SGW bridge

From around the beginning of 2018, more and more FCA models are equipped with a Security GateWay (called SGW)  for the EOBD diagnostic system. But what is it and what kind of practical problem does it cause? And what is the solution?

An orignal SGW control unit
What is the SGW Firewall? 
SGW stands for Security GateWay. Popularly called a Firewall. A Firewall is intended to keep intruders outside. As a result, only officially certified diagnostic equipment is admitted to the internal communication network (CAN network). A car is diagnosed via the CAN network. But also servicing, error messages are removed by the CAN network and factory updates can be performed. The FCA dealer uses official FCA registered equipment called WiTECHPlus and WiTECH2.0 to do this.

Why is a SGW irritating?
As long as the car is being serviced by an official FCA dealership, nothing is wrong. But as soon as the car arrives at a non-official dealer/workshop/specialist, problems can arise. A few small examples. After an oil change, the maintenance history and the replacement period must be reseted. Universal diagnostic equipment will be used to do this. However, this does unautorized equipment does not get access and no reset can take place.Parameters can be read for a diagnosis, but you cannot delete errors or activate componentsIf internal settings have to be changed with the help of diagnostic equipment. For example, the retrofitting of non-standard options and learning these. For example, shift paddles, cruise control or Race mode. These instruction will be blocked by the SGW.

What is the solution?
We have developed a SGW firewall bridge. This is a small electronic circuit. Not just a set of interconnections (we know from experience that this can cause malfunctions), but one that has been thought about further. The box can simply be installed as substitute for the original SGW.

But watch out
When a car with SGW bridge is connected to an official FCA WiTECH 2.0 diagnostic tool, it will indicate that the SGW has been removed. A dealership who is aware of this will notice that. This can be preventedin two ways

  • By reconnecting the original SGW before every service. There are no traces which indicates that the SGW has been disconneced in the past.
  • By “de-registering” the SGW control unit. This can be done by having a “PROXI alignment” carried out with for example MultiECUscan. The WiTECH will then no longer notice the absence of the SGW and will not report this.

Is it easy to install the SGW bridge myself?
For the Giulia it is an easy job. Many have done this with succes. For the Stelvio is only ecommended for peolple with skills. Of course the experience counts. So far we can report the following:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia:
    Right next to / under the steering column. Accessible by setting the steering column in the highest and longest position. Actually not visible and one has to “look” with the hands. Only to be done by people with not very thick wrists (we have a installation manual available)
  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
    On top of the steering column. Accessible by removing the box to the right of the handlebar. The SGW is not visible and very difficult to reach by hand. Requires a flexible wrist and lots of feeling and agility with fingers (no manual available).
    It is doable but only if you are experienced and able to “watch” with your hands.

The SGW bridge can also be used on the following models (delivery in consultation):

  • Fiat 500X
  • Fiat 500L
  • Fiat Doblo
  • Jeep Compass
  • Jeep Renegade
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Maserati Ghibli
  • Maserati Quattroporte
  • Maserati Levante
Our SGW bridge

How to install

The original SGW firewall will always remain. It is a matter of disconnect it and reconnect our SGW bridge.

Giulia

This description is ment for left hand drive cars. For right hand drive left and right are switched.

  • With a Giulia, the SGW is easy to reach. To do this, set the steering column in the highest position and the longest position, so as close to the body as possible.
  • Put the right hand up to the wrist under the handlebars. The SGW hangs slightly to the right of the steering column. The plugs are pointing downwards. Feel with hands.
  • Press the locks on the plugs one by one and pull the plugs out.
  • Now take the SGW bridge and enter with the left hand first. Then with the left hand too and insert the plugs into the SGW bridge. This only works if the hands are not too large and the wrists are not too thick. Pay close attention to the position beforehand. They are two unequal plugs that can only go in one way.
SGW location on a Giulia
This photo shows the distance (+/- 25 cm) and the approach angle (45 deg) from the hole to the plugs of the SGW

Stelvio

Unlike the Giulia, the Stelvio is much more difficult and can only be done by people who have experience and can “see” with their hands.

This description is ment for left hand drive cars. For right hand drive left and right are switched.

  • Remove the storage compartment to the left of the steering column. This is mounted with 1 Torx screw. Use a plastic spoon to pop out the compartment.
  • The SGW control unit is located on the top left of the steering column. The plugs point diagonally downwards and forwards.
  • Wiggle the left hand between the cables. The shape of the SSH can be recognized by feeling. The plugs are on the front.
  • The hardest part is removing the plugs. This works better by also putting the right hand in, but under the SGW.
  • It is difficult to explain how to remove the plugs. It really comes down to your own motor skills and strength in the fingers.
  • Once loose, put the left hand with SGW back in. The plugs must now be inserted with the same hand.

If it really does not work to get the plugs out, the original SGW must be removed from its support. That’s 3 M6 lock nuts. Then pull on the SGW box to pull out the plugs.

SGW location on a Stelvio

Installation manual for the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Google Drive Download link.

 

Prices and ordering

Click this link to go to the pricelist and ordering details.