Bypass cable not working

[rdmelton]

Short version: I am unable to connect to my 2021 4xe with a bypass cable.

Long version:
I purchased a bypass cable on eBay, and a Vgate icar pro LE on eBay.

I disconnected the wires from the security module (I have repeatedly checked pictures and videos online to confirm that I have the correct connectors) , and connected it to the bypass cable. I connected the Bluetooth adapter to the bypass cable. I tried to connect with Jscan, torque, and various other OBD scanner apps. The phone would connect to the Bluetooth adapter but the Bluetooth adapter would not connect to the ecm. The red light was on continuously, the blue light would blink frequently, and the green light would rarely blink.

For troubleshooting, I reconnected the factory wiring, connected the Bluetooth adapter to the factory OBD port, and I was able to connect to the ecm. I also tried the Bluetooth adapter with my 2008 JKU, and it also worked properly.

Based on that, I concluded that I had a bad bypass cable. So I got a replacement cable from the same ebay seller. I tried it, and it also didn't work.

It seemed very unlikely that I would have gotten two defective cables, but just in case, I ordered a cable from Amazon. I tried it, and it also didn't work.

I have checked voltage on the bypass cable and have 14.5 volts on pin 16 (battery positive) , 2.8 volts on pin 6 (can bus high), and 2.2 volts on pin 14 (can bus low)

At this point, I am at a loss.

Is it possible that the Bluetooth adapter is the problem?

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[rdmelton]

Thanks for the thoughts. Just to confirm, the first pic attached shows where I disconnected and that is the security module and not the amp, correct?

Also to clarify I have tried a total of 3 cables. Two were from the same Ebay seller and one was from Amazon. Is it credible that all 3 are defective?

The vgate adapter that I purchased is listed on the jscan website but not specifically listed as recommended for the JL. I had read where other JL owners has successfully used it which led me to believe that it would work.

I had seen the bypass module before and am contemplating buying it. I am also considering buying a different brand bluetooth adapter, or even the same vgate bluetooth adapter from a different source.

I did some research and found an app that identifies what elm version a device is. It shows as v2.2 which is correct, however it does not seem to reliably complete the test every time. Somerimes it completes fine and other times it disconnects mid test. This behavior occurs when testing it on my JL and on my JK. So maybe it is a flaky bluetooth adapter?

 

[WranglerMan]

I currently have (3) BT modules ( Veepeak, Viecar, OBDlink Max) and they all have been working perfect with either my Autel 12+8 cable or my ECRI bypass module using JSCAN and a few other apps.

There is a small speed increase in the read/write function using the OBDlink high dollar one but honestly not worth the xtra coin.

I originally purchased the high dollar stuff and then my curiosity got the best of me so I contacted the makers of the cheapie stuff and told them I was wanting to do a review on read/write speeds and dependability so they sent me them to test and just asked for feed back and when done they would offer me a deal and all worked the same with exception of the slight speed increase and unless your running a road app like Torque, JSCAN or similar and using live data save you $$

Have not used the iCar Pro so maybe try a different one, not sure what app you are running but JSCAN and a few others don’t play nice with iCar according to some searches I’ve done but you can get Veepeak for about the same cost and it’s pretty solid.

 

[rdmelton]

Update in case anyone encounters something similar. I ordered a Vgate Icar Pro BLE from Amazon, and now it works properly. Apparently the Vgate Icar Pro BLE that I purchased on eBay (listed as new) was defective.

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