Need a sounding board for Tazer mini stress.

[JTGuy]

I can't find the cord that connects it to my computer. Is it a common adapter cable?

Sponsored

 

[fourfa]

It's a "mini-USB," technically mini Type-B. These weren't as popular as the slimmer micro-USB that followed it, or the more current Type-C port. But the cables are easily found for a buck or two if you don't have one lying around.

 

[Janster]

Took delivery of a Tazer mini about a week ago….. Everything installed as expected and works as expected. Trying to understand how it functions…. The owners manual is ‘less than desired’…..

Question#1) : Hood Alarm - If nobody is available to turn it off, how long does the alarm continue to honk the horn & lights flash until it resets? <-turns off on its own.

Question#2) We’ve unplugged from a ‘mopar device’ to install the Tazer. What is the Mopar device that is not being used? What’s it called? And/or curious what exactly the Tazer is replacing….

Thanks!

 

[IamPro2A]

Took delivery of a Tazer mini about a week ago….. Everything installed as expected and works as expected. Trying to understand how it functions…. The owners manual is ‘less than desired’…..

Question#1) : Hood Alarm - If nobody is available to turn it off, how long does the alarm continue to honk the horn & lights flash until it resets? <-turns off on its own.

Question#2) We’ve unplugged from a ‘mopar device’ to install the Tazer. What is the Mopar device that is not being used? What’s it called? And/or curious what exactly the Tazer is replacing….

Thanks!

Not sure on #1 off the top of my head.

#2 is it is replacing the Security Gateway Module (commonly just called the SGW).
Essentially the module was intended as a firewall between the OBDII diagnostic port and the vehicle's computers that Mopar/ FCA/Stellantis started using in 2018 to block anyone except the dealer from reprogramming the computers. So the aftermarket adapted, and came up with solutions like the Tazer that simply replaces the SGW, or a bypass cable or module so the existing OBDII programmers would work.

 

[HooliganActual]

To preface, my ADHD and OCD are basically driving me bonkers after installing the tazer mini. Wanted a sounding board to hopefully sooth or confirm the dumb stuff I'm worrying about. Mostly it would be warranty stuff. Normally I wouldn't install anything that might void the warranty but have seen a lot of people running the tazer mini and my speedometer has always been about 1mph off. JT is a 2023 High Altitude which I changed out the factory 20" wheels and tires for factory rubicon wheels and stock size rubicon M/T tires which is a change from 275 to 285 and speedo was about 1.5mph off. I think I remember asking the service manager when I was in about them fixing it since it has always been about 1mph off(when stock) but he said that since I changed out wheels and tires it would cost about 300 bucks and said I could do it myself (tazer/jscan). I think... that wasn't put in writing anywhere. That compiled with all the other benefits that come with the tazer I decided to go ahead and purchase.

The only thing I have changed performance wise so far is the tire size. Everything else has been left stock. I put on the rear cam when turn signal on as well. But not a ton of changes as a lot of the stuff I wanted already comes turned on with the live features. When installing it went smooth, only wonky part was outside temp gauge read way higher, but that went away after driving a bit. I think it still reads a bit high but it's sitting on top of an engine so understandable.

So, now the stress part. I installed on Tuesday and tomorrow we are planning on leaving for a trip to TX, overall probably covering about 1.5k miles I believe. I have done a TON of reading on the tazer and seen various instances in which it would leave the battery flat and other things like limp mode and whatnot. I think the battery going flat is because it leaves the 8.4 screen on/dash screen on which I have checked multiple times that it goes off. Also one thing I noticed was that the led lights over the usb ports will stay on while all the other stuff turns off. From reading, this is standard and for the most part 99% of the time that cover is closed I only noticed it as I had left it up after having the phone plugged in using waze to check speedo vs. gps speedo. I checked this morning and the usb led's were off, unsure how long until they turned off.

Thus far everything seems normal I'm just stressing about something going wrong and/or something voiding the warranty. With that, I've also read that since it's installed and I changed tire size, even if I unmarry it and something happens dealer would still be able to see changes have been made and could void the warranty possibly so it's kind of if that's the case screw it, it's already done.

Basically just wanted a sounding board to advise to just calm down and let it go, or unmarry it and call it good. I've been bugging my buddy with question after question on it and feel bad for asking so many questions and as you can tell from the wall of text I'm being very OCD/ADHD about it. So just wanting to figure out how to stop stressing over it because with trip stress, work stress, and tazer stress I'm basically going nuts lol.

Thank you, let me know your thoughts, sorry for wall of text. Attached a recent picture with winch/bumper install.

edit: Firmware updated to latest before install. Also full reboot and 2 power cycles done per manual after tire size change.

I'm way late to the party here but for anyone else stressing over this issue, I'm on my 4th year with a Tazer Mini installed and have had no problems related to the Tazer.

The only Tazer related issue I have had is that I left it installed early on when it was at the dealership for an oil change. I told the service advisor that it was installed and not to do any software update but, either he didn't tell the tech or the tech didn't understand/care/whatever, but he tried to do a software update and it bricked the computer. Once I unmarried it and removed it, they were able to update the software and everything was alright.

PSA: MAKE SURE YOU UNMARRY AND REMOVE IT BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALER

Get the extension cable too because it will make things so much easier for you:
https://www.amazon.com/Z-Automotive...=1716817702&sprefix=tazer+mini,aps,575&sr=8-1

 

[IamPro2A]

I'm way late to the party here but for anyone else stressing over this issue, I'm on my 4th year with a Tazer Mini installed and have had no problems related to the Tazer.

The only Tazer related issue I have had is that I left it installed early on when it was at the dealership for an oil change. I told the service advisor that it was installed and not to do any software update but, either he didn't tell the tech or the tech didn't understand/care/whatever, but he tried to do a software update and it bricked the computer. Once I unmarried it and removed it, they were able to update the software and everything was alright.

PSA: MAKE SURE YOU UNMARRY AND REMOVE IT BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALER

Get the extension cable too because it will make things so much easier for you:
https://www.amazon.com/Z-Automotive-Z_SGW_EXT/dp/B0B7VR6W1F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1182A41BS53U0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k4kTWN2u7FaS8NFgrBAWwjATdzUFVl2ZYwSxuzRF4-D6yCXbcf92TFTe4j0RFwf7BrTUpkox_TTTJF6hfL-nXg.x7pOq5KEdeuoJjW4SZKb03DicGoLBK9FdtcS21H8OHY&dib_tag=se&keywords=tazer+jl+mini+extension+cable&qid=1716817702&sprefix=tazer+mini,aps,575&sr=8-1

If you have kept the firmware in your Tazer up to date, you no long have to unmarry and remove the Tazer befoe taking to the dealer, unless you are concerned that your dealer may be a Richard about warranty issues over it. This feature was added maybe a year or so ago.

 

[Janster]

Not sure on #1 off the top of my head.

#2 is it is replacing the Security Gateway Module (commonly just called the SGW).
Essentially the module was intended as a firewall between the OBDII diagnostic port and the vehicle's computers that Mopar/ FCA/Stellantis started using in 2018 to block anyone except the dealer from reprogramming the computers. So the aftermarket adapted, and came up with solutions like the Tazer that simply replaces the SGW, or a bypass cable or module so the existing OBDII programmers would work.

Awesome explanation - Thank you!
I should call Z Automotive and ask about the hood alarm reset/re-arm - just to have that knowledge. Trying to learn as much as I can about this thing so we’re somewhat prepared if anything ‘weird’ happens.

 

[IamPro2A]

Awesome explanation - Thank you!
I should call Z Automotive and ask about the hood alarm reset/re-arm - just to have that knowledge. Trying to learn as much as I can about this thing so we’re somewhat prepared if anything ‘weird’ happens.

The biggest thing you have to worry about these days with a Tazer is "Follow ALL the directions EXACTLY." It's not something you just plug in and figure it out. If you do that, you WILL have problems. RTFM was never more important here. There are very exact sequences for certain things that if not followed to the letter will cause all sorts of weirdness. Remember, you are reprogramming a computer that the manufacturer doesn't want you to reprogram, and has gone to great lengths to try and prevent you. You must jump through all their hoops to get it right.

 

[Janster]

The biggest thing you have to worry about these days with a Tazer is "Follow ALL the directions EXACTLY." It's not something you just plug in and figure it out. If you do that, you WILL have problems. RTFM was never more important here. There are very exact sequences for certain things that if not followed to the letter will cause all sorts of weirdness. Remember, you are reprogramming a computer that the manufacturer doesn't want you to reprogram, and has gone to great lengths to try and prevent you. You must jump through all their hoops to get it right.

Totally understood…however…that’s half the problem. The users/owners manual is absolutely horrible. I’m still trying to understand what everything does or doesn’t do….
Haven’t done a reboot yet (that kinda makes me nervous) because it says “Reboots the UConnect” …..

