Table of Contents
1.

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 1
1.1

BACKGROUND ........................................................................................... 1

1.2

J2534 - A SOLUTION ARRIVES ................................................................... 2

1.3

PASS-THRU VEHICLE INTERFACE .............................................................. 22.

GETTING TO KNOW MAXIFLASH ELITE............................................. 3
2.1

FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................... 3

2.2

TOP PANEL ............................................................................................... 5

2.3BOTTOM PANEL ........................................................................................ 52.4

POWER UP ................................................................................................ 62.5

SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................... 72.6

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED ........................................................................... 82.7

PRODUCT TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................. 93.

DRIVER SETUP & NETWORK CONFIGURING................................... 103.1

DRIVER SETUP ........................................................................................ 103.2

FIRMWARE UPDATE ................................................................................ 12

4.

REPROGRAMMING WITH J2534 DEVICE........................................... 145.

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION ............................................................. 16

6.

WARRANTY AND SERVICE................................................................... 17
6.1

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ............................................................. 17

6.2

SERVICE PROCEDURES ............................................................................ 17

1. Introduction
1.1 BackgroundThe days of diagnosing and repairing automobiles without a laptop
beside you are quickly fading. Newer vehicles include a large
number of onboard computers that are each dedicated to performing
specific tasks. Common onboard computers in newer vehicle
include the Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control
Module (TCM), Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM), Anti-lockBrake System (ABS), Body Control Module (BCM) and numerous
other control modules to manage every electronic system frompower door locks to crash data.
Each onboard computer is programmed at the factory with software
enabling it to perform certain tasks. Inside the ECM is software
containing hundreds or even thousands of parameters to control
spark, fuel, idle, cruising, emissions, economy, drivability, andperformance. Likewise, a TCM will have software to control how
the transmission and torque converter function. Sometimes, after
the vehicle is shipped from the automaker, updates are released to
improve emissions, fuel economy, drivability, performance, orspecific bugs in the original software that have caused warranty
issues. Updating this software can be a proactive fix because often
it will resolve problems that a customer hasn’t reported or noticedyet.
The practice of updating software in these modules is morecommonly known as flash reprogramming. At new car dealerships,
flash reprogramming is relatively straight forward because service
technicians are connected to the automaker and have the expensive,
specialized dealer service tools dedicated to reprogramming. The
independent repair shops have faced a more difficult challenge
because most shops typically service more than one make ofvehicles. This increases the complexity, cost and training required
to operate dozens of different factory service tools.

11.2 J2534 - A Solution Arrives
In 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been
watching this issue and decided to take action. The EPA requested astandard be developed within the SAE that led to J2534, amandated specification to which automakers who sell vehicles in
the United States must conform. The original J2534 specification
was later updated to J2534-1 in order to support all automakers.
The EPA mandate requires automakers to support aftermarket repair
shops with J2534-1 flash reprogramming for any emissions related
computer modules on a vehicle that can be reprogrammed by a new
car dealership. This mandate took effect for all 2004 and newervehicles.
SAE J2534 is a standard devised of two independent parts:
subscription software and a J2534 compliant Pass Thru vehicleinterface. The subscription software comes directly from theautomaker, runs on your shop PC or laptop, and can either be
web-based or CD-based. The subscription fees are charged
differently for each automaker.

1.3 Pass-Thru Vehicle Interface
The second part of the system is a SAE J2534 compliant Pass-Thru
vehicle interface. This device acts as a gateway between thevehicle’s onboard computers and the technician’s personal computer.
It translates messages from the PC into the protocols used by theautomobile and vice versa.
Performing J2534 reprogramming requires computer knowledge
and experience. The technician will need to operate a laptop ordesktop, the Pass-Thru device, and the reprogramming software.
Operation will also require a good high-speed connection to theInternet such as DSL, Cable, or T1.

