Whether discussing secure gateways or access to functions, software, and specifications on newly released vehicles, aftermarket diagnostic product developers such as Autel are always playing catch up to get that OE-only capability in the hands of our users. Autel has thrived on this challenge, leading the industry in gateway access and developing new platforms that ensure OE-sourced solutions are just a tap away.
Industry-Leading Access to OE-Gateways
Automakers started integrating security gateway modules (SGM/SGW) into their new vehicles, starting with 2017/2018 model vehicles.
The systems act as firewalls, preventing unauthorized access to critical vehicle systems and preventing aftermarket scan tools from performing many diagnostic and service functions, including maintenance resets, active tests, and other bi-directional controls, module programming and coding, special functions, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrations, and even clearing codes.
Automakers with security gateways installed include Stellantis (Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, and Maserati), Nissan, VW/Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
To enable our users to realize the full potential of our tools’ diagnostic and servicing capabilities, Autel has implemented two gateway access strategies. For Stellantis, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, users must register their shop and Autel tablet with Auto Authentication Authority (AutoAuth). For Volkswagen/Audi vehicle gateway access, Autel users can purchase per VIN session access or annual access (unlimited VINs).
All North American Autel tablets with active subscriptions support security gateway access.
Stellantis, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz: AutoAuth
Autel tablets have been certified via Auto Authentication Authority (AutoAuth) for security gateway access on Stellantis, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This third-party trust service operates between automakers and independent toolmakers such as Autel to enable its user technicians to access the SGW and perform protected actions.
Autel users need to register their shop and their Autel tools with AutoAuth. AutoAuth charges an annual fee of $50 per vehicle brand. Multi-tool/multi-technician subscription pricing is available.
Coverage includes:
- Stellantis brands: 2017 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, and Maserati.
- Nissan and Infiniti brands: 2020 and newer Sentra, 2022 and newer Pathfinder, 2021 and newer Rogue, and 2021 and newer QX60 models. .
- Mercedes-Benz: 2021 and newer CLE (236), GLC (254), EQE (294 & 295), EQS (296), S (223), and C (206). .
VW/Audi Group: Direct purchase through Autel tablet.
Autel users can access VW and Audi vehicles SGW by purchasing VIN-based ($15 per VIN) or a $120 full-year access (unlimited VINs). Paypal and credit cards are available payment options.
Coverage includes:
Volkswagen and Audi Group brands:
2021 and newer ID.4, 2024 and newer Atlas, 2024 and newer Golf GTI, 2022 and newer Golf R, 2020 and newer A3, 2021 and newer Q4, and 2022 and newer Q5 e-Tron.
Autel Remote Expert and Guided ADAS
The Remote Expert application and network platform connect technicians with remote module programmers, automotive diagnosticians, and system experts to complete tasks requiring OE data, software, or tools through a peer-to-peer network. Via the Autel MaxiSYS Ultra, MS919, MS909, or the MaxiFlash XLink device, technicians can contract an experienced technician with OE tools or subscriptions to complete a task that only OE software or tools can perform, such as pre-and post-scans, module programming, and ADAS calibrations. The platform sees more than 4,000 orders a month.
Remote Expert capitalizes on the tremendous advancements in multi-server networks and transmission speeds. These advancements enable Experts to transmit software to the control module of a technician’s vehicle with sustained low latency if the car is down the block or thousands of miles away.
Autel’s Vice President of Customer Success, Maurice Miller, said of the platform:
Remote Expert is like a virtual lifeline from the technician to an Expert. Whatever the challenge, from a tricky diagnosis to module programming, a technician can use the platform on his tablet to reach out to an Expert.”
The Guided ADAS feature enables Autel calibration system owners to use their frame, targets, and expedited setup, with OE software accessed in-house or via the Autel Remote Expert platform to calibrate vehicles not yet covered by Autel tablet ADAS calibration software.
Autel is renowned for its industry-leading vehicle and safety system calibration coverage and its fastest-to-market coverage of new vehicles. Still, Autel depends on automakers to make the latest model diagnostic, servicing, and calibration software and specifications available. This creates a lag time for the newest vehicle coverage to reach Autel tablets. To address this and provide technicians with a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, Autel developed Guided ADAS.
With Guided ADAS, Autel users can take advantage of all the benefits of their calibration systems—ease of use and efficiency—step-by-step instructions, optical positioning, unlevel floor compensation, and validated documentation, along with our quality targets, patterns, and calibrators—and use OE calibration software to complete the task,” said Stewart Peregrine, senior executive of ADAS sales at Autel.
Since its founding over twenty years ago, Autel has focused on offering its shop owners and technicians the most effective and affordable automotive diagnostic and service solutions available in the industry. No matter the challenges, we are committed to achieving that goal through innovative strategies, partnerships, and products.
