@Beta Romeo Please not that as side business activity I did retrofits and USA->EU conversions of Giulias&Stelvios, various specs, but most were high, around 10 of these cars were from USA and some had goodies you mentioned. I did cars with diferent engines (2.0 petrol and 2.2 diesels), differnent firmwares, w/wo SGW, years from mid 2016 to late 2019. So first, on standard cheap elm like + adapters true, some cars required more runs as they randomly timeout not sure though if rate of fail was as bad as you say (2/3rd), but happened say for 1/3rd. usually 2nd run was enough. I bought then MES Multiplexed with CANtieCAR interface, and since then I run proxi without any issues retries (OK, once I had timeout and had to redo proxi). If your interface is playing so much games to you, I would try to buy different, may work way better. Also check if between lines 6 and 14 of its OBD connector you have high resistance - a lot of cheap has there addtional termination resistor (order of 100-120Ohms) and this together with probably not the best approach to making CAN compliant interface (and/or Alfa being senditive to this) causes that it does not work well in the car. From my old ELM I removed this resistor (as is recommended on MES website).
Proxi takes around 5 minutes to me on any car.

There is no difference between US/EU cars in terms of huge majority of hardware and most of firmwares (OK engine firmwares software numbers are slightly different, that is only one I noticed, others are the same). Note that behaviour of some ECUs change only when you change country in proxi - say if you change out of US, locks works different way and some changes in looms are required to make it compatible with EU spec (in EU we do not have 2 stage door openning - it automatically disappears from infotainment menu, we have slightly diferent loom and locks there), so this is false thinking MES is better for EU.

 

Thank you!
and based on what I have as far as the 2.5 radio software and the usb media I should be able to get it activated correct?

 

Thank you!
and based on what I have as far as the 2.5 radio software and the usb media I should be able to get it activated correct?

As long as the proxy is is correctly written to all of the modules(especially the BCM and ETM), you should be good. AA/CarPlay will not work with the incorrect USB hub, but it won't stop you from activating AA/CarPlay with WiTech. Activation of AA with WiTech is the biggest hurdle, if you do it incorrectly it will lock the radio with AA/Carplay off. As long as it says AA/Carplay ON(after activation) everything else is ok. Even if the dealer overwrites your proxi in the future, you can always change it back.

 

you didn't replied to my note in post 121, is your dual port USB one which supports AA/ACP? there are duals which dont, like single which do and don't. did you buy specific part number for cars with AA/ACP, or have you confirmed one they fitted in factory is the right one?
I do not have access to ePer currently, but one guy did for me a few screenshots from ePer 2 or so months ago. look for element 5 (also crossed) only these with code 8EW are the right numbers marked as CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO (!8EW are definitelly not for AA/ACP), also this with 0KA says it is prepared for CARPLAY (no mention of Android Auto). AMxx are markters USA is AM40. From below the right is 156138299 or older/newer replacments, but I can't tell you which numbers these are as I do not have access to ePer.

One more. I heard from one service guy in Poalnd, he was replacing in AA/ACP capable car radio on warranty. Brand new came, proper numer, option of activating in Witech was not active at all. I know he was bouncing back from Alfa Support for some time without luck. Not sure how the matter ended up, didn't talk to him for a while. Just flagging something could get locked/spoiled in Witech (maybe too many people were retrofitting?)

 

One more. I heard from one service guy in Poalnd, he was replacing in AA/ACP capable car radio on warranty. Brand new came, proper numer, option of activating in Witech was not active at all. I know he was bouncing back from Alfa Support for some time without luck. Not sure how the matter ended up, didn't talk to him for a while. Just flagging something could get locked/spoiled in Witech (maybe too many people were retrofitting?)

I do know that that option is controlled by the radio itself. Out of curiosity I performed all of the AA proxi updates on a version 1 radio and checked to see if the option was there, it was not. After changing to the new 2.5 radio and performing the proxy with the option appears. It is definitely a flag the radio shows to WiTech showing it is capable. Perhaps the guy got a weirdo late version one radio. I did receive a strange version one radio replacement for a 2018 small screen base Stelvio about two months ago with a really different software version.

