❓ TuningBot FAQ
Welcome to the official TuningBot FAQ. Find answers about pricing, technical tools, warranty policies and everything you need to start tuning professionally. Learn more about ECU technology on Wikipedia.
💰 Pricing & Time
How much does the service cost?
Each tuning service is automatically priced based on the options you select. There’s no single fixed price — simply choose your options in the configurator to see the total instantly. Start tuning your file here.
Pricing factors include: ECU type, number of modifications requested (Stage 1/2/3, DPF, EGR, AdBlue, etc.), vehicle category (car, truck, agricultural, marine), and any additional services like checksum correction.
Payments and Invoicing
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal. Invoices are automatically generated and emailed immediately after each transaction.
For high-volume professionals, we offer prepaid credit packages with bonus credits. Contact us for volume discounts on 50+ files per month.
Do I need to register?
No registration required for standard tuning services — checkout as a guest. An account is only needed for hardware purchases or prepaid credit packages.
Registered users benefit from: order history, faster checkout, saved vehicle profiles, and priority support queue.
Opening Hours and Processing Time
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00–23:00 (GMT+1 / CET).
Processing Time: Average 15-45 minutes per file. Complex requests may take longer.
Tip: Check the live status and delivery time at the top of every page.
Peak hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 CET may experience slightly longer delivery times. Files submitted outside business hours are queued and processed when we open.
🔧 Technical & Tools
Which file formats are accepted?
We accept original ECU files in .bin, .ori, and proprietary formats from all major tuning tools. The file must be a complete, unmodified read from the ECU.
Important: Always upload the original file, not a previously modified one. If you need changes to an existing tune, please specify this in the notes and attach the original for reference.
⚠️ Checksum Correction – How It Works
What is checksum? A checksum is an integrity verification code embedded in the ECU file. The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) calculates this value at startup to verify that the calibration data hasn’t been corrupted. If the checksum doesn’t match, the ECU may enter limp mode or refuse to start entirely.
When you modify ECU calibration maps, the original checksum becomes invalid. The ECU expects a specific checksum value that corresponds to the original data. After modification, this value must be recalculated and corrected — otherwise the ECU will detect a mismatch and trigger protective measures.
Critical requirement for checksum correction to work:
Checksum correction provided by TuningBot only works if your tuning tool supports disabling its internal checksum calculation. Here’s why:
- TuningBot delivers a file with correct checksum — our engineers calculate and embed the proper checksum for the modified calibration
- Your tool writes the file to the ECU — during this process, many tools automatically recalculate the checksum
- If your tool recalculates: The correct checksum from TuningBot gets overwritten by the tool’s own (incorrect) calculation, causing the ECU to reject the file
Solution: Before writing the file, you must disable checksum calculation in your tuning tool’s settings. This feature is typically called “Checksum OFF”, “Skip Checksum”, “CSM Disable” or similar, depending on the tool manufacturer.
Symptoms of incorrect checksum: Engine doesn’t start, ECU enters limp mode, diagnostic tools can’t establish communication, or the ECU rejects the write operation.
Supported ECU families: MDG1, EDC17, MED17, ME17, EEPROM, and many more. View the complete supported list.
Most genuine Master tools (Alientech KESS3, KESSv2/K-TAG, CMD, Autotuner, etc.) have checksum management built-in and handle this automatically. If you’re using a tool that doesn’t offer checksum disabling, contact the tool manufacturer or consider upgrading to professional-grade equipment.
Which tools are supported?
TuningBot supports all genuine Master tools (Alientech, CMD, Autotuner, Magicmotorsport, etc.) and official TuningBot Slave tools. We do not support cloned hardware.
Verified compatible tools: Alientech KESS3, Alientech KESSv2, Alientech K-TAG, CMD Flash, Autotuner, Magicmotorsport Flex, BitEdit, PCMFlash, and all official OEM diagnostic tools with flash capability.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
Associated DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are automatically removed when disabling features (DPF, EGR, etc.). For manual removal, provide codes in Pxxxx format (e.g., P0401, P2002).
Note: Removing a DTC hides the error from the dashboard but doesn’t fix the underlying mechanical fault. Always address the root cause before requesting DTC removal.
Common DTC categories we handle: Emission-related (P04xx, P20xx), sensor faults (P01xx, P02xx), turbo/boost codes (P0234, P0299), and OBD monitor readiness flags.
