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Frequently Asked Questions

Own a Workshop/Dealership? Start offering a ECU tuning service!!

Own a workshop? Start offering chip tuning service

We can provide your Workshop/Dealership with top-notch ECU Remapping files in just 15-60 minutes through our Custom Tuning service. Our extensive database of files for various types of vehicles such as cars, bikes, boats, trucks, and agricultural vehicles. Additionally, we offer the option of a fully customized tuning file to suit your specific requirements.

  • Dyno tested tuning files with 15-60 minutes
  • Stage 1,2 and 3 performance tuning files
  • DSG tuning files
  • Custom tuning solutions for big turbos
  • DTC delete files

How does licensing fees work for tuning tools?

Tuning tools typically require licensing fees, which provide access to updates for new vehicles and support services in case of any issues.

The cost of licensing fees for these tools can vary from R12000 to R20000 per year, depending on the type of tool, protocols used, and whether it is a master or slave tool. However, if you prefer a tuning tool without any licensing fees, Autotuner could be a suitable option, as it doesn't require any licensing fees.

What are protocols of tuning tools?

Tuning tools require protocols as licenses to enable tuning of various vehicles such as cars, bikes, trucks, agricultural vehicles, and boats. These protocols are essential for the tools to function effectively across these different types of vehicles.

Typically, tuning tools come with multiple protocol options to cater to specific needs. For instance, if you plan to tune cars, you can purchase tuning protocols designed for cars, and if you're tuning trucks, you can buy protocols for trucks. However, adding more protocols to the tuning tool increases its cost.

I saw tuning tools online for really cheap – Know the risks

Unfortunately, a significant portion of tuning tools sold on eBay, Amazon, and other websites are clone tools, which are counterfeit tools copied without consent from the original manufacturer. Typically, these fake tuning tools cost between R2000-R4000, while genuine tuning tools start at around R30 000.

The most significant risk of using clone tuning tools is the absence of support available to the tuner. If something goes wrong during the reading or writing process, and the car fails to start, the tuner won't receive any support from the tool provider. In most cases, the vehicle owner will hold the tuner accountable for damaging the ECU, which can cost between R30000 to R60000 to repair. Due to the risks associated with using fake tools and the inability to fix the damage caused, we do not recommend using clone tuning tools.

On the other hand, genuine tuning tools come with the required support and updates necessary to assist the tuner in case of any problems during the reading or writing process. The support teams of original tuning tools can usually recover the vehicle's ECU if anything goes wrong during the tuning process.

While genuine tools may be more expensive, they are worth the investment. If you are contemplating buying a fake tuning tool, consider the consequences and costs associated with damaging an ECU and ask yourself if the short-term savings are genuinely worth it..

How to read and write tuning files to a vehicle?

There are two methods of reading and writing tuning files to a vehicle. The simpler approach is OBD tuning, which involves connecting to the car's ECU through the OBD port. If OBD tuning is not feasible, the ECU must be removed and programmed on the bench.

OBD tuning tools typically take 5 to 15 minutes to read and write tuning files, and the process is safe and straightforward, with clear instructions on the tool's user interface. The technical expertise required for using OBD tuning tools is minimal. Some of the OBD tuning tools we use are Kess, Autotuner, CMD, and the Dimsport tuning tool. If the ECU cannot be read through the OBD port, bench flashing is the alternative.

Bench flashing is more intricate because it necessitates soldering on the ECU. Before bench flashing, users must ensure that they can solder. If not, there are boards and frames available that eliminate the need for soldering. Ktag, CMD, Autotuner, and Dimsport are some of the bench flashing tools.

It's crucial to note that different tuning tools might require OBD or bench flashing for different vehicles. Some tuning tools can tune certain vehicles through the OBD port, while others need to be programmed on the bench. As a result, it's important to choose a tuning tool based on the vehicles you plan to tune so that most of them can be tuned through the OBD port.

You can schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our tuning tool advisors to help you choose the ideal tuning tool for your market.

What are the best tuning tools to buy?

Various brands produce chip tuning tools, including Alientech, CMD, Dimsport, MPPS, Autotuner, BitBox, and others. The choice of brand for your tuning tool will depend on the type of vehicles you plan to tune, as some tools work better with certain cars than others. If you don't have any specific vehicles in mind, we recommend either the Kess V3 from Alientech or the CMD from Flashtech. These companies offer a wide range of tune-able vehicles and excellent support.

If you're not sure which ECU remapping tool is right for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. One of our agents can help make a recommendation based on your specific needs.

How long does it take to ship the tools?

The chip tuning tools typically take approximately 3-5 working days to reach the specified country. After arrival, it usually takes an additional 2 working days for customs clearance..

What tuning service can I offer at my workshop/Dealership?

As a Custom Tuning agent, you gain access to a wide range of ECU tuning services. Take a look at our offerings:

  1. Stage 1, 2 and 3 Performance tuning: Increase your vehicle's performance by up to 30%.

  2. DSG Tuning: Adjust launch control, decrease shifting times, and modify rpm limiters.

  3. Economy tuning: Want to reduce fuel consumption for your car, truck or agricultural vehicle? We can make some adjustments to the software and decrease consumption by up to 15%.

  4. DPF/EGR/AdBlue/NOx Delete: Are you experiencing problems with fault codes? We can help you remove non-critical DTC codes.

  5. Crackle and pop/Flames: Add some personality to your vehicle with crackles, pops, and even flames.

How exactly do I remap the ECU of a vehicle?

Remapping a vehicle requires both tuning tools and tuning files. Tuning tools are used to read and write the modified files onto the vehicle's ECU. The tuning process can be broken down into the following steps:

  1. Use your tuning tool to read the vehicle's ECU.
  2. Upload the stock file to our server and specify the modifications you require.
  3. Within 15 to 60 minutes, we will send you a modified file according to your specifications.
  4. Using your tuning tool, load the modified file onto the vehicle's ECU.
  5. After loading the file, test the vehicle on the road or with a dyno to ensure everything is functioning properly.
  6. In the event of any issues, we will provide free updates to the map.
  7. Depending on the tuning tool, the process generally takes around an hour.
  8. If you purchase the tuning tools through Custom Tuning, you can trade under the Custom Tuning brand and offer our services to your clients.