What is the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender?
The wiTECH Diagnostic Extender is a new essential tool being rolled out to Chrysler dealerships in two phases. This new tool will improve vehicle diagnostic support and utilize advances in WiFi protocols.
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Dealerships will receive a wiTECH Diagnostic Extender kit that includes a Mopar Access Point, and a Mopar microPod II device, along with accessories. Additional microPod II devices will be available for purchase after the initial deployment to NAFTA dealers is complete. The microPod II will work similarly to the VCI Pod, with the wiTECH Diagnostic Application.
Dealers are required to complete installation of the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender within 30 days of receiving the equipment.
Preparing for Installation
All Dealers must log onto the Mopar Technical Service Portal (www.witechsystem.com) and complete the following required items:
- Confirm Service Manager/ IT contact info is correct (‘My Account’> ‘Contacts’)
- Provide a current photo of your wiTECH Access Gateway (‘Install Docs’> ‘Photos’)
- Complete Environment Survey (‘Install Docs’> ‘Environment Survey’)
- Review / make changes to your dealership’s assets (‘Manage Assets’> ‘Manage Assets’)
Mounting the Access Point:
1Mount the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender within 2 feet to either side of the wiTECH Access Gateway.
a.The wiTECH Diagnostic Extender can be mounted on a wall or pole at a height of approximately 8 feet from the floor.
Note: If wiADVISOR has already been installed at your dealership, remove the wiADVISOR power injector from the wiTECH bracket, leaving the Ethernet cable in port 0/0 on the wiTECH Access Gateway.
2.Attach the 8-port PoE injector on the wiTECH Access Gateway bracket, approximately 2.5 inches from the bottom of the wiTECH Access Gateway* with the 3 inch piece of Velcro (supplied in the Kit); the LAN ports should be on the right side when attached.
3.Attach the Power supply horizontally on the top edge of the 6-port blue patch panel that is on the bottom of the wiTECH bracket (the wiTECH logo and our phone number are on this) using the 2 inch piece of Velcro (supplied in the Kit). Plug the power cable into a surge protector.
4.Connect the 1 foot black Ethernet cable (supplied in the Kit) from port 0/1 on the wiTECH Access Gateway to LAN port 1 on the 8-port power injector.
5.Connect the 10 foot black Ethernet cable (supplied in the Kit) from the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender to PoE port 1 on the 8-port power injector.
Note: To reconnect the wiADVISOR, attach the 1 foot Ethernet cable coming from port 0/0 on the wiTECH Access Gateway to LAN port 8 on the 8-port power injector and the corresponding PoE port 8 will connect to the wiADVISOR Access Point.
6.Use the zip ties provided to secure the Ethernet and power cables.
7.Take a photo of the mounted wiTECH Diagnostic Extender and upload it to the Mopar Technical Service Portal (witechsystem.com). Go to Install Docs > Photos.
After equipment is mounted, please call the wiTECH Premium Support Help Desk at 1-888-948-3241 to schedule a remote installation with a technician.
Installation
An installation technician will contact you to configure your new equipment. The technician will remotely access a computer that is connected to the wiTECH Wireless Network to complete the configuration. Please have the microPod II and the USB cable (supplied in Kit) ready prior to your appointment time. A supported CAN Bus vehicle must be made available to test/demo during appointment time.
Vehicles that require this new essential tool will begin arriving at dealerships this summer, therefore it is advised to complete installation immediately.
wiTECH Diagnostic Extender FAQs:
What vehicles will require the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender?
RAM ProMaster (MY14 and future)
UConnect WiFi Diagnostics on 2013 RAM, Grand Cherokee, and Viper, as well as upcoming vehicles.
Upcoming 3rd CAN Bus vehicle architectures
What are the two Phases of the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender roll out?
Phase 1 – BLINK dealers servicing the RAM ProMaster in the US; Canadian dealers servicing RAM / Commercial Trucks
Phase 2 – all remaining U.S. and Canadian dealers to support UConnect
What is a BLINK dealer?
Business Link (BLINK) dealers are franchised Chrysler dealerships that are equipped to accommodate large model vehicles (garage doors, lifts, etc.)
How many BLINK dealers are there?
There are approx. 727 in the U.S. and 277 in Canada (RAM / Commercial Dealers).
What is the cost for the new tool?
Please review the pricing information listed on the Chrysler Essential Tool announcement.
What is included with the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender Kit?
Why do dealers need an additional Access Point with their wiTECH Access Gateway?
- The wiTECH Diagnostic Extender will be an extension of the wiTECH Access Gateway (WAG) and provides a much needed wireless technology update since 2008/2009 wiTECH deployment to improve performance, coverage area, throughput, and reliability with various tools
- Small dealers have wireless interference issues similar to larger dealers and the updated wireless technology capabilities of the Access Point improve performance and reduce interference issues
- Offers better signal strength and power, along with ease of mobility (location in service department can easily be changed based on dealership needs)
- Access Point provides low cost scalability to expand wireless coverage and throughput to different areas or buildings on the dealer campus
- Creates a more robust system for dealerships and aligns to roadmap of future wireless infrastructure enhancements
Why will a dealer still need their existing WAG?
- The WAG will still provide Network Security, Access Control Lists (ACL), Reporting, Central Management System (NSM) and IP Address Management for ongoing support and maintenance requirements.
- The wiTECH Diagnostic Extender will provide the additional wireless power that dealers require with the wireless signal on the WAG turned off
Can the microPODs be interchangeable between programs (i.e. wiADVISOR)?
Currently no; there may be an ability to switch profiles in the future.
Can I buy additional microPods now?
Additional microPod II devices will be available for purchase after the initial deployment to NAFTA
dealers is complete.
Why do I need an 8-port PoE injector?
The 8-port PoE injector will power the wiTECH Diagnostic Extender, wiADVISOR Access Point, and any
other future expansions to the wiTECH System. It will minimize the number of power injectors and electrical plugs needed at the wiTECH Access Gateway.
How do I install the equipment?
Please refer to the Installation Instructions located on the Mopar Technical Service Knowledgebase.
Will the new equipment take up more bandwidth in the dealership?
Adding another tool to the dealership network will increase bandwidth usage. Please see Mopar
Technical Service Knowledgebase wiADVISOR article # 33 to review bandwidth requirement.
When will I receive my shipment of equipment?
Shipping information for your dealership will be available on the Dealer Portal (www.witechsystem.com) after April 25th. This information can be found under ‘Install Docs’ > ‘wiTECH Diagnostic Extender’> ‘Equipment Shipping Information’
What application will I need for my computer in order to use the microPOD II/ wiTECH Diagnostic Extender?
No additional applications or software are necessary, as the microPod II and the Diagnostic Extender will work with the wiTECH Diagnostic Application that is already in use at your shop.