!

Therein was a Completely Functioning Unit... WITH a Fully Functional Battery... and all for less that perhaps 1/3rd of what the prevailing Used Product Pricing has been for identical Vintage and Condition of those Identical Snap-On Units selling over on eBay!

Jesus Palomino! I was like a Kid at Christmas getting THAT Red Fire Engine -=AND=- THE Boeing B-29 Turbo-Propped Bomber Toys at the very same moment!

So here are the 29 "Vanity Shots" of all this Gear. First Thing tomorrow morning, I'll head over to my Son's home and apply all of this Diagnostic H-W towards Diagnosing his Wife's 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee... From Tip To Tail:

First 14 Images of the 29 Total:



More to Follow...

 

[mrrsm]

Last 15 of the 29 Images:



PS... The TOPDON Authorized eBay Vendor compromised on his $299.00 Diagnostic and Programming Kit and sold it to me for $235.00. So... Down the Road... I'll be setting up the Chrysler-Fiat equivalent to a TIS2WEB Account and be able to conduct the JEEP PCM Updates, Too!!!

 

[mrrsm]

EDIT and UPDATE:

Just Found THIS as the ONLY reliable Video showing precisely where the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Chrysler 12+8 SGM Connections are actually hidden inside the Upper Front Passenger Side Console - Foot Well Area:

And THIS is what this ACCURSED "Fiat Chrysler America Money Cow" SGM Device Looks Like...

I think THIS is the Process @m.mcmillen suggested using as another alternative method to get the by-pass features for the Snap-On Tool and beat the FCA SGM in a "Legit" manner that puts $50.00 in THEIR Pockets:

Use an AUTEL to BYPASS the SGM on a 2018+ Chrysler

A short walk thorough in what the SGM is and how to get around it.Visit www.L1Training.com for this and many more videos!

www.youtube.com

But THIS Video shows why all this New-Fangled "Hacker Security" JUST PLAIN SUCKS!!!

 

[m.mcmillen]

The 12+8 cable on most vehicles is too much trouble in my opinion. The two-pin connector that plugs into the STAR connector is much simpler. I have several Durango keys to program at a dealership this week. The Durango and Grand Cherokee are nearly identical vehicles and the connectors are in the same place.

I will try and remember to take a few pictures when I do it.

As far as programming - no scan tool that I am aware of can program modules except for Autel and a couple others can do BMW and Mercedes programming. You have to have a J2534 device and a laptop. WITECH 2 is what Mopar uses and get ready for a ride setting all of that up. It is a little complicated the first time. Also, get ready to break open your wallet to actually flash a module. It requires you to buy 3 separate subscriptions coming out to about $130 I think. I did hear something about a price increase but I haven't used it in a while so I don't know for sure.

I have not personally used the Topdon R-Link but I have heard it works pretty well.

As far as AutoAuth goes - that is only for aftermarket scan tools. Using WITECH does not require it.

Edit: I'm going to send you down another rabbit hole lol. Check out Alfa OBD. It is pretty good for diagnostics and coding modules. I use it all the time to add factory remote start to Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles.

 

[mrrsm]

Thanks again for following this Thread and providing all of the assistance. Perhaps reading about all of these *Shenanigans* will encourage the Owners of Legacy GM and GMC Cars, Trucks and SUVs who relish the control they have over their Scanning and Coding PCM Environments will Think Twice before trading them in to join this MOPAR MADNESS with all that this SGM Stuff entails. 'Preciate You, Brah!' ...Gonna look into Alfa OBD and see WTF THEIR Rabbits are up to...! :>)

 

[mrrsm]

Is THIS The WiTech Tool required here? The Sales Info indicates it only goes as far as 2016:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT12LZFC/?tag=gmtnation-20

 

[m.mcmillen]

I honestly wouldn’t bother with it. The only times I ever need to use WITECH is for programming modules or key programming on later model vehicles.

It has been a while since I’ve used a Snapon scanner but I have several other brands and they handle the diagnostic side just fine.

Most J2534 devices will work with WITECH on the diagnostic and programming end so if you get the RLINK, you should be good.

 

[mrrsm]

Excellent! Thanks Again...and when I can Un-Box the TOPDON R-Link...I'll do a Follow Up... The Jeep was towed for FREE to the Local Point Of Sale Jeep Dealership because they made "Noises" about "Possibly Honoring the Original Warranty..." and my DIL needs the vehicle back ASAP. Not a Problem.

