AlfaOBD Alternative for Iphone/Apple

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fermorales0731

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Fellas, I recently added factory remote start to my 2016 Ram Express Single Cab, and I used the app Jscan because I have an iPhone. As far as I can tell, you can do almost everything you can do on Alfa correct me if I’m wrong, but as far as programming key fobs, activating remote start, resetting Rf Hub, pin reading, seatbelt chime, fogs on with High Beams is all possible with Jscan. Its free to download, works with the same dongle as Alfa and it cost $20 p/vin(car/truck) license! Not sure if there’s another thread about this on here already but if there’s not I am happy to help anyone in need. Matt Dougherty helped me out with what parts I need and all that good stuff, that guy is a big help and awesome dude! Thank you Matt!
 

EagleChief

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I've looked at the JScan before. Even downloaded the app to see what all it could do. But, then I never got the time to browse around in the app. I believe it has been discussed on here, but most lean toward the AlphaOBD. I don't know what all the differences are. Do you know if you can change the temps for the fans to kick on?

To be honest, I'm not sure what all I'd use it for - maybe to tell the truck I have LED's in the license plate instead of giving me a light out warning?
 

EagleChief

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Which OBD2 adapter did you get to use the JScan?
 

Jeepwalker

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JScan looks like it can do quite a bit actually. Probably fits what 98% of Chrysler owner's need. AlfaOBD allows much greater ability to change/adjust even minor and esoteric settings, I didn't see in JScan. Power users on this forum probably use those, but I doubt yer average owners who want to dig into a code fault ever need to.

I think we're lucky to have both tools quite frankly. It used to be you needed to go to someone who had a $2500+ Snap-on scanner and pay them shop rate.

From what I understand, JScan you need to buy a 'license' for each chrysler vehicle you want to use it on (it's tied to the vin), which looks like it's about $20 ea. For AlfaOBD, you buy the software and can use it on any MOPAR vehicle you own or will buy in the future (no extra licenses, not tied to VIN). So the total cost depends on the number of vehicles a guy might use it on. Still....we're talking peanuts compared to the cost of a commercial hand-held scanner.
 
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fermorales0731

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Not to mention it costs more then alfaOBD, plus, you would have to get an apple, and well, they are terrible
I paid $20 for my truck, how much is Alfa? I already have an iPhone, I’m not sure if you read the post wrong but it clearly says for people that have Apple devices. What would be the point in me having to buy an Android device if there’s an app I can use on what I already have?
 
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fermorales0731

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JScan looks like it can do quite a bit actually. Probably fits what 98% of Chrysler owner's need. AlfaOBD allows much greater ability to change/adjust even minor and esoteric settings, I didn't see in JScan. Power users on this forum probably use those, but I doubt yer average owners who want to dig into a code fault ever need to.

I think we're lucky to have both tools quite frankly. It used to be you needed to go to someone who had a $2500+ Snap-on scanner and pay them shop rate.

From what I understand, JScan you need to buy a 'license' for each chrysler vehicle you want to use it on (it's tied to the vin), which looks like it's about $20 ea. For AlfaOBD, you buy the software and can use it on any MOPAR vehicle you own or will buy in the future (no extra licenses, not tied to VIN). So the total cost depends on the number of vehicles a guy might use it on. Still....we're talking peanuts compared to the cost of a commercial hand-held scanner.
Exactly my point, For small minor adjustments like enabling and disabling things like the seat belt chime, what kind of bulbs you use, activating remote start, this is a good app. I only have one vehicle that I can do this with. It’s $20. For my specific needs this did the assignment well. I don’t need to be changing performance related stuff on it because it’s not what I am looking for. Some people just like to bash without taking anything else into consideration
 

MoparFin

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Ive had JScan for a few years, has been able to do everything I've needed. Not sure what Wireless I bought though, it was a while ago.
 

diymirage

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I paid $20 for my truck, how much is Alfa? I already have an iPhone, I’m not sure if you read the post wrong but it clearly says for people that have Apple devices. What would be the point in me having to buy an Android device if there’s an app I can use on what I already have?
50, out the door

so far i used it on my truck, my wifes journey and the boys charger


here is a thought, someone should make an app that tricks the apple into thinking its an android so you can use android apps on it
 

metalchewy

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I just know licensed version of jscan couldnt program keys on my wife's challenger, nor DRLs. Failed on both. A year later when I got alfa, alfaobd succeeded in both counts. I've actually not opened jscan since buying alfaobd.
Had I known alfaobd existed on 2021, I wouldda just skipped jscan altogether. I don't do iPhones, and also have windows laptops.

Most recently, diagnosing a cylinder 3 misfire, I was able to test fire the injector on that cylinder to hear that the injector was actuating, which I'm fairly sure jscan also can't do.
 
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Jeepwalker

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How long ago was it that you tried those features? When I looked that stuff up this morning, it says it can do those. Maybe they added those features since you used it .....or they work for some but not all vehicles??

IDK... I'm not an apple user. But it seems like an alternative for apple users.
 

metalchewy

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It was over 3 years ago. Documentation said it would but had issues with the OEM fob. DRL seemed to succeed but just never actually worked. Had alfa since 2022, so never looked back after it programed the OEM fobs fine

Agree, for IOS and Mac only folk, jscan should be better than nothing.
 

Jeepwalker

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I'm just amazed at the capabilities of new software these days. For not a lot of $$. Last time I checked for a Snap-on stand-alone update, was a grand.

Is there any capable 3rd party software like the JScan (or similar) for fords? I have a buddy who's a [gulp!] Ford/Lincoln guy.
 

jawzs2

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Is there any capable 3rd party software like the JScan (or similar) for fords? I have a buddy who's a [gulp!] Ford/Lincoln guy.

Look up Forscan, although if I remember correctly, licensing is a bit wonky.
 
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