In this article, we are going to talk about FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Security Gateway Modules (SGM), and the 2021 Promaster City Van. In 2018, FCA started installing the Security Gateway Module in nearly all of their vehicles. This Security Gateway Module blocks communications to and from the other modules by way of the OBD2 Connector or through a wireless link (“Hacking”) in these vehicles (See Image 1).

There are several ways to circumvent the Security Gateway Module in order to accomplish key programming. The most common technique a locksmith employs to get around the Security Gateway Module without disconnecting it is by connecting a “bypass cable” to the Star Connector Junction of the vehicle (See Image 2).

There are multiple types of cables that can be used for these connections (See Image 3, Image 4, and Image 5). Once you have connected the bypass cable of your choice to the Star Connector Junction, you can now communicate freely with all of the modules in the vehicle and perform the necessary key programming functions. Some FCA Vehicles do not use the Star Connector Junction in their communication networks. This is the case for the 2021 Promaster City Van, along with some others. If you are working with a vehicle that has no Star Connector Junction, you must first locate the Security Gateway Module and disconnect the two connectors on this module. Once you have done this, reconnect these cables to the proper location on a “12+8” Security Gateway Module Bypass Cable (See Image 6). These two cables have different connector types, so they cannot be connected to the wrong locations. Now that you have the 12+8 Cable connected to the cables that were originally attached to the Security Gateway Module, you can connect the OBD2 Programming Cable from a compatible programmer to the OBD2 female socket on the 12+8 Cable.

This is all mostly straightforward, but the part of this that is not as evident is how to locate the Security Gateway Module. An internet search for many vehicles will tell you where the Security Gateway Module is located, but this will not always yield correct results. The newer the vehicle is, the harder this information is for you to find. Recently, we could not find the location of the Security Gateway Module for a 2021 Promaster City Van, so we decided to locate the module and write this Tech Tip with the details. After all of this leg work, we did find some of the information we had already discovered in some OEM Literature, of which several images in this article are featured from.

In the 2021 Promaster City Van, the Security Gateway Module is located above the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag (KNB) in this location(See Figure 7). The Security Gateway Module in this vehicle, and most others, is held in by three fasteners, which are highlighted in the image. To remove the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag, disconnect the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) if equipped, followed by the negative battery cable. Please note that proper care should be taken whenever handling or working with a vehicle’s Airbag. Improper handling and procedures when working with airbags can cause serious injury. If you are not familiar working with vehicle airbags please acquire a better understanding before beginning this process.

Next, remove the plastic trim under the steering column (See Image 8 and Image 9). Once the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag is exposed, remove the four fasteners securing it in place (See Image 10). After removing these, lower the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag enough to access the Inflator Control Connector on the rear of the module and disconnect the connector (See Image 11). Once you have this connector released and the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag out of place, remove it from the vehicle. The Security Gateway Module should now be exposed. If necessary, remove the three fasteners to disconnect the two cables and make the required connections listed above.

At this point you have a choice. If you leave the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag disconnected and reconnect the battery, a DTC(s) will be set. You will have to have a Scan Tool that provides OEM Level Diagnostics, such as the Autel IM608 or Topdon Phoenix, to clear this fault code(s). Alternatively, you can reconnect the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag, reinstall the fasteners, and then reconnect the battery for key programming. The choice is yours, just be sure you are informed when making your decision. Also, please remember that there is a Torque Spec for the fasteners on the Driver’s Side Knee Airbag and that spec is 71 Inch Pounds. Once you have made your choice and finished the key programming, be sure to reinstall everything properly in the reverse order.

If you have any questions or would like us to address a specific topic in a future article, feel free to send us an email. Stay tuned for our next Tech Tip!

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Key Programming Security Gateway Modules for Fiat/Chrysler and 2021 Promaster City Vans

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