2

2. Getting to Know MaxiFlash Elite
Thank you for choosing the MaxiFlash® Elite Reprogramming Device!
This multi-protocol Pass-Thru vehicle interface is a fully compliant
SAE J2534-1 & SAE J2534-2 (March 2006) device, speciallydesigned to provide users with convenient PC communication and
ECU reprogramming capabilities on any modern vehicle diagnostic
bus, and offer the most significant features desired by OEM
customers: reliability, fast performance and flexibility.

2.1 Front Panel

1) Vehicle LED
2) Connection LED
3) Power LED
There are 3 status LEDs on the front panel of the reprogramming tool,
which indicates the Pass-Thru interface’s working status as well as
the hardware conditions, and are very useful for troubleshooting thedevice’s communication or connection to the Vehicle or PC. Pleaserefer to Table 1 for detailed description of the status LEDs.

3

TABLE 1—STATUS LEDS ON THE FRONT PANEL
LEDColor

Description
Flashes green when communicatingwith the vehicle’s system.

VehicleGreenNote: Do not disconnect while thisstatus LED is on! If you interrupt theflash reprogramming procedure whilethe vehicle’s ECU is blank or only
partially programmed, the module
may be unrecoverable.

Green

Illuminates solid green when properly
connected with the display tablet via
the USB cable

BlueIlluminates solid blue when connectedwith the display tablet via wireless(BT) connection

GreenIlluminates solid green when poweredon.

Connection

Red

Flashes red when system failure
occurs.

PowerAmber

The power LED illuminates amber
automatically every time when thedevice is power up, which is a normal
self-test procedure, and it will turngreen automatically later when thedevice starts working normally.

4

2.2 Top Panel
Connections to the power adapter and vehicle are available on thetop panel.

1) Power Port
The power port (DC 12V) connects the device and the powersource with the adapter, which supplies power to thereprogramming tool.
2) Vehicle Connector
The Vehicle connector connects the device to the vehicle’s DLC
via a standard high density DB-26 MVCI – OBDII cable.

2.3 Bottom Panel
The MaxiFlash® Elite Pass-Thru device supports two ways of PC
connection: USB and wireless BT, which make PC communicationand vehicle reprogramming all the more convenient and easy fortechnicians.
The embedded wireless BT module, which offers higher bandwidthand distance range, can be detected and paired to Autel’s MaxiSys
diagnostic tablet and serves as a Vehicle Communication Interface(VCI) device for data transmission. The USB connection port to thePC is available in the bottom panel of the device.

51) USB Port
The USB port provides the easiest connection between thedevice and the MaxiSys Display Tablet/PC via a USB cable.

2.4 Power Up
The Pass-Thru vehicle reprogramming device can be powered either
via the vehicle DLC, or the external power adapter.
 Vehicle Power Supply
1)

Connect the MVCI – OBDII cable to the reprogramming tool.

2)

Find DLC on vehicle.

A plastic DLC cover may be found for some vehicles and you
need to remove it before plugging the OBDII cable.
3)

Plug OBDII cable to the vehicle’s DLC.

4)

Wait for the reprogramming tool to power up.

 External DC Power Supply
1) Locate the power port of the device.
2) Connect the device and the power source with the power
adapter.
3) Wait for the reprogramming tool to power up.
NOTE: The external power supply does not support power
charging to the vehicle battery.
62.5 Specifications
The MaxiFlash Elite Reprogramming Device is powerfully
featured to be desired by all OEM customers:
Supports simultaneous communication definition in J2534-1,
running 3 protocols at the same time, which greatly improves
reprogramming and diagnostic speed.

Supports multiple device connections to the PC, which canoperate diagnostic and reprogramming functions on more than onevehicle at the same time.

Embedded with the ARM9 Dual-core processor (clocked up to500MHz), which further boosts the communicating speed.

Rugged aluminum case with non-slip rubber end caps, capable ofwithstanding harsh environment.

