october2022 - 3

ADVE R TO R I AL Sponsored by NEXIQ Technologies®
Navigating FCA's
secure gateway module
OEM is changing the game for vehicle diagnostics. Here's what you need to know.
In recent years, vehicle manufacturers have pursued
solutions to protect their vehicles' communication
networks from unauthorized access, including potential
cyber-attacks. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US),
for example, implemented a secure gateway module
(SGW) on a selection of their 2018 and newer model
vehicles-including light-duty vehicles that serve
commercial interests.
For these FCA vehicles, access to certain diagnostic
functions requires registration and authentication
for aftermarket scan tools. According to FCA, the
SGW wasn't developed to restrict access to diagnostic
data. Instead, it restricts the ability of non-registered
and non-authenticated users to perform intrusive
diagnostics such as bi-directional controls.
To provide clarity and insight on FCA's implementation
of SGW and a solution to provide direct access to
perform diagnostic functions, Dave Shock, product
manager for NEXIQ Technologies®
, answers some of
the questions he has been asked most frequently in
relation to this essential technology.
What motivated FCA to develop a secure
gateway module?
In 2015, hackers were able to remotely take control of
a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and manipulate many vehicle
features including steering and braking. After issuing
a vehicle recall, FCA began development on the SGW
in an effort to secure numerous on-board control
modules behind a " firewall " to address potential
cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
What is the significance of the SGW to a
commercial vehicle repair facility?
Shops that perform repairs on MY18 RAM®
How do repair facilities gain access to the SGW?
I can't speak for all aftermarket scan tool/technology
providers, but NEXIQ has coordinated with FCA to
enable technicians to use eTechnician™, our PC-based
diagnostic software application,
procedures on FCA US models 2018 and newer (e.g.,
RAM vehicles).
eTechnician and similar tools require an internet
connection to access the SGW in order to conduct
bi-directional testing, including the clearing of
fault codes. This also requires a subscription with
AutoAuth®
to perform diagnostic
-an authentication service that gives technicians
the ability to use aftermarket diagnostic tools
to perform secured functions that would otherwise be
locked by the OEM.
Is there a fee/subscription required to set up an
account with AutoAuth?
Repair facilities can register through AutoAuth's
Internet-based registration portal for $50 per
year. While up to six users can register under this initial
fee, additional users can sign up for a nominal cost.
How might this impact fleets?
Once an AutoAuth account is created, the repair facility
adds the technician and diagnostic tool to the account.
Given the fact that some fleets have hundreds if not
thousands of diagnostic machines that may need to be
registered across multiple applications, this appears to
be a daunting task on the surface. However, NEXIQ has
developed partnerships with fleets and OEMs to assist
in finding a solution to reduce the complexity of the
certification process-and provide vital access to security
gateway enabled vehicles.
trucks and
MY20 RAM ProMaster® vans and later models need a
diagnostic scan tool that has the capability to unlock
SGW modules and allow technicians to perform diagnostic
procedures and repairs.
What is the downside for a repair operation that
does not have the ability to unlock an SGW?
There's a significant downside for shops that do not
have this capability. For example, such shops will not
be able to clear fault codes and calibrate variable
geometry turbochargers, as well as hundreds of other
diagnostic procedures for any electronic modules on
the vehicle. This includes input/output controls and
routine special testing.
To learn more about NEXIQ eTechnician and other
NEXIQ products and services, please visit NEXIQ.com
or call 248-293-8200.
NEXIQ Technologies
2950 Waterview Dr
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
248-293-8200
NEXIQ.com
October 2022 | VehicleServicePros.com
3
http://www.NEXIQ.com http://www.NEXIQ.com http://nexiq.com http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
october2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of october2022