 

[JTGuy]

The instructions were not written for us old duffers. There needs to be a 60+ version that only use a computer for forums.
I never removed my Tazer, do I have to re marry it to make any more changes??
If I remove it to update it will I have to un marry and re marry and do the changes again??

 

[IamPro2A]

The instructions were not written for us old duffers. There needs to be a 60+ version that only use a computer for forums.
I never removed my Tazer, do I have to re marry it to make any more changes??
If I remove it to update it will I have to un marry and re marry and do the changes again??

You do not have to unmarry and remarry to make changes or when updating.
basically, when you "marry" the tazer, best I can tell you are doing 2 things.
1: You are locking to your Jeep's VIN, so it can't just be removed/stolen and put in a different one.

2: The tazer makes a backup of all the settings as they are when you marry it. When you unmarry it, it restores all those original settings. All the tazer changes you made are lost.

For most examples that means back to original factory settings, but if you used another programmer like Jscan or AlfaOBD to make changes before you marry the Tazer, that's what will get stored an restored. I installed my Tazer as soon as I got home from the dealer. If it wasn't such a PITA, I would unmarry the tazer, use the AlfaOBD setup I own to set my larger tire size and a few other things, and then remarry the tazer, so if I wanted to remove the tazer to take the jeep to the dealer, my tire size/speed/odometer/transmission shift points would remain correct.

The one feature I wish Tazer had would be the option to save a backup of your settings both in the tazer (may not be possible due to existing hardware limitations) and on a computer like firmware updates. As a bonus allow the computer software to manipulate the settings. It would be so much easier to just update the firmware and config the settings on the computer screen, the plug the thing into the jeep and do the reboots and sleep cycles.

 

[IamPro2A]

If I remove it to update it will I have to un marry and re marry and do the changes again??

I dont even remove it to update it. I bring my laptop out to the jeep, plug the cable into the tazer, make sure the jeep is off, no fob, doors closed and wait for the dashboard to turn off. Then I connect the laptop and do the update.

 

[JTGuy]

If it wasn't such a PITA, I would unmarry the tazer, use the AlfaOBD setup I own to set my larger tire size and a few other things, and then remarry the tazer, so if I wanted to remove the tazer to take the jeep to the dealer, my tire size/speed/odometer/transmission shift points would remain correct.

But the dealer program is about the Vin # and the settings will be different. If the dealer re flashes the ECM what will the tire size and gears be?
If I ever have to go to the dealer and he has to re flash it I will make the Tazer changes in the dealer parking lot to avoid possible limp mode.

 

[Okiegoon]

And I thought my wife was ADD and OCD! Gonna go give her a hug

LOLLLL hope you gave her a big hug. :D

Glad this thread is working as a check in point for others too. Easy to ask any question when the first post was so overboard you know you won't sound crazy. Still kinda stress about the tazer and feel like I'm hyper aware or over sensitive to anything going *donk* but posts in this thread have helped. Right now kind of not using any functions really. I have adjusted the tire size and completed the reboot process but it's still 1mph off or so. Which in honesty is not that big of a deal. I will say that the rear tail lights turning off while in reverse is awesome. But not really using anything else. Have been traveling quite a bit and haven't really had time to dig in to the options and whatnot, but may do that soon.

I do have another Q though (I have a ton actually but I'm holding back lol). If I unmarry the tazer, would the dealership be able to tell if it was ever installed? Or no? Just wondering since I'm still kind of stressing over it and not really using to many features.

 

[BennieD]

LOLLLL hope you gave her a big hug. :D

Glad this thread is working as a check in point for others too. Easy to ask any question when the first post was so overboard you know you won't sound crazy. Still kinda stress about the tazer and feel like I'm hyper aware or over sensitive to anything going *donk* but posts in this thread have helped. Right now kind of not using any functions really. I have adjusted the tire size and completed the reboot process but it's still 1mph off or so. Which in honesty is not that big of a deal. I will say that the rear tail lights turning off while in reverse is awesome. But not really using anything else. Have been traveling quite a bit and haven't really had time to dig in to the options and whatnot, but may do that soon.

I do have another Q though (I have a ton actually but I'm holding back lol). If I unmarry the tazer, would the dealership be able to tell if it was ever installed? Or no? Just wondering since I'm still kind of stressing over it and not really using to many features.

Not unless you tell them! And........ I have a feeling you will!! lol

Sponsored