Imagine this: you bring your truck to your trusted neighborhood mechanic, expecting a quick fix. But instead of grabbing a wrench, he’s staring at a computer screen—locked out of your vehicle’s diagnostics. “Access denied.” If you own a newer Ram truck, this isn’t a glitch—it’s a feature. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has gated off critical repair data, leaving mom and pop shops and DIY-enthusiast owners scrambling. They say this about security. But is it a cash grab?

Chrysler paywalls your data

FCA introduced the Secure Vehicle Gateway (SGW) in 2018, blocking unauthorized access to key diagnostic functions. Snap-on confirms, “Access to certain diagnostic functions requires registration and authentication through an approved service (AUTOAUTH) for all aftermarket scan tools.” In other words, your truck has a digital lock, and Chrysler holds the key. And getting in isn’t free.

Dealerships, of course, have unlimited access. But if you’re an independent shop or a DIY mechanic? You’ll need an AutoAuth account and a $50-a-year subscription to Chrysler just to see anything beyond the legally required OBD2 data. That might not be much for a repair shop, but for an owner trying to avoid dealership markups, $50 is a ridiculous toll fee.

The right to repair battle and Chrysler Secure Vehicle Gateway

Automakers have been fighting for the Supreme Court protected “Right to Repair” your own vehicle for years. I previously covered it when Biden’s NHTSA shut down Massachusetts’ attempt to keep diagnostics open. The argument? Cybersecurity. The reality? Corporate greed. Luckily, that administration reversed its decision. Let’s hope this trend continues.

For a century, manufacturers have tried to control who can fix their products. John Deere locks farmers out of their tractors. Tesla forces owners to use its service network. And now, Chrysler is trying to make its Ram trucks “dealership service only.”

FCA claims the Secure Gateway Module (SGW) is a firewall against hackers. JScan explains, “The SGW protects the vehicle networks from being exploited by creating a firewall between two portions of the network.” Sounds noble, right? Except plenty of automakers secure their systems without blocking mechanics from doing their jobs.

The hoops mechanics jump through

If a mechanic wants to reset your truck’s check engine light, Chrysler’s Secure Vehicle Gateway makes them:

1. Register through AutoAuth
2. Pay a $50 annual fee
3. Prove ownership of every vehicle they work on

And that’s just for basic access. Want to reprogram a key fob or troubleshoot a security system? Better become a Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) through the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). That requires:

1. A $325 two-year certification
2. A $100 application fee
3. $1 million in liability insurance
4. $100,000 fidelity bond

I’m all for Chrysler and the Feds double-checking that bad actors can’t just program a new key for your truck or car. You should have to identify yourself and have the owner sign off on your repairs. These are important advancements in vehicles security. But these limitatins are a bit beyond security . These hoops aren’t cybersecurity. These are a financial roadblock that could put small town mechanics out of business, and dissuade DIYers.

A mechanic’s viral video exposes the scam

One mechanic, Shorty from Shorty’s Speed Shop, filmed what happens when an independent tech tries to fix a 2024 Ram 3500. He plugged in his scan tool and got nothing. “Access denied.” The video went viral.

Shorty had factory software. He had the right tools. But Chrysler still locked him out of everything but basic OBD2 codes. If a trained mechanic with pro-grade equipment can’t diagnose a truck, what chance does the average owner have?

Call it what it is—a paywall

FCA says this is about cybersecurity. But plenty of other manufacturers manage security without locking out independent mechanics. If this was truly about protecting vehicles, owners would be able to register for free. Instead, mechanics are jumping through hoops just to keep your truck running. Call it what it is—a paywall disguised as protection.

For over 100 years, automakers have been trying to make their cars “dealer only” service. The federal government caught Chevrolet changing its bolt heads yearly, a century ago. This latest attack on small businesses uses shiny new technology, but its the same old BS.

Check out @ShortysSpeedShop’s latest video below to see how bad it’s gotten:

@shortysspeedshop CLARIFICATION! Chrysler Secure Gatewat and NASTF are two seperate things! This effects ALL makes and is not a part of the car itself! #NASTF #automotive #automotivetechnician #scantool #security #technology #cartheft #fypage ♬ Zuzulakate (feat. Joeboy) – Mr Eazi