Can anyone tell me what functionality one would gain with the StarScan? I'm having an issue where I think the latest flash is conflicting with my high idle. Dealer has fixed it twice for free, now they are giving me flack about it. It was working before I got the latest ECm update.

I'm seeing these on the market for $1500-2000 and plan on keeping this truck another 8 years or so. Any value there?

 

Personally I don't think your going to benefit from it enough to justify spending 2k on it. How much does a Snap-On scanner run? At least with it you can use it on most vehicles.

 

If you are looking into being able to reflash your own ECM, you may be out of luck. Honestly I have no experience with the Starscan, but I used its predecessor, the DRBIII for several years as a dealer tech. The way it worked is for each module you wanted to reflash, you had to download the specific software from Chrysler first. Secondly, the scanner itself would require periodic update reflashes in order to work properly. All of this is proprietary Chrysler software, and I bet they will never give access to anyone but a dealer. If you have a great relationship with your dealer, you may be able to get them to reflash your scanner, but it will probably end up no cheaper or easier than simply giving them your truck to reflash.

Again, this is just an assumption based on how it worked previously with the DRB, and something you may want to look into before you spend the cash. Hopefully you can find a way to do it.

 

When did they change the Ram to CAN bus?

For some reason I thought the 06 models still used the DRB3.

 

Another option is to rent one from SPX Miller. I think they are 150 for a 3 day rental. Well at least you could the DRBIII. Might try calling them
800-801-5420

There is also a product called star mobile that is just as good and maybe better than the starscan (according to the link anyway). However it requires a pc/laptop but is half the price and includes a 1yr subscription.

https://www.fleet.chrysler.com/fleet...tus?pageid=111

 

unless you're a professional,you would be wasting your money...........you can get a good programmer for a lot less

 

check out www.autoenginuity.com For about $250 US you get the basic software to read codes on any OBDII vehicle, then you can add extension packs for specific makes for another $250. I have the Chrysler pack, and you can do many tests on my 06 like individual cylinder cutouts, re-calibrate speedo for tire size, enable the cruise control high idle, set curb idle speed, etc. You can also 'see' all the other systems in the truck, and do various other tests and configs. Plus, it will hook to any OBDII or newer Chrysler and do just about anything the dealer StarScan can do. The only thing it doesn't do is flash the software, for reasons mentioned above.

I'm not a mechanic by any means, but I am happy I bought this software and connector for my laptop. If it saves a couple trips to the dealer, it's paid for itself.

If anyone is travelling through the Crowsnest Pass (SW Alberta) and needs a scan or wants to see this tool, let me know.