Do I Absolutly Need the DRB III - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: Do I Absolutly Need the DRB III
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I posted this on DodgeForums:

I am new to Dodge and I am already starting to not like it.

For my 3000GT there was EVOSCAN that would interface with Mitsubishi's MUT II proprietary protocall. In my short lived honda days, I remember one could easily solder a chip and adapter that would interface with some aftermarket software and allow full access to the computer.

What is there for Dodge? The DRB? Are you telling me that the ONLY way I will have access to all sensor readings, ABS commands, timing control (simple advance...), and even VIN reprogramming is by way of a $3000 tool on ebay? There are no alternatives out there??

Now I'm a little confused, are the people who absolutly NEED the DRB III the OBD I people (95>=). Since I am 97 and OBD II, I am wondering if there is a way to interface with these systems via the generic OBD II interface.

My computer based scan tool (ELM SCAN interface) could only pull a handfull of PIDs and allow me to pull codes. There is no way I can advance timing, or reprogram the VIN, or anything.

I am worried my computer may be going out (well could be CKP\CMP, trying those first), and I REFUSE to pay a dealer to reprogram a new junkyard ECU with my VIN and mileage. I do all work myself and refuse to pay "the man." I find this very sad that it may be PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for me to do my own work on my car. Even Mitsu wasen't that bad. Everything in the damn manual says I need the DRB.

Is there any aftermarket alternative (through OBD II prefreably) out there? If not I think Dodge is going to lose me as a customer......

I have heard of D-Cal, can anyone shed some light on this?

Forseti
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2009
22:39:11

RE: Do I Absolutly Need the DRB III
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Your our of luck ... anything other than a SnapOn tool or a DRB 3 will only pull info form the PCM for bi-directional control you need the high price units.

JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2009
23:22:32

RE: Do I Absolutly Need the DRB III
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Unfortunately, the DRB III scantool is the only thing that will do what you want. It is for OBDII Chrysler vehicles, like your Dodge.
A whole other tool is required for 2008+, when the CAN protocol became standard (gov't required) for all vehicles sold in USA.

modain
GenIII

5/26/2009
17:47:19

RE: Do I Absolutly Need the DRB III
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I've seen lots of Snap-On MT2500 scanners on eBay going for under $500. You'll need that, the OBDII cartridge, and the 13A (it might be the 12A) personality key to scan and program the Chrysler PCMs.

What's your left foot doing?
==============
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, R/T rear swaybar, no chrome, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open