Proprietary Diagnostics on Chrysler Vehicles

[HvBikeWlTravel]

Took a trip last weekend to check out a late model Jeep. One of the revelations revealed to me by the owner; 2012 and newer Chrysler products have Proprietary Diagnostic systems.

If a Code gets thrown, only your "friendly" neighborhood Chrysler Dealer has the electronics to read it. Can anyone confirmed what I was told?

I didn't buy the Jeep.

 

[eRay]

I have no idea. I have a new 2014 wrangler. I would bet by the time the warranty is out, Auto Zone will have a code reader for it.

[2.ooohhh]

Not true, all ODB compliant vehicles(post 1996MY sold in the US) must have generic OBD codes stored in non-volatile memory in the vehicle's ecu accessible by OBD scanners and emissions stations. That is not to say that they can't also have proprietary codes(BMW has for 20 years now) which are often more in depth or cover systems that OBD doesn't require(I.E.:ABS and traction control codes).

[Dad03]

On my 2011 Dodge 2500 any OBD2 reader can read or clear a code. They do have proprietary software to re flash, adjust, add sales codes etc for equipment.

[jtmaze]

I was the parts manager for a dodge dealer up until 2006. I know that even back then tranny codes were that way. You had to have a chrysler scan tool to access them. Would not come up by cycling the key to reveal codes. They have probably refined these limitations to include everything that wasn't required by the EPA in OBD II and III cars.

[McGarrett]

I think that goes for about any make of vehicle. OBDII for generic codes on all makes but their proprietary software to do in depth stuff. Edited August 16, 2014 by McGarrett