But... My guess is they'll just want to get it in their "Shop" so they can *winkle* a New Car Sale out of my DIL and then add yet another "Good Used Jeep" to their inventory and charge the NEXT Owner an OUTRAGEOUS amount of money for a Used FCA Vehicle. Naturally, this will NEVER happen... and if they give her a Hard Time about things... Well, they have not seen ME showing up there...

...Yet...

(You've Seen Eric Bana in the end of the 2003 "The Hulk" Movie...?)



Yeah... It always kinda goes like... THAT! :>)

 

[mrrsm]

Early Morning Un-Boxing of the TOPDON R-LINK J-2534 Elite Pass-Thru Kit:



Hummm... Guys... THIS Kit normally sells for $299.00 and the Authorized eBay TOPDON Vendor worked with me by accepting my $235.00 Bid instead due to his "OBO" feature and THAT is a pretty decent savings On a Pro Shop Quality Tool. Yay Dog.. DAMN!

I looked this gear over pretty closely and IT is All "Built To The Hilt"...Very High Quality Materials and the connectors are TIGHT & RIGHT...so if you are looking for an updated "PASS-THRU" Device that will accept GM and many other Vendors Software (Separate Purchase from the OEM Manufacturers) ...This Lil' Gizmo will do LOTS for Diagnostics and for Reading and Writing to Late Model PCM Calibrations...Pretty Neat!!! (One Computer and One Hard Drive Installation per OEM Manufacturers Platforms---No Exceptions)

 

[m.mcmillen]

Here you go - a 2021 Durango which will be identical to your Grand Cherokee. Just pull the carpet back a little on the right side of the console up near the firewall and plug into the green connector. Any open port will do.

 

[mrrsm]

Great Stuff, Mac!... Thanks for These Images!

...and here is some more information on ALL of the Vehicles from FCA (Fiat Chrysler America) in need of these Three Cable OBD2 to SGM adaptations in order to Gain Bi-Directional Controls, Read Codes, Clear Codes or gain access to the PCM for Calibration Updates or Reads and Writes:

How to use Chrysler BYPASS 12+8 cable on a 2018+ Chrysler | FCAR Tech USA

www.fcarusa.com

 

[mrrsm]

Uh Oh... We are in REAL Trouble now. My Son took the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee up to New Port Richey to the Original Sales Point of their vehicle. Those Bozos kept the vehicle over Five Days before contacting him with the Dealership Sob Story,

"Well... Chrysler says that since we've found Combustion Gasses in the Coolant, WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE...or... YOU CAN SPEAK TO OUR SALES MANAGER AND TRADE IT IN RIGHT NOW ON A NEW JEEP PRODUCT."

I'm not used to YELLING over the Telephone after losing my temper, least of all to Family Members...but after my Son explained that, "They already changed out the (NEW) Starter for $1,649.00... just to get the Engine running before doing the Engine Tests..."

I almost LMS...!!!

So... Here is MY Plan...

As soon as we can Rescue that Jeep from the "Dealership Death Grip" and get it back to is home driveway, I'm having my son make an Appointment with "Rainman-Ray" at his Shop down in Bradenton, Florida and see if he will be willing to take this job on and Sort Things Out!

(Serious Props to @Mooseman for bringing Rainman- Ray to our Attention in another Thread)

Rainman Ray's Repairs

Rainman Ray's Repairs

rainmanraysrepairs.com

 

[m.mcmillen]

I’d say with the 3.6 being an all aluminum engine, it likely has cracked heads if it was run to the point that it stalled out from overheating.

 

[mrrsm]

I know this is WAY Off Topic...But to round off the corners on this issue...I'll get back to the use of the Snap-On Solus...Once the Vehicle is back Up and Running Again...

I'm following on with the idea that "I NEVER Do ANYTHING By HALVES" and getting the Fraser De Luxe 3.6L Re-Manufactured Motor (with all the latest TSB Updates, Bells & Whistles) that comes with a Five Year Warranty and Unlimited Miles... and have it shipped to "Rainman Ray" for the requisite Professional Installation required to Validate that Warranty.

I'm in the midst of doing all of these arrangements right now ...and as far as I am concerned... this really is a Great Deal for my Son & DIL to get their Beloved Jeep... Back on The Road and Skip "The Bravo Sierra and Mickey Mouse" efforts to do anything less: