Would you recommend the VXDIAG Subaru SSM III in place of a standard OBD2 scanner? As I understand it, it can also read DTCs for things like the ABS and airbag systems, unlike a normal OBD2 scanner. I have held off on a standard scanner just because it seems like this can do more.
Answer:
It definitely does more than a regular scanner.
I have one and find it useful as it will talk to everything on the car, including immobilizer systems. . . it emulates the SSM3 and uses cracked SSM software. It is extremely picky about OS. I wound up having to buy a new(ish) laptop running win7 to get it going. Wouldn’t work with XP or 10.
But my mission is a bit different from most. I make and program keys for a living and for a while the SSM was the only thing that would program the prox fobs. Not true anymore but I still paid less for the VXdiag with software than I would for a single piece of software for my T-code pro. . and there are 3 for Subaru. I have one which only covers the earliest models.
I also find it handy for doing stuff like turning off the passenger seat belt warning (my dog rides over there sometimes and doesn’t like wearing his belt) or setting the wiper de-icer to work for as long as I tell it to instead of a 12 minute cycle. Or make the door locks unlock with one press of the remote. had a VDC code that was for the steering angle sensor. All of this is stuff you won’t be able to do (AFAIK) with any other scanner.
I also rebuild wrecks and it’s the only thing that will talk to the airbag systems so I can figure out WTF is making the light stay on after cobbling together a car from 2 or 3 others.
You could pay the $3k for a legit SSM3 plus another $2k/year for software and have no problems with install. . .
But if all you want to do is check/clear codes and view live engine data occasionally, yeah, you don’t need this.
You have to have a NASTF LSID or be very good friends with a Subaru parts manager.
Yes you need an immobilizer code (which is VIN specific) to program keys/fobs. It does not change so once you have it for your car you can go nuts. Odds are your dealer would probably give you YOUR immobilizer code if you shop there somewhat regularly. They may charge you for it as I know they have to pay a couple of bucks to mama subie for them.
There’s also an ‘enabling password’ which is also static and I suppose is a very flimsy extra layer of security to protect the immobilizer features of the SSM. It’s 3781.