Incorrect Driver Air Bag and Software – 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

December 6, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V868000

Incorrect Driver Air Bag and Software

Incorrect driver air bag and software version can cause the restraint systems to not function as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V868

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 99

 

Summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, and E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon vehicles. The incorrect driver air bag and software version may have been installed.

 

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver’s air bag and update the air bag software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2020030001/2.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Mercedes-Benz has a Recall

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM:  Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Launch Notification Replace Driver Airbag MY19 213 (E-Class)	DATE: April 9, 2020

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

Sincerely,
Gregory Gunther
Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

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Recall Campaign Launch Notification			April 9, 2020
Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :	Replace Driver Airbag
2020030002 2020030001	19V868	19P9192106 19P9192107
This is to notify you of a Recall Campaign Launch regarding the driver airbag replacement in 99 Model Year (“MY”) 19 E-Class (213 platform) vehicles. The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “OPEN” on April 9, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain early production Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) might be equipped with driver airbags and software that do not meet current production specifications. If an incorrect driver airbag is installed, and the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating the activation of the driver airbag, the restraint systems might not function as expected, increasing the risk of injury for the driver. Please note that this recall is not related to the on-going Takata Airbag recall.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the driver airbag module and software on the affected vehicles, and replace the airbag and update the software, if necessary.
Parts		The remedy is available and can be performed.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2019
Vehicle Model		E-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		65 (software update only) + 34 (software update and airbag replacement)
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		5 (software update only) + 3 (software update and airbag replacement)
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY19 E-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.  Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo.  Once the repair is complete, the vehicle may be sold or leased. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. As a matter of normal service process, please check for other repair measures which might be applicable to the vehicle(s) Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent new MY19 E-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline		Customer letters will be mailed approximately one week after the remedy becomes available.
AOMS/SOMS		AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners		This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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Campaign No. 2020030001, April 2020

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) Model Year 2019 Certification Driver Airbag (Software Update Only)

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain early production Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) might be equipped with driver airbags and software that do not meet current production specifications. If an incorrect driver airbag is installed, and the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating the activation of the driver airbag, the restraint systems might not function as expected, increasing the risk of injury for the driver. Please note that this recall is not related to the on-going Takata Airbag recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the driver airbag module and software on the affected vehicles, and replace the airbag and update the software, if necessary.

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is requiredon a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly asdescribed.

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

Approximately 65 vehicles are involved.

Order No. P-RC-2020030001

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 Note:

• Use Xentry 09/19 with all associated patches or higher.
• Follow the steps exactly as described in Xentry.
• Connect battery charger (battery voltage >12.5V).
• Ensure all electrical consumers are switched-off.
• In the event of software/SCN update issues, contact Star Diagnosis User Help Desk via. XSF ticket.
• Refer to Star Diagnosis System (SDS) Best Practices Guide.
• If XENTRY Diagnosis is already connected to the vehicle, start with operation step 2.

 

Work procedure

1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis.
2. Update software of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit.
   • To do this, select menu item “Quick test view N2/10 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Adaptations Configuration  Manual settings         Check of control unit software    Action 50 2018 553“.

• Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis.

3. Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

 

Warranty Information

Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)

Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)

Update software of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit (02-9334)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
91 921 07 8	02-5058*	0.1
	02-4762*	0.1
	02-9334	0.1

 

*Operation item can only be invoiced once for each work order.

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change

P-RC-2020030001

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Campaign No. 2020030002, April 2020

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) Model Year 2019 Certification Driver Airbag (Airbag Replacement and Software Update)

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain
early production Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) might be equipped with
driver airbags and software that do not meet current production specifications. If an incorrect driver
airbag is installed, and the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating the activation of the driver airbag,
the restraint systems might not function as expected, increasing the risk of injury for the driver. Please
note that this recall is not related to the on-going Takata Airbag recall. An authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer will check the driver airbag module and software on the affected vehicles, and replace the airbag
and update the software, if necessary.

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required
  
  on a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.
• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as
  
  described.

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a
vehicle status indicator.

Approximately 34 vehicles are involved.

Order No. P-RC-2020030002

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Check/test procedure

1. Disconnect ground line of battery.

For basic data, see AR54.10-P-0003LW

 

Figure 1

 

Figure 2

 

1. Airbag unit with part number A 000 860 50 04 installed on steering wheel:

Perform work procedure B.

1. Airbag unit with part number A 000 860 50 04 NOT installed on steering wheel:

Perform work procedures A and B.

 

Work procedure A 

1. Replace airbag unit at steering wheel.

For basic data, see AR91.60-p-0660LW

2. Connect ground line of battery (AR54.10-P-0003LW).
3. Switch ignition to position 1. To do so, press start button once without touching the brake pedal. Check whether airbag indicator lamp (A, figure 1 or 2) permanently goes off after a few seconds.

This step ensures airbag replacement is completed with no codes present.

Contrary to the work instructions in WIS, it is not required to clear the fault memory in the SRS system by means of XENTRY Diagnosis.

 

Figure 3

 

Figure 4

 

• Use Xentry 09/19 with all associated patches or higher.
• Follow the steps exactly as described in Xentry.
• Connect battery charger (battery voltage >12.5V).
• Ensure all electrical consumers are switched-off.
• In the event of software/SCN update issues, contact Star Diagnosis User Help Desk via. XSF ticket.
• Refer to Star Diagnosis System (SDS) Best Practices Guide.
• If XENTRY Diagnosis is already connected to the vehicle, skip Work procedure B operation step 2.

 

Work procedure B 

1. Connect ground line of battery.

Not required if work procedure A is not applicable.

For basic data, see AR54.10-P-0003LW 

2. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis.
3. Update software of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit.
   • To do this, select menu item “Quick test view N2/10 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)      Adaptations  Configuration  Manual settings            Check of control unit software    Action 50 2018 553“.

• Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis.
• If the latest software is already present in the vehicle, this will be shown by means of XENTRY Diagnosis and no further measures are required. 

4. Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

 

Primary Parts Information

Qty.	Part Name	Part Number
1 (As required)	Driver’s airbag	A 000 860 50 04 9116

 

Warranty Information With Software (Check and Work Procedure B) 

Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)

Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)

Update software of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit (02-9334)

Check driver’s airbag (02-1431)

 

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
91 921 06 8	02-5058*	0.1
	02-4762*	0.1
	02-9334	0.1
	02-1431	0.2

 

*Operation item can only be invoiced once for each work order.

 

With Software and Airbag (Check and Work Procedure A and B)

Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)

Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)

Update software of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit (02-9334)

Check driver’s airbag (02-1431)

Replace driver’s airbag (after check) (02-1432)

 

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
91 921 06 7	02-5058*	0.1
	02-4762*	0.1
	02-9334	0.1
	02-1431	0.2
	02-1432	0.1

 

*Operation item can only be invoiced once for each work order.

 

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2020030001 or 2020030002
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Replace Driver Airbag
NHTSA Recall #19V868

 

April, 2020

A remedy is available for your vehicle. Schedule an appointment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. This repair will be provided free of charge.

 

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	MBAG has determined that on certain early production Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) might be equipped with driver airbags and software that do not meet current production specifications. If an incorrect driver airbag is installed, and the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating the activation of the driver airbag, the restraint systems might not function as expected, increasing the risk of injury for the driver. Please note that this recall is not related to the on-going Takata Airbag recall.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the driver airbag module and software on the affected vehicles, and replace the airbag and update the software, if necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. We are dedicated to always delivering the best customer experience, and respect for your time is a top priority.  While the minimum repair time can be less than 1.5 hours, your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit.  As a matter of normal service process, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle which may increase the required working time.
What should YOU DO?	For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer at your earliest convenience. To locate authorized dealers see www.MBUSA.com/recall.  Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to have the driver airbag module and software checked under Recall Campaign # 2020030001 or # 2020030002. You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter.
Information for Owners	In the event that you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have had a change of address, please complete the reverse side and return the updated information in the enclosed envelope. If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee within 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.

 

To find the most convenient  authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to  the left.

 

A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBUSA.com website now offers a search feature that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed. See www.mbusa.com/recall. Should you have any questions or encounter any difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. If for any reason a dealer is unable to remedy your situation, we are always happy to hear from you. Please contact us at 1-(800) FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).

If an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to

 

https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

 

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN:                  

If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may contact them. 

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This INTERIM notice applies to your vehicle,
VIN:  Replace Driver Airbag
NHTSA Recall #19V868

January, 2020

 

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

 

What is the Concern?

MBAG has determined that certain early production Model Year (“MY”) 2019 E-Class AMG vehicles (213 platform) might be equipped with driver airbags and software that do not meet current production specifications.  If an incorrect driver airbag is installed, and the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating the activation of the driver airbag, the restraint systems might not function as expected, increasing the risk of injury for the driver. Please note that this recall is not related to the on-going Takata Airbag recall.

An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the driver airbag module and software on the affected vehicles, and replace the airbag and update the software, if necessary.  Unfortunately, the parts to remedy this issue are currently not yet available.

We are working to obtain the necessary parts  as quickly as possible.  As parts become available, we will send you another letter asking you to take your vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the recall completed free of charge.

Should you have any concerns or questions regarding your vehicle before you receive the next recall letter when parts are available, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  If for any reason a dealer is unable to resolve your question or concern, we are always happy to hear from you.  Please contact us at 1-800-367-6372.  A new vehicle identification number (VIN)based recall lookup tool, on our MBUSA.com website, now offers a search function that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed.  Please visit www.MBUSA.com/recall.

If you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have a change of address, please complete the reverse side of this letter and return the complete letter in the enclosed envelope.  If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee within 10 days to comply with federal regulations.

If a Mercedes-Benz dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We regret any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328 Phone (770) 705-0600

 

IMPORTANT VIN:

If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may contact them.

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3 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES BENZ	E53	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	E63	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	E63S AMG	2019

 

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11 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Launch Notification Replace Driver Airbag

RCMN-19V868-7099.pdf 808.191KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V868-2298.pdf 285.259KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V868-1224.pdf 156.692KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V868-3253.PDF 217.071KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-19V868-4873.PDF 216.298KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V868-3901.pdf 202.054KB

 

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ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-19V868-7259.pdf 148.498KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V868-6494.PDF 211.141KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V868-7713.pdf 291.823KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V868-2110.PDF 216.338KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-19V868-5546.PDF 211.242KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V868&docType=RCL

 

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Mercedes-Benz Reprogramming

J2534 Pass-Thru

All information in regard to Mercedes-Benz J2534 compliant software is available free of charge and found under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is available for purchase from Mercedes-Benz USA.

In order to use the J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the purchaser must furnish their own:

• Windows based PC or laptop^*

• J2534 compliant interface box^*1*

^*Must be purchased from a third party company and are not available from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

^*1* suggested listing of J2534 interface boxes is located within the J2534 Pass-Thru User’s Manual which is posted for view without cost under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

 

Vehicle Coverage

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles has coverage for all required functions associated to reprogramming, initialization, and fault clearing of emission control modules (engine and transmission) fitted to vehicles 2004 Model Year and newer. Additionally all access and functionality required in regard the configuration via SCN Coding and/or CVN Coding is covered.

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is delivered via DVD media which is delivered monthly for the license term of one year upon purchase.

• All control unit software (reprogramming calibrations) is contained within J2534 DVD media.

 

Terms and conditions

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is purchased in 1-year license increments. During that license term the user will receive an initial software package, license key, SCN/CVN Coding information/access as well as monthly updates via DVD media.

• Additional updates of software after the 1st year can be purchased at additional cost, however are not required for the system to continue functioning.

For pricing and additional information via the internet, please refer to the information at the beginning of this section.

 

	CarDAQ-Plus - PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-M Modular PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-Plus 3
	Bosch Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534
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	Autel MaxiFlash VCI Vehicle Communication Interface J2534 PassThru ECU Programming Device Bluetooth Connection Internet Update Support CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, DoIP, D-PDU Works with PC or Autel MS909
	GODIAG J2534

 

www.startekinfo.com

 

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Last update on 2025-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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