Xentry
PassThru is a subscription service that is offered by Daimler to
Independent Service Providers to allow them to perform certain repairs
of vehicles and control module programming. The US version is mandated
by MBUSA rules, and the EU version is mandated by Daimler AG, so
although they are both used by independent workshops, depending on if
you live in the EU or US, they are priced differently and offer
different features.
To clarify what PassThru software is, when OBD1 was common in the 1980s
and early 1990s, each manufacturer had a different connector, diagnostic
machine/computer, used different protocols and provided unique trouble
codes depending on the make of the vehicle. The J2534 initiative
attempted to standardize that, creating a standard set of Powertrain
DTCs and other diagnostic information in the OBD2 standard (and the EOBD
standard I assume is similar in the EU, but I am honestly not familiar
with it). J2534 also provides an avenue for independent workshops to
program, flash, and code control units using a standardized protocol,
connection, and VCI for many makes and models. J2534 is not as
comprehensive as the automaker’s own diagnostic tools, but provides a
level not seen before available to independent workshops.
Instead of purchasing an SD Connect, Xentry Kit, or other automakers
proprietary diagnostic device, J2534 allows you to purchase a J2534
compliant VCI from a number of manufacturers such as Bosch, Snap-On,
AVDI, Drew Technologies, etc. Once you have one of these J2534 adapters,
you can use it with the automakers software to communicate,
troubleshoot, flash, and code control units not only by Daimler, but by
Ford, General Motors, Dodge/Chrysler, etc. They all have different
software that you must use unique to their make, but use the same
interface to connect to the car, and has the advantage of being
installed on a non-proprietary laptop, such as a standard Windows-based
ThinkPad or Surface Pro.
In summary, the PassThru option is less expensive, less capable, but
more flexible and is certainly better than the offerings just 7-8 years
ago. You may order the Xentry
PassThru subscription from Daimler and install it on your laptop and it
is licensed to you, however in the US it will *only* communicate with
control units that are emissions related such as the ECU, SCR, etc. This
if course is dictated by the permissions the StartKey allows, and the
StartKey you are assigned with this subscriptions is artificially
limited to those control modules with the exception of 2018 and newer
vehicles, in which all control units may be interrogated and flashed.
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