Last week, a fellow auto enthusiast acquired a ZE50, and naturally, our team at autelfrance.com was eager to delve into its systems. Just a few days later, we successfully conducted a “CAN bus sniffing session” to explore the vehicle’s network architecture. Initial observations confirm that, unlike older models where the E-bus was directly connected to the OBD2 (SAE-J1962) connector, the ZE50 employs a secure gateway. This gateway is listed among the car’s ECUs, indicating a more protected communication network.
Our preliminary investigations suggest that while the gateway is in place, it doesn’t pose a significant barrier for non-intrusive diagnostics like those performed by tools like CanZE. Crucially, we haven’t encountered any cryptographic authentication hurdles for basic data retrieval.
Exploring the ZE50’s network revealed a substantial number of new electronic control units (ECUs). Intriguingly, these ECUs utilize a mix of addressing schemes, with some operating on 11-bit addresses, others on 29-bit addresses, and some seemingly capable of both. This complexity adds a layer of “interesting” challenge to our diagnostic endeavors.
Where does this leave us? We’re currently operating under a set of informed assumptions. To move forward, modifications to our CanSee dongle are underway to ensure compatibility with 29-bit addressing. We are also updating its internal ECU database to include these newly discovered control units. This adaptation is progressing smoothly and is nearing completion.
The next step involves integrating a simplified display into the experimental section of CanZE. This will allow us to rigorously test the data acquisition process. Validation will require a return visit to our friend and his ZE50, where we’ll connect our equipment for real-world testing. This is a critical validation stage. If successful, the remaining tasks will primarily involve detailed implementation.
Further development will include upgrading the ELM327 dongle driver to fully support 29-bit mode. Finally, a comprehensive review of each data field is necessary to determine if existing definitions are still applicable or require adjustments for the ZE50.
In summary, we now have a clear roadmap, supported by valuable logging data and a solid foundation of field definitions. The immediate priority? Overcoming this lingering flu to get back to the garage!
