What is CDA?
CDA (Chrysler Diagnostic Application) is a powerful dealer tool that allows to make option changes in the VIN. Say for example you have a Chrysler 300, and you go like, gee I would sure like some steering wheel controls, or some dual climate, or some other option! Then you logon to lxforums, you ask the question and then a bunch of people tell you, LOL IT WON’T WORK, too much trouble etc etc. Adding options mechanically, splicing wires and so on is not a very complex job where it used to get tricky is getting the car to play with the new options. Well this tool will allow you to authorize options to your VIN, provided you have them wired up correctly and installed in your vehicle.
Examples of stuff you can do
Add autostick to V6 vehicles after nag1 swap
Add evic to cluster (after installing an EVIC cluster)
Authorize dual control climate
Delete DRLs
Program keys
Change VIN in PCM after engine swap or engine change
Add SKIM codes
Add any feature you might be missing and you’d like to have (after installing your parts)
Reprogram mileage in the TIPM/PCM depending on the year
Troubleshoot stuff
Change gear ratios without the predator (only the ones available at chrysler)
Troubleshoot weird pcm problems,ie: A/C does not work anymore, however mechanically everything is in order.
and many other powerful things
How does it work?
Well that’s up to you to figure out there is a bunch of documentation of what can be done, basically you need a laptop and an OBD2 to USB cable that can read Chrysler’s protocol (RS232) also you gotta install the proper drivers, once again, read the manual it’s all there. I will not be answering any specific questions or giving any shortcut tutorials.
Use at your own risk!
This can brick your car and you can end up needing a new PCM, or FCM or any other modules that this can mess with (in most cases you can save it if you haven’t done too much damage to the bootloader ie: power interruption. If you screw something up, you really need to read the documentation, worst thing you can do is just plug it in and start messing around.
Download link
EXPIRED
These cars tend to have a bunch of electrical and computer problems, I feel that this could alleviate the pain and save money in your wallet, the dealer charges 300$ to reprogram a new key, that is just taking people for idiots and thinking that money grows on trees.
Possible to use CDA with WITECH VCI POD or MicroPod clone?
my Chinese VCI Pod clonearrived and works fine to communicate with CDA5. Works for basic stuff, like to change VINs, read/reset DTCs, unlock PCMs (at least a 2004 to level 3), etc… I haven’t messed around with the .eng files yet.
The VCI Pod clone firmware is 3.1.2 and comes with WiTech 13.03.38, but should be able to be updated to 4.1.7/14.02.56 without issue. I only bought this to run CDA as I’m running Chrysler Diagnostic Tools WiTech v16 with a real VCI Pod. At this point, I’m really only concerned with MY2009, so my current setup is good for my purposes.
Somes ideas of micropod 2 runing CDA
Here is one thing I know, and one thing I’ve been told. I can verify that cda 6 works with up to date registered vci pods, If you somehow were able to get that software and log in credentials that is….. Now as for micropods … I was told by someone that micropods will work with older cda version 5.xxx but only a special kind of micropods . There are 3 different types of micropods that I know of. The first is loaded with operating system for wiadvisor , these are used by service writers on the dealership service drive , they can do a few basic functions such as read and erase codes check for recalls and soo on. The back of the pod has a different prefix on it then the full function scan tool for technicians , The service versions have a prefix of wsp-xxxx on the back. (I think these might work on cda 6 but can not verify that, it is just a guess) . The wsp version micropod does not work with version 5, you get a missing key error on start up. Now on to the version of micropod that I was told does work with cda 5 and that is a corporate version , it is used at the plants and was used by field engineers as well , these pods are red in color, this is the version I was told will work with cda5. I have not verified that so use that info at your own risk, I also do not know if there are different firmware versions of that micropod that are compatible. Hope that helps. There is also a wcp version micropod, Im not sure where that falls into the category.