Check up detailed specifications in the following table:
TABLE 3 – DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS
Name

Value

Communications

Wireless BT V2.1 + EDR,
USB 2.0

Wireless Frequency

Wireless BT V2.1+EDR, 2.4GHz

Input Voltage Range

12VDC to 24VDC

Supply Current

170mA @ 12VDC
100mA @ 24VDC

Operating Temperature

0℃ to +60℃ (ambient)

7

Name

Value

Storage Temperature-65℃ to +100℃ (ambient)
Length: 149 mm (5.87")

Dimensions

Width: 86mm (3.38")
Height: 35 mm (1.28")

Weight0.29kg (0.64lb)

Bus Protocols
Primary CAN/ISO15765/GMLAN

Secondary CAN/ISO15765/GMLAN (Dual or Single Wire)Ford SCP (J1850PWM)

GM Class2 (J1850VPW)

KWP2000 (ISO9141/14230)

Chrysler SCI (J2610)

Other


Compliant to SAE J2534-1 (2004) and J2534-2 (2006)
reprogramming standardsCompliant to ISO 22900-1 MVCI physical layer

2.6 Accessories Included
1)

User’s Manual - Instructions on tool operations

2)

MVCI to OBDII Cable - provides power to tool andcommunicates between tool and vehicle, high density DB-263)

USB Cable - allows easy connection to PC/MaxiSys displaytablet.
84)Power Adapter - supplies power to the reprogramming tool.

5)

CD - includes user’s manual, software development kit,
device driver, etc

2.7 Product TroubleshootingThis part describes problems that you may encounter while using thereprogramming tool.
Vehicle Linking Error
A communication error occurs if the reprogramming tool fails tocommunicate with the vehicle’s control module when perform theprogram re-flash. You need to do the following check-ups:
 Verify that the ignition is ON.
 Check if the reprogramming tool’s OBD II connector issecurely connected to the vehicle’s DLC.
 Turn the ignition off and wait for about 10 seconds. Turn theignition back to on and continue the operation.
 Verify the control module is not defective.
PC Communication Error
If you cannot communicate the device to the PC, you need to do thefollowing check-ups:
 Verify the reprogramming tool is powered, and the green
power LED is illuminated.
 Check if there is any firewall software interfering with theconnection port.
 Check if the green status light is illuminated for USBcommunication.
If these issues have been addressed, verified, and you are still having
trouble, please contact technical supports for assistance.

93. Driver Setup & Network Configuring
3.1 Driver Setup
In order for the Pass-Thru Device to operate correctly with there-flashing and diagnostic applications on the target PC, you willneed to first install the MaxiFlash Elite J2534 device driver onto thePC that will control the device.
To setup the J2534 Pass-Thru device driver, you will need thefollowings:
CD with the device driver programPC or laptop with USB ports

J2534 Pass-Thru reprogramming toolUSB cable
NOTE: The following steps may vary depending on theoperating system or components that are installed on yourcomputer, but in general this is the standard installation
process.

1)

Insert the driver installation CD to your PC and open the CDfolder.

2)

Double click on “Autel Run.exe” item.

3)

Click the MaxiFlash Elite icon in the MaxiSys PC Suite
screen.

4)

Select the installation language and the installation wizard
will load momentarily.

5)

Follow the wizard instructions on the screen and click “Next”
to continue.

106)

Click on “Install” and the driver program will be installed
onto your PC.

NOTE: During this part of the process a MS-DOS stylewindow may pop up and may remain on your screen for ashort while, which is perfectly normal. Do not attempt toclose the MS-DOS style window manually as this will
prevent the device driver being installed successfully, it willclose automatically when the device driver installation iscomplete.

117)

When the driver is successfully installed, a confirm window
will appear. Click on “Finish” to complete the whole
installation procedure.

3.2 Firmware Update
This function allows you to update the driver software for thePass-Thru device through the PC. Make sure the PC is connectedto the Internet before using this function.
1)

Power up the device by the external power supply; verify thegreen Power LED on the front panel is on.

2)Connect the Pass-Thru device to the PC with the supplied USB
cable; verify the green Connection LED on the front panel ison.

