Surely you've heard of the FCA Secure Gateway Module (SGW). SGW will have changed things when it comes to after-sales support in the diagnostic industry.
I tried to write an article explaining why SGW is necessary for automotive technicians, how it works, and what we need when preparing service for SGW equipped vehicles.
What is SGW?
SGW is essentially a module for keeping communication networks in vehicles secure.
Therefore, SGW creates a firewall between the two most vulnerable parts of the communication network, thus preventing security vulnerabilities in the communication networks.
The sections here are telematics, radio unit and DLC.
How does SGW work?
SGW classifies the vehicle communication network as private or public sector. Communication units in the public sector are telematics and DLC.
The rest of the communication units in the network are considered private. It is almost impossible to access private communication units in the network without permission.
That's why SGW is different from the
communication modules we are used to. SGW is like a fence blocking the public's
access to the modules.
SGW does not include any drivers or
.exercise components directly, SGW only allows authenticated messages on
private networks.
What is Authentication?
SGW authentication is available from Chrysler servers. Currently there are 2 tools that allow access to authentication via wiTECH 2.0.
These; It is Micropod II and a J2534 device.
How do you get authentication if you have a Witech diagnostic device?
If you have a J2534 device, your witech subscription also comes saved in the software.
If you have a Micropod II device, the Witech subscription comes locked to the device, so you can access it from any computer, tablet or phone as long as you are connected to the internet.
When we use the Micropod II, the vehicle communicates directly with Chrysler servers via wifi. Internet browser on computer, phone or tablet logs into Witech to access communication in the vehicle.
Considering the way the data reaches us, we might think that Witech is quite slow, not able to stream data fast, but this is not the case.
Witech works pretty fast, if not faster than most tools on the market.
The working logic of the J2534 device is
slightly different from the others. J2534 works with software downloaded to
Witech cloud instead of working with internet.
Both these systems require constant
internet connection, including test drives. In Micropod II, both the computer
and the device must be connected to the Internet. In J2534, it is sufficient
for the computer to be connected to the internet.
When some companies have SGW, they find alternative way to communicate with the vehicle network. Autel company gives us a By-pass cable to bypass SGW.
After November 2018, FCA offered access to companies providing After Sales support.
Bosch, Autel and G-scan are working
with Chrysler on this solution.
In February 2022, Autel appealed to all its customers to access SGW.
Why was SGW developed?
In 2015, hackers remotely took control of the 2014 Cherokee and controlled all the components, including the gas, brake, and posted it on youtube.
As a result of these experiences, FCA developed SGW technology.
Does the Security Gateway Module (SGW) embedded in FCA vehicles prevent independent repair facilities from servicing FCA vehicles?
Actually, the answer to this question is 'no'. FCA US continues to allow independent repair facilities access to all diagnostic and service information.
SGW has been added to all FCA vehicles released after 2018 as a cybersecurity measure to continually review the FCA's potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
SGW was not issued to prevent aftermarket support companies from accessing FCA vehicles. The main purpose of SGW is to ensure the security of the vehicle communication network.
How can after sales services service FCA
vehicles with SGW?
FCA has set up a server for the USA called AutoAuth that emulates the vehicle authentication process so that FCA certified dealers using the FCA scan tool can use it.
With this solution, after-sales scanning tools have access to all SGW procedures. Users outside of the USA get this service directly from FCA.
Do all aftermarket diagnostic tool companies have the ability to register via AutoAuth so I can start servicing FCA vehicles with SGW communication module?
FCA has reached out to all diagnostic device companies that are currently licensed with the FCA.
FCA US is still in talks with several diagnostic device companies and is working to provide solutions to them. Currently, Autel company provides this service to all its customers.
Does the aftermarket diagnostic device
have the same functionality on SGW-equipped vehicles as it does on
non-SGW-equipped vehicles?
The answer to this question is yes. After
the SGW is unlocked through the authentication process, diagnostic devices can
operate just like vehicles without SGW.