 

yes, that is also information I have, but it was different case. it was top spec Giulia Q where the radio was to be replaced for some odd issues, he got proper part number, brand new replacement but oddly coudl not change the option.
For replacements they soemtimes give odd radio version - my unit was replaced for such due to issues with reversin camera, restarts and issues with AA connection (in the time there was no any firmware upgrades for radio 2.5 versions), after 5 months waiting I got in late 2018 radio with firmware MV080 which never was distributed to factory built cars (it was MV072 and already MV081 when my arrieved). Of course when newer firmware version appeared I uploaded MV085 and MV090 later.

 

yes, MV085 is more than you need (enough is MV056) , though there is newer MV090 available since march 2020, you may go for this.

 

Thank you for confirming! I will work on MES today to change the bytes and will go from there.

 

yes 159138299 on the sticker

 

It looks good. Just make sure you run the procsi with witech BEFORE you activate it. Good luck!

Also, remember you may have to disconnect the battery or allow ther car to sit for awhile after activation before AA comes up.

 

I printed your instructions on how to use witech and I’ll take it with me to the dealer to follow. Thanks again

 

I am in the process of doing this now and have run into some issues. I'm hoping maybe somebody can help me out!

1. After reassembling the center console and connecting the battery, I got an error message that said service dampers on the cluster. I checked all the connections and everything in the center console functions/ illuminates. When I started the car I got every error message and light to show up on the dash. I tried clearing the codes as well as doing the proxi alignment with MES (with and without the updated bytes) and the errors keep reappearing. The DNA knob will change the mode when the engine is not running but once i start it the shock in the center is no longer illuminated and I cannot switch modes. I have tried to reset the steering angle however, moving the steering wheel shows no change and I can not "execute". I have run the proxi alignment by exiting out when prompted for the blue cable and all the way through with no change. I also just noticed the miles till empty shows ---. There is a red steering wheel with an ! showing in the lower portion of the cluster and the esc light is on while driving.

2. The dual port us hub I have at this point only charges on one side and does not recognize my usb filled with music. The other side functions normally. The hub needed to be installed upside down, I am not sure if this is any sort of indicator. The part number I have on mine is the one listed earlier in this thread and it was purchased from @Alfissimo

I will be taking the car to a friend at the dealer tonight or monday at the latest to see if they can perform the android auto activation. Any suggestions or help in the meantime would be greatly appreciated!

 

I can't recollect seeing any messages about dampers during any on car/proxi/battery disconnection jobs I did on such cars, though I do not pay attention to what is displayed, as there is plenty of things displayed so I do not care.
I always run full proxi, I'm not at all fan of interrupting it. Maybe dampers are on gray adapter CAN (can't remember), so you have complaint.Maybe it will disappear after you re-do proxi in dealership service. In general don;t expect car will be fully happy if you interrupted proxi.

if the steering wheel error icon is displayed, you need to normally, after first ignition ON run the car, rotate steering wheel left/right max and to middle. ignition off/on and next time a lot of crap messages will disappear. I had cars with bigger proxi/hardware changes, so I blindly (with any type of proxi, even battery disconnect) run 5x ignition on/off (with first to start engine and rotate steering wheel), then go to ABS unit, do 3 calibraitons in Adjustment seciton, and only then do DTC clear. Worked on 30 Giulia/Stelvios, EU/USA, various configs, varous conversion I did. again, with interrupted proxi (no gray adapter run which is for ABS), I do not know how that will behave - I go tidy way of having full proxi done, calibrations and DTC cleared - car leave clear my garage

 

Some notes on proxi config, bytes and bits. It's bit technical.

