The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in your car’s instrument cluster is a wealth of information, but sometimes manufacturers limit its functionality based on trim levels or model years. Like many car owners, I discovered a fascinating online discussion about using the AlfaOBD software to unlock a hidden audio menu within the EVIC of a Jeep Compass. Intrigued by the possibility of accessing audio information directly in my instrument cluster display, I decided to explore this modification myself.
My vehicle, a “2017.5” Jeep Compass, an early variant of the 2018 model year, was originally configured without the EVIC audio menu. It also came with an older Uconnect application version. Since then, I have updated my Uconnect software to version 21.9 at the dealership. Inspired by discussions around using AlfaOBD for proxy alignment and enabling features, I wanted to see if I could activate the audio menu and enhance my driving experience. This guide details my journey of successfully enabling the EVIC audio menu using AlfaOBD and a Bluetooth OBD2 diagnostic tool, offering a step-by-step approach for those looking to customize their car’s features.
Utilizing AlfaOBD and a Bluetooth OBD2 Tool for Vehicle Customization
To embark on this customization, I gathered the necessary tools: an old Google Pixel phone, the AlfaOBD software, and an OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth OBD2 adapter purchased from Amazon. The OBDLink MX+ is a popular choice for its reliable Bluetooth connection and compatibility with AlfaOBD, making it an excellent Bluetooth Evic Tool For Car modifications.
Fortunately, my Jeep Compass, being a slightly older model, did not have a security gateway module. This meant I could bypass the need for a security gateway bypass cable, simplifying the process considerably. For newer vehicles, you may need to research and acquire a bypass cable to allow diagnostic tools to communicate with the car’s systems effectively.
Following a general outline from online forums, I navigated the AlfaOBD software to locate the “Audio Repetition” and “Audio Repetition Menu” settings. These are the key parameters that control the visibility of the audio menu in the EVIC display. After making the necessary changes to these settings within AlfaOBD, performing a proxy alignment is crucial. Proxy alignment ensures that all the car’s electronic modules are correctly configured and communicating after making changes with the diagnostic tool.
The Necessity of the Grey Adapter for Proxy Alignment
During the proxy alignment process, I encountered a requirement that was initially unclear to me: the need for a grey adapter. Despite using the OBDLink MX+, which is often advertised as not needing adapters for many functions, the Jeep Compass MP specifically requires a grey adapter for proxy alignment. It’s important to note that even with advanced Bluetooth OBD2 tools, certain vehicle models or specific procedures might necessitate specialized adapters. Some reports suggested that an additional adapter might be needed for vehicles equipped with a factory tow package. However, in my case, even with a dealer-installed Mopar tow package, only the grey adapter was necessary.
Crafting a Temporary Grey Adapter Solution
Initially, I was confused by the information on the AlfaOBD website regarding adapters and mistakenly attempted to perform a proxy alignment without one, assuming the OBDLink MX+ would suffice. This was incorrect and led to errors. It’s crucial to understand the adapter requirements for your specific vehicle and the functions you are trying to perform with AlfaOBD.
Not wanting to wait for a grey adapter to be shipped, I decided to create a temporary adapter to complete the proxy alignment. Realizing that only a few specific pin connections are needed during the final stage of proxy alignment, constructing a temporary solution became feasible. Using probes and wires, I carefully created the necessary connections based on a pinout diagram I found online.
Image: A detailed pinout diagram illustrating the wiring connections for creating a grey adapter for OBD diagnostics.
The pinout diagram, sourced from Multiecuscan – Diagnostics software for Italian cars and http://www.multiecuscan.net/images/OBDAdapter6.png, provided the essential information for establishing the correct connections. The procedure involved connecting the OBDLink MX+ as usual and initiating the proxy alignment in AlfaOBD. Once the process reached a specific point, indicated by an on-screen message, I would swap to my temporary adapter rig. The prompt message in AlfaOBD clearly indicates when to switch adapters:
Image: A screenshot from AlfaOBD showing the prompt message indicating when to switch to the grey adapter during the proxy alignment procedure.
For my temporary setup, I used a breadboard to neatly manage the ground connections, ensuring a stable and reliable circuit. When connecting wires to the vehicle’s Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC), I followed a safe practice of connecting ground pins (pins 4 & 5) first and the power pin (pin 16) last. This minimizes the risk of electrical shorts or damage during the process.
Image: A photograph illustrating the temporary wiring setup using a breadboard and probes to mimic the grey adapter functionality for proxy alignment.
It’s important to note that the initial phase of the alignment process requires the OBDLink MX+ to be directly connected without any adapters. I initially attempted to expedite the process by directly connecting the CAN lines with my temporary rig, thinking I could switch to alternate CAN pins later. However, I learned that the proxy alignment process utilizes more than just the CAN lines in the initial stage. This approach failed, highlighting the importance of following the correct procedure: start with a direct OBDLink MX+ connection and switch to the grey adapter (or temporary equivalent) only when prompted by the AlfaOBD software.
After successfully completing the proxy alignment, I needed to address a Check Engine light that appeared. Using AlfaOBD, I cleared Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the body computer, engine computer, and instrument cluster modules. It was necessary to wait a minute or two after turning off the car for the EVIC screen to fully power down before the Check Engine message cleared upon restarting the vehicle. This waiting period allows the car’s systems to fully reset and recognize the cleared codes.
Unveiling the EVIC Audio Display
Finally, after overcoming the adapter hurdle and clearing the DTCs, the result was successful! I had enabled a basic audio information display within my EVIC. For radio stations, including SiriusXM (SXM), the station name is now displayed in the instrument cluster.
Image: A photograph of the EVIC display in the instrument cluster, now showing the name of the selected radio station after enabling the audio menu.
However, when using CarPlay, the EVIC display only retained the last audio information displayed before CarPlay was activated. Disappointingly, the EVIC does not mirror the detailed artist and title information shown in the Media section of the Uconnect system, or even consistently display the correct source. I did not specifically test Bluetooth audio streaming in this configuration, although a Bluetooth logo does appear in the Uconnect interface when Bluetooth is selected as the audio source.
Despite exploring the EVIC settings menu, I was unable to find an option to display the audio information permanently in a corner of the screen. The integration is somewhat basic but still provides a useful glimpse of audio information directly within the instrument cluster.
Looking ahead, I plan to have my Uconnect radio software further updated to version 39.5 in the coming weeks. I intend to investigate whether this software update brings any enhancements or changes to the newly enabled EVIC audio display functionality. I will update this guide with any findings after the Uconnect update.
This guide is intended to assist individuals who are new to using AlfaOBD and may encounter similar challenges, particularly regarding adapter requirements. It also offers a practical, albeit temporary, solution for those who, like me, prefer not to delay their car customization projects while waiting for parts to be delivered. By sharing my experience, I hope to empower others to confidently explore the customization potential of their vehicles using Bluetooth EVIC tools and diagnostic software like AlfaOBD.
