This guide provides a comprehensive overview of using Porsche PIWIS III diagnostic software with J2534 PassThru devices. We’ll cover compatible interfaces, download instructions for PIWIS 38.400 VMware image, setup procedures, and troubleshooting tips.
Compatible J2534 PassThru Devices for PIWIS III
PIWIS III supports a wide range of J2534 PassThru interfaces, enabling flexible diagnostic and programming capabilities for Porsche vehicles. Compatible devices include:
- VAS 5054A
- Scanmatik 2 PRO (SM2 Pro)
- Openport 2.0
- Godiag GD101
- VNCI 6154
- Cloned VAS 6154
- VXDIAG VCX SE 6154
- Autel Maxiflash VCI
- And more…
Download PIWIS III 38.400 VMware Image
The PIWIS III 38.400 VMware image, modified for PassThru compatibility, can be downloaded from the following link:
The downloaded file includes:
- PIWIS3-PT VMware torrent file
- PassThru configuration files for various J2534 interfaces (VAS5054A, SM2Pro, Openport 2.0, GoDiag GD101 J2534, VXDIAG ODIS6154, cloned VAS6154, Abrites AVDI, Maxiflash VCI).
Configuring PIWIS III VMware with J2534 PassThru
After downloading and installing the VMware image, follow these steps to configure PIWIS III with your J2534 device:
- Launch the PIWIS III application within VMware Workstation Pro.
- Connect your J2534 PassThru device (e.g., VAS 6154) to your computer.
- Verify the USB connection status in the bottom left corner of the PIWIS III window.
Verifying VAS 6154 Connection in PIWIS III
To ensure proper communication between PIWIS III and your VAS 6154 interface:
- Go to
D:PiwisAppsVCIActia_64XS_D_PDU_API_64
. - Run the
ACTIA_D-PDU_API_Tester.exe
application. - Check if the “Module Name” and “Resource” dropdowns display your VAS 6154. This indicates successful detection.
- Click “Start” to run all tests. All tests should pass for a properly functioning connection.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Using PIWIS J2534
- Optimize VMware Performance: Remove unnecessary applications from the VMware image to improve performance. Install VMware Tools and set Windows scaling to 100%.
- Clone VAS 6154 Firmware: Firmware 1.6.0 or 1.6.6 is recommended for cloned VAS 6154 devices. Avoid updating to newer firmware versions as it may invalidate the license. For 1.6.0 firmware, set the VM date to before 2020.
-
VMware Imprint/Registration: When opening the VM for the first time, always select “I moved it” to preserve the PIWIS imprint.
-
VXManager: Avoid using the VXManager application unless necessary to check the firmware version. Updating the firmware through VXManager can break PIWIS compatibility.
-
Screen Resolution: Ensure your VMware client’s resolution is set to at least 1920×1080 for proper display of the PIWIS application.
User Feedback and Success Stories
Many users have reported successful implementation of PIWIS III with various J2534 PassThru devices:
- VxDiag PassThru: Confirmed working seamlessly with PIWIS.
-
Autel MaxiFlash VCI: Successfully tested on a 2022 Porsche 911. Remember to delete other VCI entries in the PassthruSupport.04.04 registry folder.
-
VNCI 6154a: Confirmed working perfectly with the provided VM.
-
Cloned VAS 6154: Successful ECU and TCU flashing reported.