In the last instalment of our guide to Bosch’s KTS diagnostics software, ESI[tronic] 2.0, we looked at using ‘Actual Values’. In this instalment, we are accessing vehicle data.
In the last issue of PMM, we got to grips with the role of ‘Actual Values’ in delivering a useful representation of the state of an ECU system based on data collected from the sensors or switch input signals and the component outputs on the vehicle. In this issue, we’re going to take a closer look at how your ESI[tronic] 2.0 can help you to continue delivering a full service in the face of increasingly stringent and commonplace protected vehicle data.
Accessing protected data
Designed to protect vehicle electronics from cyber threats and hacking, manufacturers secure the vehicle data in order to limit the access to protected diagnostic data. It is noteworthy that the scope of protected data differs from vehicle manufacturer to vehicle manufacturer. Some vehicle manufacturers require the unlocking of protected data (for example for the calibration of driver assistance systems and some even for performing a service reset). Without access to this data, your diagnostic capabilities are very limited – mainly to passive diagnostic possibilities for when you read trouble codes or actual values.
While it is possible to circumnavigate the protected data via individual OEM solutions if available, it comes at a price. Not only requiring multiple payments across multiple manufacturers, but also costing you valuable time as you register, log-in and navigate your way around different and disparate portals.
Cross manufacturer support
Included with your ESI[tronic] 2.0 ECU diagnostic (SD) licence and compatible with the latest generation of KTS (350, 560 and 590), Secure Diagnostic Access bundles individual OEM solutions into a single integrated and standardised solution. It is noteworthy that it is also compatible with Bosch’s KTS 250, however with this device there is a possibility of there being limited scope of vehicle manufacturers.
How to register
- To log-in or register for secure diagnostic access you can either simply head to the user icon at the top right corner of the screen (Fig.1) or wait to be prompted to log in via the pop-up once you reach a restricted diagnostic system or function as part of your service process (Fig.2). All you need to log in is a valid Bosch ID – compatible with a wide range of professional and personal Bosch apps – to authorise your access. If you have not already got one, you can quickly and easily register online free of charge.
- Some OEMs – such as Mercedes – will ask for an extra level of user identification before you can access their systems (Fig.3). For authenticating your profile quickly and easily, we recommend doing this via the IDnow smartphone or tablet app. Alternatively, if a mobile device is not available and your computer or laptop is equipped with a webcam, you can also register online at the IDnow website. Your ESI[tronic] software will guide you step-by-step through the authentication process, which is only required to be done once and is free of charge (Fig.4).
- Once you have successfully registered, you will notice the user icon turn from grey to green (Fig.5). This means you are logged in to secure diagnostic access. For security reasons, you will be automatically signed out every 12 hours, meaning that you should only ever need to log in once in your working day. Essentially taking you back to a time before vehicle data was secured and where you could move seamlessly from task to task across a full shift.
Expanding licences
With more and more OEMs choosing to secure and protect their vehicle data it will soon become an impossibility for many workshops to perform all of the tasks they need to carry out a full service without investing in numerous direct OEM licences.
As an ESI[tronic] 2.0 user you will always be one step ahead of the curve. We are aiming to add additional OEM accesses when they are made available by the OEMs – all included in your ECU diagnostic (SD) licence as standard.
Next month we’ll be learning more about the extensive range of tests and functions you can find under the diagnostics tab.
