For over five years, a technology has been creeping up in the aftermarket diagnostic repair business – the “Secure Gateway Module”, often referred to as the SGW.
The SGW acts as a firewall between the vehicle’s multimedia system, the diagnostic port and the rest of the vehicle’s electronic systems to prevent unauthorised access.
It is expected that all vehicles with integrated connected technology will have a form of SGW installed by the middle of this decade. In fact EU regulation 2018/858 states that a method of protecting access to a vehicle’s data will be a mandatory requirement for any new types of vehicles introduced by manufacturers within the EU.
Fiat Chrysler Automotive introduced the SGW into its range of vehicles from late 2018 onwards and recently VW, Audi, Skoda and Renault also introduced the SGW on their new models. Mercedes-Benz prevents unauthorised access in the form of a security key, but has moved to using the SGW on new models. Ford uses the SGW for some of its modules to restrict unauthorised access, in particular to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), whilst Hyundai and Kia also use a secure key.

What does this mean to the aftermarket workshop?
It is possible that the scan tool in many workshops will have limited access to the electronic systems on vehicles fitted with the SGW. For example, it may be able to read fault codes but not clear them. Users will most likely not get access to adaptive functions, they may not be able to complete a service reset function, and it may not be possible to access any ADAS to calibrate. To put it simply, unless the diagnostic scan tool the workshop is using is authorised software, they will have very limited functionality.
Bosch Diagnostics has the solution in the form of Secure Diagnostics Access (SDA). SDA is a user friendly feature on Bosch’s KTS 250, 350, 560 and 590 range of diagnostic tools which are installed with the latest ESI[tronic] 2.0 software.
Not only does the updated software from Bosch Diagnostics offer comprehensive vehicle coverage, but also unrestricted access to vehicles fitted with the SGW.
Bosch’s SDA requires the diagnostic tool to be connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection, a valid and current ESI[tronic] software licence and a completed registration of a Bosch ID. This will allow the user to seamlessly access the vehicle’s electronic systems via the diagnostic tool to complete the diagnostic task at hand and a more enhanced functionality.
The advantage of SDA platform is that it will enable the user to deal with all vehicle brands, as the platform is expanded.
For a demonstration on the Bosch KTS250, KTS560 and KTS590 diagnostic tools, please contact your nearest CoolDrive Auto Parts branch.