Alpha OBD??? Cell or laptop??

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TJP440

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Have to love You tube :) I was missing a few steps to get to the right area. Actually had a setting for LED's vs HID so that's what I did. I'll post a link tothe video as it may be helpful to others. AlphaOBD U TUBE
Now what other kind of things / trouble can one get into with this program at a later time? LOL
Thanks to all
 

RamDiver

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As soon as I get my woodstove all trimmed, I'll head upstairs to my PC with AlfaOBD. The info below is from my half awake brain.

After selecting make & model, then BCM on the connect tab, then you will have the choice of years.

Select the 2014 year and click on the connect button.
After a successful connection, AlfaOBD will say it's connected.

Go to the diagnostics tab, select car configuration change then click on the empty box below to see all the options or, you can type the option name and it will provide a list.

Did you find the area you need?

.
 
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TJP440

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As soon as I get my woodstove all trimmed, I'll head upstairs to my PC with AlfaOBD. The info below is from my half awake brain.

After selecting make & model, then BCM on the connect tab, then you will have the choice of years.

Select the 2014 year and click on the connect button.
After a successful connection, AlfaOBD will say it's connected.

Go to the diagnostics tab, select change car configuration, then click on the empty box below to see all the options or, you can type the option name and it will provide a list.
Did you find the area you need?
I believe so with the above video it was step by step> The car change configuration is what I was missing as well as which option. The big stumbling block was the Change car Configuration.
Thank you for all your help.
Now about what other trouble can I get into with this new toy LOL:happy160:
 

RamDiver

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You're most welcome and congrats. :cool:

You can add DRLs,
Remove the fog light dropout, allows fog with high beams.

Global windows down to drop the front windows with the FOB.

You can reset the wheel circumference size to have a precise speedometer.

All these and more are listed in the AlfaOBD thread. :cool:

.
 

04fxdwgi

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I believe so with the above video it was step by step> The car change configuration is what I was missing as well as which option. The big stumbling block was the Change car Configuration.
Thank you for all your help.
Now about what other trouble can I get into with this new toy LOL:happy160:
Here ya go. Have fun, but be cautious
 

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Mojo88

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You can add DRLs,
Remove the fog light dropout, allows fog with high beams.

What is a "fog light dropout"?

In the last part of that sentence, you said "allows fog with high beams". Does that mean whenever high beams are on, the fogs are on? Even during a quick 'flash to pass' in the daytime, the fogs would flash, as well as the high beams?

Thanks
 
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TJP440

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04, thank you for the excellent write up. :cheers:
My experience with changing the headlamps to LED was a bit different. Possibly a program change by AlphaOBD? If you watch the video I followed, FF to about 7.5 minutes to 11.0, during this time he shows a method to change to /select LED lights individually. VIDEO LINK
That is the method I used. There was nothing mentioned about HID.
I am below a novice level on this technology so please respond with your thoughts.
thanks again
Tim
 

RamDiver

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What is a "fog light dropout"?

In the last part of that sentence, you said "allows fog with high beams". Does that mean whenever high beams are on, the fogs are on? Even during a quick 'flash to pass' in the daytime, the fogs would flash, as well as the high beams?

Thanks

By default, our trucks are configured to drop out (shut off) the fog lights, the moment you engage the high beams.

By disabling this drop-out function, we can have the fog lights on with high beams for greater roadway illumination.

No, flashing your high beams won't flash the fog lights, no connection with that function.

My fog lights are white and more accurately are OEM LED running lights. They illuminate the ditches on both sides of the rural highways where I typically travel.

.
 
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RamDiver

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04, thank you for the excellent write up. :cheers:
My experience with changing the headlamps to LED was a bit different. Possibly a program change by AlphaOBD? If you watch the video I followed, FF to about 7.5 minutes to 11.0, during this time he shows a method to change to /select LED lights individually. VIDEO LINK
That is the method I used. There was nothing mentioned about HID.
I am below a novice level on this technology so please respond with your thoughts.
thanks again
Tim

Many features that are available on the newer trucks are not on the older. Also, the options that we have in common, 2014 versus 2021, may appear very different in AlfaOBD.

Or, I could have been half asleep when I posted. :cool:


AlfaOBD LED high beam lamps present.jpg

.
 
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TJP440

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Many features that are available on the newer trucks are not on the older. Also, the options that we have in common, 2014 versus 2021, may appear very different in AlfaOBD.

Or, I could have been half asleep when I posted. :cool:


View attachment 556932

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It will likely be awhile before I know if all is good as I don't drive the truck much as of yet and especially at night but I will report back if there are other issues.
Do I dare check to see if there are any current codes and clear them? Or is it better to let sleeping dogs lie ;)
And thank you again for responding. As mentioned I'm new to this "technology :poop:" so I'm a bit cautious. :cheers:
 
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TJP440

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Wanted to recommend these for anyone venturing down the World of AlphaOBD



71npb7oyu7L.__AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg
 

Pat E

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I went with a USB OBD connector and a laptop. No issues and no complaints. I also keep a thumb drive in my truck with the AlfaOBD software, my license key, and all of the backup files I have saved (just in case I need to access something but do not have my laptop - of course totally dependent on someone else letting me borrow their laptop).
 
