Are you looking to enhance your car’s infotainment display and access hidden features? Many modern vehicles, like the Jeep Compass, have advanced Electronic Vehicle Information Centers (EVIC) that can display a wealth of information beyond the basics. One sought-after feature is the audio menu, which allows you to view media information directly in your instrument cluster. If your car, like some early models, didn’t come with this feature enabled, don’t worry! With the right Evic Tool For Car diagnostics and a bit of DIY spirit, you can unlock this functionality yourself.
This guide is based on a real-world experience of enabling the audio menu on a Jeep Compass MP (2017.5 model) using AlfaOBD, a powerful diagnostic tool. While the original vehicle lacked the audio menu on its EVIC, this tutorial will walk you through the steps, tools, and potential challenges you might encounter, providing a comprehensive approach to using an EVIC tool for car customization.
Understanding the EVIC and AlfaOBD Tool for Car Customization
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) is the display nestled within your car’s instrument cluster. It’s designed to provide essential vehicle information to the driver. However, its capabilities often extend beyond basic readings, with manufacturers sometimes disabling certain features based on model year or trim level.
AlfaOBD is a third-party software application that acts as a potent EVIC tool for car owners, especially those with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler. It allows you to perform in-depth diagnostics, customize vehicle settings, and even enable hidden features that weren’t originally activated. In this case, we’re focusing on using AlfaOBD as an EVIC tool to unlock the audio menu.
Tools You’ll Need: Your EVIC Tool Kit
To embark on this DIY journey, you’ll need the following EVIC tool components:
- AlfaOBD Software: You’ll need to purchase and install the AlfaOBD software on a compatible device. Android devices (phones or tablets) are commonly used due to AlfaOBD’s strong Android support.
- OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter: This adapter serves as the communication bridge between your car’s diagnostic port (OBD2 port) and your device running AlfaOBD. The OBDLink MX+ is recommended for its reliability and compatibility with AlfaOBD.
- Grey Adapter Cable (Potentially): For some FCA vehicles, particularly during proxy alignment procedures, a grey adapter cable is necessary. This adapter reroutes communication signals to access different vehicle modules. While the OBDLink MX+ is often advertised as adapter-less, for certain procedures like proxy alignment on vehicles like the Jeep Compass MP, a grey adapter is crucial.
- Temporary Grey Adapter Solution (DIY Option): If you’re in a pinch and can’t wait for a grey adapter to be shipped, this guide will also cover a temporary DIY solution to complete the process. This involves using probes and wires to create the necessary connections.
Note: Some vehicles manufactured after 2018 may have a Security Gateway Module (SGW), which requires a bypass cable to allow third-party diagnostic tools like AlfaOBD to communicate fully with the vehicle’s systems. The Jeep Compass MP in this example, being a 2017.5 model, did not have an SGW. Check your vehicle’s specifications to determine if an SGW bypass is needed.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling the Audio Menu Using an EVIC Tool
Here’s a breakdown of the process, inspired by the real-world experience, to guide you in enabling the audio menu using AlfaOBD as your EVIC tool.
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Connect with AlfaOBD and OBDLink MX+:
- Plug the OBDLink MX+ adapter into your car’s OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Turn your car’s ignition to the “ON” position (engine off).
- Launch the AlfaOBD app on your Android device and establish a Bluetooth connection with the OBDLink MX+.
- Select your vehicle model within the AlfaOBD app to initiate communication.
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Locate and Modify EVIC Settings:
- Navigate to the “Body Computer” module within AlfaOBD.
- Look for “Configuration” or “Vehicle Configuration” settings.
- Search for settings related to “Audio Repetition” and “Audio Repetition Menu.”
- Change these settings to “Yes” or “Enabled” to activate the audio menu feature on your EVIC display.
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Perform Proxy Alignment (Crucial Step):
- After modifying the configuration settings, you must perform a “Proxy Alignment.” This process synchronizes the changes you made across all vehicle modules, ensuring proper communication and functionality.
- In AlfaOBD, navigate to the “Adaptations” or “Procedures” section within the Body Computer module (or potentially under the main vehicle menu).
- Select and initiate the “Proxy Alignment” procedure.
- Grey Adapter Requirement: As highlighted in the original experience, even with OBDLink MX+, the Jeep Compass MP requires a grey adapter during the proxy alignment. AlfaOBD will likely prompt you to connect the grey adapter when it’s needed.
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Addressing the Grey Adapter Challenge:
- Using a Grey Adapter: If you have a grey adapter, connect it between the OBDLink MX+ and your car’s OBD2 port when prompted by AlfaOBD during the proxy alignment.
- DIY Temporary Adapter: If you don’t have a grey adapter immediately available, you can create a temporary one as described in the original experience. This involves using probes and wires to connect specific pins on the OBD2 port according to the pinout diagram.
Alt Text: OBD2 port pinout diagram illustrating pin assignments for CAN bus communication, power, and ground, essential for creating a DIY grey adapter for EVIC tool procedures.
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Temporary Adapter Procedure (When Prompted):
- Start the proxy alignment with the OBDLink MX+ connected directly.
- Wait for AlfaOBD to display a message indicating the need for the grey adapter (or when it gets stuck).
Alt Text: AlfaOBD screenshot showing a prompt during proxy alignment, instructing the user to connect the necessary adapter for continued communication with vehicle modules.
- Carefully disconnect the OBDLink MX+ and connect your temporary wiring rig according to the pinout, ensuring correct connections for ground (pins 4 & 5), power (pin 16), and the necessary CAN bus pins.
- Continue the proxy alignment procedure in AlfaOBD.
Alt Text: Photo of a DIY temporary wiring setup using a breadboard and probes, demonstrating a makeshift grey adapter solution for completing proxy alignment with an EVIC tool.
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Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- After successful proxy alignment, you may encounter some DTCs (Check Engine light or other warning messages). This is common after configuration changes.
- Use AlfaOBD to clear DTCs from the Body Computer, Engine Computer, and Instrument Cluster modules.
- It might take a few minutes and a vehicle restart for all codes to clear completely. Allow the EVIC screen to fully power down after turning off the ignition before restarting.
Enjoy Your Enhanced EVIC Audio Display
Once the process is complete, and DTCs are cleared, you should now have the audio menu enabled on your EVIC display!
Alt Text: Jeep Compass EVIC display showcasing the newly enabled audio menu feature, displaying radio station information, a successful outcome of using an EVIC tool for car customization.
The level of audio information displayed might vary depending on your Uconnect system and audio source. In the example, radio stations (including SXM) showed station names. CarPlay displayed limited information, reflecting the last audio source before CarPlay activation. Bluetooth functionality might also be displayed.
Further Enhancements and Considerations:
- Uconnect Software Updates: Updating your Uconnect software to the latest version might enhance compatibility and the amount of audio information displayed on the EVIC.
- Exploring EVIC Settings: While this procedure enables the audio menu, further exploration of EVIC settings within AlfaOBD might reveal additional customization options.
- Professional Assistance: If you are uncomfortable with DIY car modifications or encounter difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a professional mechanic or car electronics specialist familiar with AlfaOBD and EVIC systems.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Car’s Potential with the Right EVIC Tool
Using an EVIC tool for car customization, like AlfaOBD, opens up a world of possibilities to personalize your vehicle and unlock hidden features. Enabling the audio menu on your EVIC display is just one example of what’s achievable. By following this guide and understanding the tools and procedures involved, you can take control of your car’s settings and enhance your driving experience. Remember to proceed with caution, double-check connections, and consult reliable resources like cardiagnostic.store for your car diagnostic tool needs. Happy tinkering!
