IDK man, you should be able to read any DTC's without messing with the upper (8 and 12 pin) plugs. One of the primary reasons for all of the rules and standardization of OBDII is so a smog tech can inspect it for DCT's. If the tech had to lay on their back and fight those damn 8 & 12 pin connectors the vehicle wouldn't meet OBD standards.
I was under the impression the upper connections for the "security gateway" only need to be bypassed with when you're changing stuff in the ECM like tire size and gear ratio.