Bosch is now providing Secure Diagnostic Access to security-protected diagnostic contents on many vehicles using ESI[tronic] diagnostic software, making it quicker and easier for technicians to perform many diagnostic procedures.  

Numerous vehicles now require a manufacturer-specific access authorisation, in order to perform active diagnostic tasks such as the calibration of driver assistance systems or resetting of service notifications. This can present most independent workshops with some serious problems. Bosch have therefore developed a standardised solution, Bosch Secure Diagnostic Access (SDA). 

Since August 2021, workshops using ESI[tronic] 2.0 Online, combined with a license for Control Unit Diagnosis are able to access protected electronic systems of several vehicles produced by the Volkswagen group via SDA. Bosch SDA thus meets the requirements of the current security level for tasks on vehicles produced by the VW group. Ever since the ESI[tronic] 2.0 Online and KTS 250 software updates released earlier this year, users can now also use SDA to access protected vehicle data of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge/RAM vehicles. Furthermore, SDA has been expanded in June to provide access to current Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In addition, Bosch is also closely cooperating with the development departments of additional vehicle manufacturers in order to continuously expand the access possibilities via SDA.

Bosch SDA is a single access point for secure and authorised diagnostics with no extra charges to a workshop if it has an ESI subscription. To use Secure Diagnostic Access, members of workshop staff need to create a personal free-of-charge Bosch ID consisting of an e-mail address and a self-chosen password via a guided process. A single registration is sufficient. Once registered, they will be granted access to all protected diagnostic data via SDA. 

Only for the access to protected data of Mercedes-Benz vehicles is an additional process step called User Identification for two factor authentication (2FA) required for the network identification. Afterwards, this protected data is available as well.

There are two ways of accessing SDA via ESI[tronic] workshop software. On the one hand, users can activate the SDA access within ESI[tronic] right at the beginning of their diagnosis using their Bosch ID. On the other hand, ESI[tronic] also informs the users: Once the vehicle is connected for diagnostic purposes, ESI[tronic] opens a pop-up window pointing out that the respective vehicle is equipped with a protected electronic system. By means of a link, users can also access the SDA Help Centre providing additional support. It contains important information concerning topics related to Secure Diagnostic Access, such as frequently asked questions as well as explanatory images and videos. 

A prerequisite for the use of Bosch Secure Diagnostic Access is ESI[tronic] 2.0 Online diagnostic software and a valid license for Control Unit Diagnosis, as well as a stable internet connection. Furthermore, a diagnostic tester of the current Bosch KTS generation – such as KTS 590, KTS 560, KTS 350 or KTS 250 – is also required. This enables even multi-brand workshops to perform active diagnostic tasks on modern vehicle models, thereby ensuring their competitiveness.

For more information contact Rob Glendinning, BOSCH Business Development Manager, on 087-174-2815, email Rob.Glendinning@uk.bosch.com.