NOTE: If proxi follows similar patterns to other FCA cars then there should be separate bytes for AA and CP.

byte 115: under MES PROXI it's "Multimedia: external media ports". Determines what and how many USB/AUX you got. For AA/CP it's set to 0x15 - MES shows as "type 5" on Giulia/Stelvio. MES provides other values from 0x10 to 0x17 however so far have seen just 0x12, 0x14 and 0x15.

byte 157: haven't verified yet, but my guess it's either for CP or AA. It's bit 0 is set to "1" on Giulia/Stelvio when with AA/CP. Every Giulia from '17 has default value 0x30, Stelvio - 0xB0. With AA/CP it's 0x31 and 0xB1

NOTE: prior to '17 byte 157 on Giulia is 0x00 and it's the last one. Most likely after swapping to newer radio and filling proxi to 250 bytes with "0x00" and changing coresponding values for AA/CP could enable it.

byte 161: same for Giulia/Stelvio. Other possible values could be 0x01 - seen only on EMEA cars. 0x03 - NAFTA/EMEA. Still not sure what it does.

byte 163: either 0x00 or 0x02. Not sure what it does.

NOTE: have configs where bytes 157, 161 and 163 aren't set all together. For example got NAFTA Giulia with AA in menu which has only 157 and 161 set to 0x31 and 0x03. 163 is left 0x00. Other configs got 157 not set and 161 and 163 configured.

byte 174: never seen any other value then 0x00 on any Giulia/Stelvio.

 

here’s what I had and what I changed it to

 

Would love to get Apple CarPlay in my 2017 Giulia QV but the installation process looks beyond my skill level. Is there anyone who can help me with in the Southern California area?
Thank you!

 

Has anyone figured out a way to do a complete "factory reset" on the ETM yet?
I've permanently set my AA/ACP to "OFF" via WiTech...

 

With many thanks to @Beta Romeo for the instructions which worked exactly as provided in post 86 of this thread. And to @Alfissimo for the replacement USB hub and new head unit. I now have CarPlay working in my 2017 Q2 Ti and I'm ecstatic after being told by AR that it would never, could never work.

Downsides
The $$$$, in my case I'm keeping the Giulia for the long term so I figure I save vs staying on the brutal depreciation curve of continuing to lease. I also wanted the factory level integration rather than the add ons that intercept the video from the existing unit.
The complexity. Given the lack of dealers wanting anything to do with this you are pulling some of your Giulia apart and its always a bit of heart in mouth for me. But there are instructions on threads in the forum about the dismantling and reassembly you need to do that helped me a lot.
A dash full of errors immediately post head end install had my heart rate extremely elevated. But my Giulia forgave me and settled back to a flashing odometer pre Witech.
Need a friendly Alfa tech who is prepared to work with you on the final steps. The steps aren't hard and they don't take long but there is no way round needing someone with access to Witech and there is no easy way of finding folks like that.

Upsides
I got nervous reading the thread about how hard it is to install the 3rd party options. My experience with this hardware swap is that it went more easily than a number of the descriptions there. But your mileage may vary.
The new head unit feels a little snappier in response to commands and its just possible it will get code updates that aren't available on the earlier hardware.
I am in touch with a dealership that I feel a lot more confident about taking my Giulia for future service and who will support me.
It works flawlessly and the integration is factory level.


BTW you don't need to use the USB ports in the new center console unit for the cabled connection. The new USB hub just has to be present in the Giulia. At least that is my experience I connected the phone to my existing non apple cable plugged into the port above the cup holders and bingo.

So to all the 2017 owners out there, it is possible.

 

With many thanks to @Beta Romeo for the instructions which worked exactly as provided in post 86 of this thread. And to @Alfissimo for the replacement USB hub and new head unit. I now have CarPlay working in my 2017 Q2 Ti and I'm ecstatic after being told by AR that it would never, could never work.

Downsides
The $$$$, in my case I'm keeping the Giulia for the long term so I figure I save vs staying on the brutal depreciation curve of continuing to lease. I also wanted the factory level integration rather than the add ons that intercept the video from the existing unit.
The complexity. Given the lack of dealers wanting anything to do with this you are pulling some of your Giulia apart and its always a bit of heart in mouth for me. But there are instructions on threads in the forum about the dismantling and reassembly you need to do that helped me a lot.
A dash full of errors immediately post head end install had my heart rate extremely elevated. But my Giulia forgave me and settled back to a flashing odometer pre Witech.
Need a friendly Alfa tech who is prepared to work with you on the final steps. The steps aren't hard and they don't take long but there is no way round needing someone with access to Witech and there is no easy way of finding folks like that.

