Vehicles become more and more complex and almost every function is controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
The ECUs are often connected onto a communication bus to be able to share data between each other. The most common protocol is CAN, but there are other protocols.
There are many Vehicle manufactures and almost as many different communication protocols. Every vehicle manufacturer has a tool for analyzing and reprogramming their product, and this tool is often expensive. This makes it difficult for a car, bus or truck workshop to analyze and repair all kinds of vehicles.
J2534 is an interface standard designed by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and mandated by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for vehicle ECU reprogramming.
Its purpose is to create an API (Application Programming Interface) that would be adopted by all vehicle manufacturers, allowing the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) the ability to reprogram ECUs without the need for a special dealer-only tool.
The US EPA regulation mandates that automotive OEMs must comply with SAE J2534 pass-through reprogramming from the model year 2004 and forward for their Powertrain ECUs.
Yes, all OEM’s that sell vehicles in North America and support ECU reprogramming in their dealerships for emissions-related systems must comply.
J2534 pass-thru reprogramming is only required for emissions-based ECUs (e.g. Powertrain, Engine, Transmission, Throttle Controller) and is mandatory on all vehicles from the model year 2004 and forward.
Additional support of reprogramming Chassis and Body ECUs will be dependent on each manufacturer’s reprogramming application software capabilities.
Only those Powertrain ECU’s which are emissions-related and are Flash reprogrammable may be reprogrammed. Plus, the OEM will have to be performing reprogramming in its dealership on the particular Powertrain ECU as well.
Yes, J2534 reprogramming application software typically does not incorporate diagnostic Scan Tool functions that must be utilized to perform post-reprogramming tasks (such as clear DTCs or re-learn procedures). This is dependent upon the make and model of the vehicle.
There a 3 key points that need to be followed for successful reprogramming.
- The vehicle’s system voltage must remain constant (specified by OE) during the reprogramming.
- The vehicle’s electrical system needs to be functioning properly (e.g. battery state of charge and state of health, cable connections, and alternator charge performance).
- Follow the manufacturer’s reprogramming instructions in a step-by-step manner!
NOTE: Battery Testers can be a key addition to ensure car systems are up to the task of ECU reprogramming.
You may consider TOPDON BT (Battery Tester) series, which are well-known by their effective and reliable functions.
| Product | TT BT100 | TT BT200 | TT BT500P | BT MOBILE |
| Image |  |
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| Customer Rating |  4.7 / 5 |
 4.6 / 5 |
4.6 / 5 |
 4.5 / 5 |
| Best Deals Today |  Check |
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Check |
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| Voltage | 6V/12V | 12V/24V | 12V/24V | 6V/12V |
| Test Range | 100~2000CCA | 100~1700CCA | 100~2000CCA | |
| Test Range | Internal resistance/CCA/Voltage/SOC/SOH | |||
| Ripple TEST | √ | — | ||
| CRANKING TEST | √ | |||
| CHARGNG TEST | √ | |||
| SYSTEM TEST | — | √ | ||
| PRINTER | — | √ | — | |
| Storage Function | 1 | More | ||
| Display | 2 inch black and white LCD | 2.4 inch color LCD | 2.4 inch black and white LCD | — |
| APP | — | √ | ||
Many scan tool models are used to diagnose common problems but cannot be used to make J234 reprogramming.
You need to consider the OE-level diagnostic tools with cutting-edge technological developments. Choose the tools backed by prestigious brands in the automotive world, like Autel’s MK908P.
4.6 / 5Make excellent use of the revolutionary technology with J2534 ECU Programming, ECU Coding and Bi-directional Control.
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- Fully compatible with both SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2 reprogramming standards
- Performs the standard PassThru J2534 functionality
- Compatible with Toyota Techstream, Volvo VIDA, Honda HDS, Jaguar-Land Rover IDS and BMW 3G for OEM diagnostics
- Fast performance ensures quickly reprogramming even the newest controllers
- Wireless with advanced networking functions
- Built-in wireless and data storage
- Rugged design capable of withstanding harsh environments
- Internet updateable
The MK908P diagnostic tool comes with a J2534 ECU programming tool (also used as a VCI box) that is a SAE J2534-1 & -2 compliant pass thru reprogramming interface device.
Using the updated OEM software, it is capable of helping BMW and Benz users replace the existing software/firmware in the Electronic Control Units (ECU), program new ECUs and fix software-controlled drivability issues and emission issues.
It supports BT and USB communications and can transmit vehicle data to the MaxiCOM display tablet with or without a physical connection.
Of course, you may consider other diagnostic tools in the Autel family which are capable of helping your J2534 ECU reprogramming. Check the following comparison chart for details.
Let’s look at the features and functionalities of these OBD2 scan tool( View table image ):
| Product | MaxiCOM MK908P | MaxiSys Elite | MaxiSys MS908S PRO | MaxiSys MS908CV |
| Image |  |
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| Customer Rating | 4.6 / 5 |
 4 / 5 |
 0 / 5 |
4.5 / 5 |
| Price | Check |
Check |
Check |
Check |
| OBD2 Functions | ||||
| All Systems DTC Scan | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Service Function | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Bi-Directional Control | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Auto VIN Technology | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| ECU Coding | √ | √ | √ | — |
| ECU Programming | √ | √ | √ | — |
| MaxiFix Cloud-Based Info System | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Data Manager | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Shop Manager | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Remote Support | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Pre-scan Report & Post-scan Report | North America Only | North America Only | North America Only | — |
| Print Feature | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Multi-language Support | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Domestic/Asian/European Coverage(1996-Present) | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Hardware | ||||
| CPU | Samsung Exynos hexa-core Processor (1.3GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 + 1.7GHz Dual-core ARM Cortex-A15) | NVIDIA Tegra®4(4-PLUS-1 Quad-core Processor)1.8GHz with ARM Cortex–A15 CPU | Samsung Exynos Six-core Processor (1.3GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 + 1.7GHz Dual-core ARM Cortex-A15) | Samsung Exynos Quad-Core Processor 1.4GHz |
| Touch Screen Display | 10.1-inch LED screen with 1920×1200 resolution | 9.7”Retina display with 2048X1536 resolution&Capacitive touch screen | 9.7 inch LED capacitive touch screen with 2048×1536 resolution | 9.7 inch LED capacitive touchscreen with 1024×768 resolution |
| Wireless VCI | MaxiFlash Elite | MaxiFlash Elite | MaxiFlash Elite | MaxiFlash Elite |
| Battery Life | 15000 mAh 3.8 V | 15400 mAh 3.7 V | 11000 mAh 3.7 V | 11000 mAh 3.7 V |
| Memory Storage | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB |
| Weight (Display) | 3.26 lb.(1.48kg) | 3.5 lb.(1.59kg) | 3.13 lb.(1.42 kg) | 3.13 lb.(1.42 kg) |
| Connector Kit | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Options | ||||
| Oscilloscope | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Inspection Camera | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| ADAS | √ | √ | √ | — |
| Autel MaxiCOM MK908P same function as MS908S PRO, but at the same price, mk908p has a larger battery and a larger screen. | ||||