DPF, EGR and AdBlue Removal
Each emission system removal requires specific preparation. Failing to follow the correct procedure may result in the solution not working properly.
- AdBlue (SCR): DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank can remain connected or be emptied. Follow the AdBlue Off Guide for your specific vehicle
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter): Physical removal or gutting is recommended for optimal results. Follow the DPF Professional Guide
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation): Valve must be mechanically closed or blocked before applying the tuned file. Electrical disconnection alone is not sufficient. Follow the EGR Professional Guide
Sensor Disconnection
Some solutions require disconnecting specific sensors to prevent false readings or ECU conflicts:
- DPF solutions: May require disconnecting differential pressure sensor and/or exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors
- AdBlue solutions: NOx sensors may need to be disconnected depending on ECU type
- Swirl flap solutions: Swirl flap position sensors should remain connected unless specified
For detailed instructions specific to your ECU, refer to Our Services page or check the notes included with your tuned file.
Supported ECUs and Services
We support all major ECU families for cars, trucks, motorcycles, agricultural vehicles, and marine engines.
Popular ECU families: Bosch EDC17/MED17/ME17/MD1/MG1, Siemens/Continental SID/PCR, Delphi DCM, Denso, Marelli, Magneti Marelli, Hitachi, and many more.
Available services: Stage tuning (1/2/3), DPF off, EGR off, AdBlue/SCR off, swirl flap off, intake flap off, DTC removal, speed limiter removal, start/stop disable, hot start fix, and more. See the complete list.
What if the tuned file doesn’t work?
If you experience issues after flashing the tuned file, follow these steps:
- Verify the original file was correctly read — a corrupted read will produce a non-functional tune
- Check checksum settings — ensure your tool’s checksum calculation is disabled if you selected our checksum correction
- Confirm mechanical modifications — DPF gutted? EGR blocked? All prerequisites met?
- Clear all DTCs — perform a full diagnostic reset after flashing
- Contact support via ticket — reply to your order email with detailed description of the issue
Our 30-day warranty covers all file-related issues. We’ll provide corrections or alternatives at no extra cost.
🛡️ Warranty & Policies
How do I get technical support?
Support is provided exclusively through our ticket system. A ticket is automatically created when you upload a file. You can reply directly via email to add information or request assistance.
Response times: Most tickets are answered within 30 minutes during business hours. Priority support is available for registered users with prepaid credits.
What to include in support requests: Order number, vehicle details, tool used, clear description of the issue, and any error codes displayed.
Warranty and Refunds
All services include a 30-day warranty on file integrity and functionality.
What’s covered: File corrections, alternative solutions if the original approach doesn’t work, recalibration for different hardware configurations.
What’s NOT covered: Issues caused by incorrect tool settings, corrupted original reads, mechanical faults, use of cloned tools, or failure to follow provided instructions.
Refunds/credits are issued only for proven technical issues caused by our file that cannot be resolved. Read full terms.
Requirements to work with us
- A genuine Master tool or official TuningBot Slave tool
- A diagnostic device capable of reading EOBD / ISO codes (OBD-II scanner)
- Basic knowledge of ECU tuning principles and flashing procedures
- Willingness to follow our experts’ recommendations and provided guides
- Ability to correctly read and write ECU files without corruption
New to tuning? We recommend starting with simpler modifications (Stage 1, DTC removal) before attempting complex solutions like DPF or AdBlue removal.
⚠️ Policy on Cloned / Crack Tools
We do not support cloned or cracked tuning tools. Use of such hardware is entirely at your own risk and voids all warranty claims.
Why we can’t support clones: Cloned tools often have inconsistent checksumming algorithms, incorrect communication protocols, and unreliable read/write operations. Even if a cloned tool “worked before”, there’s no guarantee it will work with modified calibrations.
Claims like “it worked before” or “other tuners support it” are not accepted. Professional tuning requires professional tools.
Legal Disclaimer
ECU tuning and emission system modifications may not be legal for road use in your jurisdiction. TuningBot provides files intended for off-road, motorsport, and competition use only.
It is the customer’s responsibility to verify local laws and regulations before applying any modifications. TuningBot is not liable for any legal consequences resulting from the use of our services.
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