OBD MX+ and what software?

[Johnny B]

I own a Ram, so it goes without saying I have OBD MX+. However, I run AlfaOBD for the Ram. AlfaOBD is updated and does cover our 21JL. I already had the gateway cables for the JL. I looked around here to see who runs what for their Jeep. And most folks run JScan. Is there any benefit with JScan over AlfaOBD? Main interest is code chasing/clearing (don't have any, but why wait to learn, right). And making mild changes (like tire size and what have you). Anyone who has insight to this, please chime in. Any help is always appreciated.

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[Thrashie]

I've used Alfaobd since about 2018 I use it for my Jeep and Ram

it's handy, and you can make those tire size changes, clear codes, activate/change other settings, and really a while lot of other stuff.

never tried Jscan.

 

[Johnny B]

I've used Alfaobd since about 2018 I use it for my Jeep and Ram

it's handy, and you can make those tire size changes, clear codes, activate/change other settings, and really a while lot of other stuff.

never tried Jscan.

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on something. Alfa has been great with my Ram. Let's me at anything an end user would want. And eliminates the dealer for simple things. Much appreciated...

 

[Mojave Dust]

I've used both. I think the only benefit to JScan is that it's easier to use. To do something like change the tire size using AlfaOBD you have to enter the correct values in several different units, where in JScan you enter the tire size and it make the changes in all the right places for you. JScan can make most of the common changes you'd want to make and simple to use, while AlphaOBD has additional capability but more complex.

 

[Johnny B]

I've used both. I think the only benefit to JScan is that it's easier to use. To do something like change the tire size using AlfaOBD you have to enter the correct values in several different units, where in JScan you enter the tire size and it make the changes in all the right places for you. JScan can make most of the common changes you'd want to make and simple to use, while AlphaOBD has additional capability but more complex.

Thank you. I do appreciate the POV from JScan. Gives me something to look into way more.

 

[GtX]

JScan can make most of the common changes you'd want to make and simple to use, while AlphaOBD has additional capability but more complex.

What additional capabilities does AlphaOBD have that JScan does not?

 

[Mojave Dust]

What additional capabilities does AlphaOBD have that JScan does not?

I have a diesel, so I was specifically looking for those types of monitors, like DPF regeneration. I couldn't find those in JScan. That was a while back so there may be a newer version that has them now. JScan is certainly easier to use.
The only other "benefit" to AlphOBD is that it's a one-time pay then usable on other Jeeps. JScan needs a license for each Jeep. That said, I think AlphaOBD is around $50 and the JScan Licenses are about $25 each.

 

[GtX]

I have a diesel, so I was specifically looking for those types of monitors, like DPF regeneration. I couldn't find those in JScan. That was a while back so there may be a newer version that has them now. JScan is certainly easier to use.
The only other "benefit" to AlphOBD is that it's a one-time pay then usable on other Jeeps. JScan needs a license for each Jeep. That said, I think AlphaOBD is around $50 and the JScan Licenses are about $25 each.

Thanks. I too have a diesel. ScanGauge 3 for monitoring soot, regen, temps, etc. JScan to change settings or reboot uconnect.

 

[Mojave Dust]

Nice. I have been looking at getting one, or a Banks Ipod. I have his Pedal Monster and it works great. No more lag crawling up steep hills.

 

[Raydar]

I use AlfaOBD for my Ram. Turned on my self-installed trailer brake controller, and enabled the intrusion alarm, among other things. Also set my tire pressure warning threshold.
It is my understanding that if CDJR ever updates my BCM, all that stuff will be over-written with factory settings. So I'll get to do it again.
Haven't tried it on the Jeep yet. Would be nice if I could turn off "stop-start" without having to start pulling fuses and stuff.

 

[Johnny B]

I use AlfaOBD for my Ram. Turned on my self-installed trailer brake controller, and enabled the intrusion alarm, among other things. Also set my tire pressure warning threshold.
It is my understanding that if CDJR ever updates my BCM, all that stuff will be over-written with factory settings. So I'll get to do it again.
Haven't tried it on the Jeep yet. Would be nice if I could turn off "stop-start" without having to start pulling fuses and stuff.

This whole deal is a learning curve of a learning process for me. With the Ram, you made your changes (one at a time, learned that the hard way), let the computer accept the change, and you could pull the OBD tool and it was all done. The BCM retained the changes. I just hope the Jeep computer plays the same. Not a big fan of leaving the OBD in the port. So as I learn, I keep my fingers crossed.

 

[rickinAZ]

@Rhinebeck01 is the Jscan guru on here. At some point he’ll chime in.

 

[Raydar]

... With the Ram, you made your changes (one at a time, learned that the hard way), let the computer accept the change, and you could pull the OBD tool and it was all done. The BCM retained the changes. I just hope the Jeep computer plays the same. Not a big fan of leaving the OBD in the port. So as I learn, I keep my fingers crossed.

I suspect that I will try the Jeep, sooner than later. I'll report back what I find.
I think that it will work the same way. However... I don't think the AlfaOBD will access the PCM. So if any info is stored there, I/we may be out of luck. I think it would be more popular here, already, if it could do that. (Lots of Ram people use the Tazer, as well.)

 

[Johnny B]

I suspect that I will try the Jeep, sooner than later. I'll report back what I find.
I think that it will work the same way. However... I don't think the AlfaOBD will access the PCM. So if any info is stored there, I/we may be out of luck. I think it would be more popular here, already, if it could do that. (Lots of Ram people use the Tazer, as well.)

It would be nice Jeep played the same as Ram. But, manufacturers take notes of how people can skip the dealer and do it themselves, so they're inclined to ruin that if given the chance. But still gonna keep hope. I'd just like to skip shelling out the cash for a Tazer that has to remain plugged in.

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