3)

From Windows Start Menu, find and double click the“MaxiFlash Elite” icon, wait for the program interface to pop
up.

12Figure 3.54)

The update agent will automatically check for the available
update online.

5)

Press the “Next” button to install the newest firmware.

6)

Press the “Cancel” button to exit.

134. Reprogramming with J2534 device
To reprogram vehicles using OEM software, you can find a list
below of websites that offer subscription software, or visit
http://etools.org/ website to find out more ECU re-flash
applications from the OEMs.
Using additional OEM software, the MaxiFlash Elite can be used
as a Pass-Thru diagnostics tool as well, which allows users toread and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and data log
PIDS, collect sensor data and log generic OBDII data etc.
Since J2534 allows multiple devices to be connected at once, youmust tell the software you want to use the MaxiFlash Elite. Every
application will have a different way to select the device, soplease consult the software manual.

TABLE 4 – LIST OF AUTOMAKERS’ SERVICE WEBSITES
Automaker

WebsiteBMW

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/

Mini

http://www.minitechinfo.com/

Porschehttp://www.porsche.com/

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge

http://www.techauthority.com/

Ford, Lincoln,
Mercury,

http://www.motorcraft.com/
14

AutomakerWebsiteLand Rover

http://www.landrovertechinfo.com/

Volvo
Cadillac, Chevrolet,
Daewoo, GM, GEO,
Pontiac, Buick,Saturn, SAAB
Acura, Honda

http://www.volvotechinfo.com/
http://www.gmtechinfo.com/
http://www.serviceexpress.honda.com/

Isuzu

http://www.isuzutechinfo.com/

Mazda

http://www.mazdaserviceinfo.com/

Mercedeshttp://www.startekinfo.com/

Mitsubishi

http://www.mitsubishitechinfo.com/

NissanToyota, Lexus, Scion
Volkswagen
Audi

http://www.nissan-techinfo.com
http://techinfo.toyota.com/
http://www.erwin.volkswagen.de/erWinVW
http://erwin.audi.de/erWinAudi

NOTE: When reprogramming onboard, always make sure thevehicle battery is fully charged and in good working condition.
During reprogramming there is a risk of having the operation
failure if voltage falls below the proper operating voltage.
Sometimes a failed operation can be recovered, but there is achance that failed reprogramming could ruin the control module.
We recommend connecting an external battery charger to thevehicle to ensure a successful operation.

15

5. Compliance Information
FCC COMPLIANCEFCC ID: WQ815MXFELITEThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of IndustryCanada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1.

This device may not cause harmful interference.

2.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits aredesigned to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in aresidential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee thatinterference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined byturning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct theinterference by one or more of the following measures: ⅰ. Reorient or relocate thereceiving antenna. ⅱ. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
ⅲ. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected. ⅳ. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated withminimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

RoHS COMPLIANCE
This device is declared to be in compliance with the European RoHS Directive
2011/65/EU.

CE COMPLIANCE
This product is declared to conform to the essential requirements of the following
Directives and carries the CE mark accordingly: EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
RED Directive 2014/53/EU
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
16

6. Warranty and Service
6.1 Limited One Year Warranty
Autel warrants to its customers that this product will be free from all
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year
from the date of the original purchase, subject to the following terms
and conditions:1) The sole responsibility of Autel under the Warranty is limited toeither the repair or, at the option of Autel, replacement of thePass-Thru device at no charge with Proof of Purchase. Thesales receipt may be used for this purpose.
2) This warranty does not apply to damages caused by improperuse, accident, flood, lightning, or if the product was altered orrepaired by anyone other than the Manufacturer’s ServiceCenter.
3) Autel shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages arising from the use, misuse, or mounting of the device.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
4) All information in this manual is based on the latest
information available at the time of publication and nowarranty can be made for its accuracy or completeness. Autelreserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

6.2 Service Procedures
If you have any questions, please contact your local store,distributor or visit our website at www.autel.com.
If it becomes necessary to return the tool for repair, contact yourlocal distributor for more information.

17