Upsides
I got nervous reading the thread about how hard it is to install the 3rd party options. My experience with this hardware swap is that it went more easily than a number of the descriptions there. But your mileage may vary.
The new head unit feels a little snappier in response to commands and its just possible it will get code updates that aren't available on the earlier hardware.
I am in touch with a dealership that I feel a lot more confident about taking my Giulia for future service and who will support me.
It works flawlessly and the integration is factory level.


BTW you don't need to use the USB ports in the new center console unit for the cabled connection. The new USB hub just has to be present in the Giulia. At least that is my experience I connected the phone to my existing non apple cable plugged into the port above the cup holders and bingo.

So to all the 2017 owners out there, it is possible.

So happy for you! Great job on doing the leg work and making it happen. Now you can update all the modules on your car for all of the newest functionality, since you have the version 2 head unit and a friendly dealer.

Also, I did buy this wireless dongle and now my Giulia has wireless Carplay:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07WG1J1DC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_UZc7EbB63DZ59

You can hide this in the center console and leave the phone in your pocket.

 

anyone in nj that can make changes to my 2017 Qv Pm me give price and place I will be there please don't have time or tools to do this

 

Does this work in the 2018 Stelvio ?

I'd love to get AA working

 

Does this work in the 2018 Stelvio ?

I'd love to get AA working

No, not yet. I actually have a guy I'm working with but the radio for his car is actually on backorder. I've collected a bunch of proxis to compare but have not done it yet. I'll update this thread if I can get it to work.

 

Another FYI is that as expected the EC tune does not overwrite the changed bytes so CarPlay still works after applying the tune. I did revert back to stock before doing all the changes required for CarPlay. Somewhere along the line my Giulia's firmware was updated but I think that was probably a recall not the actual CarPlay install process. So I needed an updated tune file which EC supplied with their usual impressive customer support.

Now that I have had the new entertainment computer for a little longer. I'm enjoying the zippier response this one has compared to the old one. I know it's an expensive process but only a fraction of trading for a new Giulia if all that is missing for you is CarPlay or AA.

 

Sounds like this has been a success for everyone. I don’t have the time nor tools to do it. So w that being said, would anyone in SoCal be willing to do this to my car? I can purchase everything needed. Just give me a price. Thanks! MY2017

 

Does this upgrade also allow all newest 2019 software upgrades? Like are the more appropriate parking sensor algorithms and automatic seat heating with remote start in winter? Man if that's the case it's totally worth it. More than just car play. Please someone, confirm.

 

Yes, this will allow all of the newest updates of the parking sensors, amplifier and blind spot sensors.

 

It looks like I'll be getting a new ETM installed in my MY17. Short version: the dealer did the recent pseudo-recall back in Feb/early March and updated the software, but somehow didn't upload the new Owner's Manual and Maps, took it back minutes after leaving and they were able to upload the new maps, but couldn't get the Owner's Manual to load and said i could come back...which I did a few weeks ago, and they still can't upload, but apparently Alfa told them to order a new ETM.
So, am I correct in assuming that when I do get the car back, I am looking for a software version that does NOT start with 001 or 002? And then I will need the correct USB hub and next would be actually programming (which, in my case, I will be at the mercy of my Service dept seeing how I don't think anyone in the St Louis area has the gear needed to program)...correct?

 

Your danger is that if the dealer does the ETM install and sets the CarPlay activation to OFF with WiTech because your Giulia didn't come with CarPlay and according to Alfa shouldn't have it you are going to be out of luck. My understanding is that setting is a once and done.

Given your situation your best chance is sweet talking the dealer into NOT disabling CarPlay. If they say they can't I would be tempted to get them to turn the new ETM over to you to install. But you still need a friendly tech to make the WiTech changes. Continue pinging this thread with questions. Because with updated ETM hardware the only additional part you will need is the new USB hub.

