Singh

Oem tools for sure until u get some experience and figure what u can do without the oe tool. I am looking into the new autel diag/key programmer it has some of the autel functions but still has key prog and eeprom functions 

Bottom line, you are going to need OEM diagnostic capabilities for the manufacturers, years and models you intend to service. That may mean OEM tools, a good J2534 device and appropriate software and/or subscriptions, or most likely a combination of both.
Aftermarket tools will cover some of those duties. But I certainly wouldn't want to step off into that abyss without the catch net of the proper OEM tools underneath me. Not to mention some solid training.

i personally have the AEZ Flasher2 and use it for GM mostly and so far it works flawless. And tech support is awsome with AE Tools full tech support for the life of tool.Ford ford i use IDS which i highly recommend.The max-sys with passthru from alot of garages that own them and they still call me to reflash modules.I guess it’s a learning curve for them.

I'm considering getting into this field.  I have some eeprom equipment, top of the line soldering, and hot air station,  and key programming equipment.  I'm thinking that an Autel scan tool is next in line.  My first question on which tool in the Autel line has the most module swapping capabilities?  Do I need the Maxisys Elite?  Should I get the one with j2534 pass-thru interface, or should I buy the AEZ Flasher2 Separately?  Do I need OEM programmers? 

I tried with my maxisys elite and I couldn't figure it out. I couldn't find anything that even stated VIN relearn

Have never done it, but maybe someone can chime in here.
 
Maxysis lists Radio VIN relearn. Would this work to swap a used radio?

J2534 and SPS subscription. It’s $40 a vin not $50 a day. The used ones I’ve done had the vin from the vehicle it came from on the salvage yard stock tag.  Also, the salvage yard will frequently put it on the receipt.  
It’s more important to know the RPO code for the vehicle it’s going into than the one it came from. I have a list of GM rpo codes and then it’s just a matter of finding the sticker on the vehicle. 
You can find the rpo code list on Google. I charge the same as flashing a computer. 

Some can be done with just the Tech 2, most if not all after 2007 will require a subscription to TIS2Web and an interface device such as Tech2, MDI, or some J2534 devices will do it. 
As the subscription costs $50/day, it's an expensive process. . . usually more than what they paid for the radio. On top of that you'll have be able to figure out the RPO code of the radio they're trying to install (assuming they don't show up with a copy of the sticker from the vehicle they came out of), or just try all of the ones listed until you get one that works. Lots of fun crap like the volume will be stuck at an uncomfortable level or the door chime will be too loud or on all the time if you set it up under the wrong RPO. 
In short, it sucks. Charge accordingly. I quote $200 for ones that require Tis2web but nobody has said yes to that other than a guy with a decked out Denali that wanted a nav/backup camera radio unlocked. Everyone else I just suggest they put in an aftermarket head unit. 

What Jay said is mostly true, but there seems to be an exception on some early transponder optional vehicles. There's a function in the J2534 toolbox that comes with the Drew Tech and rebranded Drew Tech tools to turn off the immobilizer. It doesn't work most of the time, but did work once for me on a Durango. I can't remember what year it was though.

Update. Added skim programmed key car starts and runs. After plugging in the skim and turning the key on the security start flashing in the the dash. Then did a skim vin edit , program key , transfer secret key car starts and runs. Thanks.

I have a chat Group on Whatsapp with six of us at this point.  Some of them will send me pictures and a short description which I write up as a PDF.  Send a message to me on Whatsapp and I will add you.
 

I tried programming a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee key by J2534 and utterly failed. I couldn't connect to the vehicle at all with my CarDaq Plus. Keep in mind that this is not the latest in J2534 technology, so maybe a newer interface is necessary?
I did notice that the Tech Authority website now has links to get incodes for the Sprinters, so maybe they're opening up that system to us now?

I"d like to thank everyone who participates in the forum! It is very helpful to me, thank you.
 
As an update, in compliance with R2R (Right to Repair) you can now use a Cardaq-M with Megacan module and Witech 2 software to program all keys lost for at least a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited.
We couldn't complete a 2018 Nissan Kick with J2534 as of yet but was told that Nissan will have this new system available through R2R but only supporting fully 2018+ vehicles for full diagnostic and immobilizer. As I understand Nissan's response it is Consult 3+ only AND the Computer, the security card, plus a new subscription for 2018 Immobilizer software which has to be purchased with an LSID and that subscription is tied to your LSID so it can't be shared without sharing your LSID, which of course is a No-No.
Do any of you participate in Messenger or Whatsapp in a security focused diagnostic chat group, if so can you provide some info or lets start one for us? I"m dumb on whatsapp but would be willing to learn. 

Used Autel to do Used ECM swap. Must start with orig ECM installed read info then transfer.Autel failed to program prox back to vehicle but Zed Full finishes the job.

Remote Function Actuation

Installed a new BCM in 2003 Impala today.Used Tech2Win to do set up.Set the Vin ,Country Code and the options by build tag.Didnt give a lot of options ,Daytime running lights,Auto lights ,police car.After set up you need to unlock the radio with the tech2 then switch over to Tis2000 and do a Security relearn.Start car all seems ok.Air bag light is out now but the Keyless entry does not work. Tried to program won’t take it.I used it to open trunk when I started ?Back in to setup on BCM turn on RFA and program fob in.How does RFA stand for Keyless entry ?
 

It doesn’t need to transfer the secret Key?

Good tip.I have seen a few older cars show up
where they replace the skim with a used one and change the PCM vin to match the vin of the used skim.Screw everything up down the road .

The PDF for FCA J2534 supported vehicles shows application only up through 2017. I just tried it anyways to program a 2018 Chrysler 300 prox and could not get communication. It then asked for me to input the vin manually, and then said that the vehicle is not supported for J2534. 

You need the micro pod 2 to do scan tool testing, bi directional controls, see live data, and other mechanical shop stuff.  The point of the video is that key programming can be done without the micro pod 2.

You dont have to have a nastf to run the j2534 wizzard is the point of the video. 

I made this a few weeks ago.
 

The j2534 will allow for key programming but you might need the ultra can module add on.

Needed a Micropod to program all keys lost on this vehicle recently. 
Per Nastf.org:
Has anyone been successful programming 2018 FCA keys through J2534 as implied would be possible in the Nastf release above? This would be significant as it means that a Micropod would not be required for many of these.
Also in terms of module reflashing support for FCA/Mopar, I've had to dig for the following page before but it has good some good info, especially the "Reflashing Availability" document indicating which vehicles can be 'Reflashed' through J2534 by vehicle and module. Update 6/2/2017 as of this writing.
FCA/Mopar Support Page on Techauthority.com

Sir,
Tons of thanks, I don't do this type of work but read your PDF, really liked it.
 
Singh