The only thing you can’t do is legally modify the firmware on the controllers because that is usually done to bypass emissions controls
We are talking about basic access to the software in a way that allows diagnosing and repairing problems.
Every major part of a tractor is computer controlled and “smart”, and because of that JD locks the owner out from accessing diagnostic information or swapping parts. Doing so requires hooking up a laptop with JD Service Advisor – which isn’t available to anyone apart from JD service techs.
The GPS module (or any other “smart” part) died and you want to swap it with an identical spare you have on hand? Tough shit, you need to call a tech to hook their laptop up before the computer will accept the new part. Want “trouble codes” to diagnose a problem – too bad, you don’t have JD Service Advisor to pull them. Fix a problem and want to take the tractor out of “trouble mode” … nope.
As for “modifying firmware”: the firmware controls everything. You can’t use 3rd party parts, and you can’t even use older (but still working) John Deere parts that are “unsupported”.
Jesus, the misinformation on this subject is depressing
Yeah, by people that have obviously never touched JD equipment.