The key is the new ETM hardware, it would be best if the dealer simply tells you the model that was installed and that the dealer doesn't disable CarPlay support. Everything else can be worked out I think.

 

Cool, that's what I thought..I seem to be on good terms with the two main Service advisers (one of which is the main tech working on the car), I don't know the one i was talking to today. I'll probably roll in tomorrow to see if one of the two that I have dealt with will be cool enough to not disable the CarPlay function (I assume that kills Android Auto, also). I'm gonna see if they'll go ahead and order the hub and do the whole thing (I have no problem paying for parts and labor, if I have to...as long as it is reasonable=cheaper than the 3rd party module)

 

I’d do it even if it cost 2x the Chinese 3rd party solutions.

 

The USB hub should be less than $200 the install isn’t time consuming. If you’re on good terms with the tech there is a good chance they may do the whole thing for you, the big ticket item is the new ETU and they are already providing that. Hope it works out because the new ETU with new code and CarPlay plus AA is a really nice update for the 2017s.

 

Hi all,

Jumping on a recent, semi-on-topic post to ask a question about going the "Factory ETM (called ETU by some) upgrade route. Here's my situation...

Had many issues with my 2017 RAN ETM rebooting during satellite download (damn you Sirius/XM) and the local AR service team upgraded me with a new 2018.5 radio sporting MV/TV-085.000.046 software. Just upgraded my USB Hub to the 2 port variant out of a totaled 2018 (Thanks @Raw_Alfa for pointing me at the eBay listing!).

I have not done the next steps, but in testing the 2 port hub assembly, with no WiTech configuration chages I have the following behavior:

The passenger side USB port works as did the single port, and can connect to my iPhone, run FLAC music off of a USB stick. All good.

The driver side USB port (next to the 12V power socket) only supplies charging power and won't connect devices, USB sticks, etc.

Is this expected behavior or is my 2 port hub faulty? (All Infortainment manuals for 2018 and 2019 don't even show a 2 port USB hub in the center console, so no help there.)

 

I FINALLY found a Carplay Installation Tutorial for my Stelvio, I've been looking for so long, going to install it today.

Here's the link to the tutorial if anyone else is having trouble finding it: Carplay installation tutorial on Alfa Romeo Stelvio

 

This thread is great I have a ‘17 Giulia QV and would like to retrofit one of the newer head units with AA/ACP.
Anyone in the Florida area that could help with this install? I’d be happy to drive to you and pay for your services.
On the other hand I could buy and install the parts and buy the multiscan tool, but does anyone know of a dealer in Florida that is willing to activate AA/ACP with witech once all the hardware install and proxy writing is done?
Thanks

 

This is great news I have a ‘17 Giulia QV.
Anyone in the Florida area that could help with this install? I’d be happy to drive to you and pay for your services.
On the other hand I could buy and install the parts and buy the multiscan tool, but does anyone know of a dealer in Florida that is willing to activate AA/ACP with witech once all the hardware install and proxy writing is done?
Thanks

I didn’t think any of the 3rd party aftermarket solutions required dealer activation???

 

Got it, thought you were responding to the post immediately prior to yours. Be sure to work out all the details with a dealer in advance since it sounds like @StickS707 just had an unfortunate experience.

 

Yea...and make sure NOT to take their word for it if they say they will "tell the tech"...have them enter the note and make you a copy.

 

Good evening,

I have a giulia my18 without the central dual usb hub; i changed the bits in order to active the apple car play; the procedure described in this discussion works but when i plug a android smartphone the infotainment recognises the AA but when i use a IPhone the system doesn’t work and I don’t see the carplay tab in menu.
AA works
ACP doesn’t work

what may be the problem ?
The dual usb hub is needed?

Thanks a lot for support

 

The dual USB is required. The only other thing that changes whether the system works with AA vs. Carplay is byte 115. Byte 115 has to be 15(not 14), otherwise only AA will work.