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TJP440

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I'm doing exactly the same but still trying to understand what all this program/ application can do but not wanting to get into trouble while doing so.
 

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From what I understand is the PC license is licensed to that PC or Windows copy and cannot be used on any other device, as where the Android version will follow your account. I have not read the main AlfaOBD site page in years but your may want to confirm that in the event it has changed..
 

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I'm back with a few more questions and I flipping hate technology that I'm no familiar with :(

1 set of bulbs (sealight) are here. Following member Ramrods direction I ordered the USB version, OBDlink SX which should be here tomorrow.
My plan was to use my laptop but in order to do so It will have to be disconnected from the i/net.
Not knowing if this would be an issue I emailed AlphaOBD's distributor. they called back and encouraged me to use my Cell and THEIR bluetooth device LINKY as it was more user friendly.
The issues are I am not overly familiar with cell phones and I have mild tremors which makes it much harder to use the cell.
My thought was to buy the program, put it on the laptop, disconnect from the net, hook the laptop up to the truck with the above cable.
First make a copy of the existing settings saving it to a file on the computer (Hopefully that's easy). I can't save it to google drive until I'm able to reconnect. Proceed to try and make the needed changes for the lights.
Does this make sense or am I setting myself up ?
The person I spoke with really pushed using the cell which I might be tempted to try but I do not have their recommended device and they are in Canada (2 weeks shipping?). I am not sure if another would work or if I should just try the laptop. I'd really like to get this behind me.
Sorry for being so uninformed with this technology :(
thanks for any help
I didn't see this in any of the answers; I assume not that many people are aware. If you have an Android phone and Win 11 on your PC you can run Microsoft Phone Link (available from Google Play) and run all your cell phone apps from your PC. It also works with texts, lots easier to type on the PC keyboard than your phone. And has a pictures interface.
 
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TJP440

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I didn't see this in any of the answers; I assume not that many people are aware. If you have an Android phone and Win 11 on your PC you can run Microsoft Phone Link (available from Google Play) and run all your cell phone apps from your PC. It also works with texts, lots easier to type on the PC keyboard than your phone. And has a pictures interface.
Hmm, that might have made things a bit easier. the laptop does have win 11.
So, how does this work/ Does the PChave to be connected to the i/net or just close to the phone? I'm assuming withthe phone on?
Unfortunately I already bought the windows version and a cable connector from the PC to the car so I'm likely stuck with them. But certainly nice to know for future use. I really need to get up on cell technology but that's going to take some time.
Thank you for the suggestion :happy160:
 

pscarbor

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Hmm, that might have made things a bit easier. the laptop does have win 11.
So, how does this work/ Does the PChave to be connected to the i/net or just close to the phone? I'm assuming withthe phone on?
Unfortunately I already bought the windows version and a cable connector from the PC to the car so I'm likely stuck with them. But certainly nice to know for future use. I really need to get up on cell technology but that's going to take some time.
Thank you for the suggestion :happy160:
Internet connection has nothing to do with it. The PC and cell phone each have to be on the same network. And of course you will have to be on the Internet to load up Phone Link from Google Play / the Microsoft Store in the first place.

Not making fun of you but do you know the difference between the Internet and your local network?
 
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TJP440

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From what I understand is the PC license is licensed to that PC or Windows copy and cannot be used on any other device, as where the Android version will follow your account. I have not read the main AlfaOBD site page in years but your may want to confirm that in the event it has changed..
The PC license can be moved between PC's But can only be used on ONE device. So in order to move it you have to first deactivate the PC it is on.
Hindsight be 20/20 (always is) except in my case where belly button viewing is 20/20 :gr_grin:
I probably should have gone with the cell version but all is good at this point.
Thanks for your input :cheers:
 
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TJP440

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Internet connection has nothing to do with it. The PC and cell phone each have to be on the same network. And of course you will have to be on the Internet to load up Phone Link from Google Play / the Microsoft Store in the first place.

Not making fun of you but do you know the difference between the Internet and your local network?
Somewhat but not really, I am technologically challenged especially with cells. I owned a home based resto/repair business for the last 25 years and babysat 4 employees (short version) so I didn't have much use for a cell as I rarely got away. So now it's catch up time in a lot of different areas (another long story) . I've always said "Lessons paid for are best remembered' and I have paid dearly :banghead:
 

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Somewhat but not really, I am technologically challenged especially with cells. I owned a home based resto/repair business for the last 25 years and babysat 4 employees (short version) so I didn't have much use for a cell as I rarely got away. So now it's catch up time in a lot of different areas (another long story) . I've always said "Lessons paid for are best remembered' and I have paid dearly :banghead:
Ok well your local network is what connects your cell, PC, Roku if you have one, etc. together. This is linked via a router which is a device that connects one network - in this case your local one - to another, the so-called "Internet".

The phone and PC will communicate through your local network if you use Phone Link. You will not need the Internet for this, although you WILL need it in order to get the programs in the first place. I think (?) Win 11 comes with Phone Link and so you may only need to get it for your cell phone.
 

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