FreeSSM vs SSM 3 vs SSM 4 (Subaru Select Monitor)

Here, we’ll talk about Subaru diagnostic and programming interface.

 

Subaru diagnostic interface FreeSSM SSM 3 SSM 4
Image subaru-ssm-iii-windows-xp-download-1 Subaru-SSM-3-windows-10-download Subaru-SSM-4-windows-10-download
Operating system Windows XP: Confirmed!

Windows Vista;

Windows 7;

 

Windows XP;

Windows Vista;

Windows 7: Confirmed!

Windows 8;

Windows 10

Windows XP;

Windows Vista;

Windows 7: Confirmed!

Windows 8;

Windows 10

Diagnosis Yes Yes Yes
Customization Yes Yes Yes
ECU programming No Yes Yes
Remote/Key programming No Yes Yes
Reprogramming No Yes Yes
Vehicle coverage Subaru from year 2000 to 2009 incl. Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, Liberty, Baja, Outback SSM3 works with Subaru models from year to 1998-2018 SSM4 works with model years 2016+
Diagnostic tool to work with Works with an OBD cable with a authentic FTDI FT232RL chipset Works with genuine Hitachi HDS3000 or the newer Denso DST-i

or

a third-party tool called VXDIAG

 

Works with the vxdiag subaru & Denso

But maybe you can try to work with Nexiq 2 also

 

What’s FreeSSM?

FreeSSM is software for Subaru diagnosis using a cable with a authentic FTDI FT232RL chipset. Combined with a specific OBD Cable, you can customise and tweak your own vehicle at home using a Windows computer!

 

It works for Subaru from year 2000 to 2009 incl. Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, Liberty, Baja, Outback

 

Working with FreeSSM 1.2.5, the cable has the possibility to execute TCU resets (e.g. for the check engine lights), as well as to display real-time data for various measuring blocks and to perform all sorts of system tests for various components of the engine: the fuel pump, the radiator fan or the air suction valve, to name a few.

 

The functionality of the software can be truly evaluated by professional mechanics and car engineers, but it is said that it can easily replace more complex monitoring tools e.g. the Subaru Select Monitor. While the latter is a paid option, FreeSSM is an open-source project and can be used commercially free of charge.

subaru-ssm-iii-windows-xp-download-1

Abilities:
-Read and clear current and history codes, generic and manufacturer specific.
-View real time data from on-board sensors.
-Adjustments (the fun one) can make corrections in outputs.
-System tests, you can manually test different components.
-Uses the same protocol as Subaru Select Monitor.
ECU communication consists of several layers. There are several SAE and ISO-norms, but manufacturers also make their own stuff.
FreeSSM accesses ECMs over a SUBARU-specific protocol (called SSM2), which is actually a modifed version of the ISO-14230-protocol (KWP2000).
On the lower layer, it’s fully compatible with ISO-9142/14230.
For both the engine and transmission

 

Models supported:
FreeSSM 1.2.5 supports the models Legacy/Liberty/Outback/Baja, Impreza (incl. WRX + STi), Forester, Exiga and Tribeca from 1999 to 2009.
Model year 2010 is already supported, too, but some Measuring Blocks may be missing and some Diagnostic Codes may not be displayed as plaintext.
Vehicles up to model year 1998 as well as the models SVX, Justy, Libero and Vivio are not supported.
The model years 1999+2000 must be regarded as transition period. According to present obersvations (european models), access to the engine control unit of the models Legacy/Liberty/Outback/Baja is already possible since model year 1999, while most of the Impreza-models and a few of the Foresters are supported from model year 2000 on.
Transmission control units are not supported before model year 2000, in most cases support starts with model year 2001.
It is useful to take a look at the diagnostic connector: if pin 7 is available, at least the engine control unit should be available.
From model year 2001 on, both control units should be supported.”

source: http://blog.obdii365.com/2016/06/09/review-on-subaru-freessm-v125/

 

 

What’s SSM?

subaru-ssm-iii-windows-xp-download-2

SSM, the short form of Subaru Select Monitor, is an OBD based tool that allows configuration and customisation of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which is great for diagnostic and tuning purposes. It can be used for Subaru vehicles from MY1999 onwards, including the Legacy, Liberty, Outback, Baja, Impreza, Forester and Tribeca.

 

SSM3 software is designed to work for model years 1998-2016 using Hitachi HDS3000 or the newer Denso DST-i. It doesn’t work at all with standard OBD2 devices. SSM4 works with model years 2016+ and it’s designed to work with the Denso only.

 

There is a third-party tool called VXDIAG which claims to work with SSM3 and they provide instructions on cracking the software. Most are interested in it for personal use. PP think it good when use VXDIAG SSM3: http://blog.obdii365.com/2018/07/23/vxdiag-subaru-ssm3-diagnosis-remote-programming-confirmed/

 

The J2534 standard has two parts: J2534-1 is an interface for reprogramming emissions ECUs and this is required by law on all American cars since 2004. J2534-2 is optional and this is used to reprogram all parts of the ECU. I would guess those cheap eBay “J2545” devices are actually using the part 1, so they will not work with SSM4. Some people say SSM4 will work with a Nexiq 2 which can be had for around $650, you just need to replace the Denso .dll with the .dll for your device.

Image: SSM4 working with Nexiq 2

Subaru-SSM-4-Nexiq-download

source: http://blog.obdii365.com/2019/01/17/subaru-ssm4-driver-download-for-nexiq2-original/

 

Abilities:

 

Yes
DTC Code Retrieval
Retrieve OE DTC with code Definition X
Link DTC to service information X
Customizable PID display X
Retrieve and display Mode 6 Data X
Data Logging
Body X
Chassis X
Electrical X
Powertrain X
Pressure/Vacuum Tests X
Bi-Directional tests
Body
Chassis
Electrical
Powertrain
Network Test
CAN X
J1850 X
Module Programming
Programmable Module Installation (PMI) procedures X
Module Reprogramming (Reflash) X
Coding X
Supplemental restraints initialization X
Programmable Parameters ( ability to change in service settings ie, tire size, personality, customer convenience etc.) X
Body Controls
Anti-theft System Functions X
Remote Keyless Entry X
Restraints (supplemental restraints and seat belts) X
Chassis Tools
ABS Service Bleed
ABS/ Brake system functions X
IVD Initialization Sequence X
Ride Height Calibration ( for vehicles with pneumatic or hydraulic ride height controls) X
Tire pressure monitor functions X
Cruise Control System tests X
Electronic Ride control
Electrical Tools
Charging System Tests
Parking Aid Tests
Audio
Powertrain Tools
EVAP Test X
Fuel System Test/Relative Injector Flow Test X
Engine Checks and OBD Tests (Drive Cycle, Mode 01, Mode 06 & Mode 09) X
Digital Multimeter
Basic DMM functions X
Oscilloscope Tools
Oscilloscope X
Alternator ripple X

 

Subaru SSM & FreeSSM related tutorial:

How to use Subaru FreeSSM for DIY ECU and TCM Management

Subaru FreeSSM can work KKL VAG-COM cables?

How to Set up 2018.10 VXDIAG Subaru SSM3 Software on Windows 7?

How to set up Subaru FreeSSM v1.2.5 on MacBook Air

Review on SUBARU FreeSSM v1.2.5 diagnostic cable

 

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