HPTuners (The Tacoma FAQ)

Many of you may already be aware of the original HPTuners thread here on TacomaWorld where the ECU reflash support for the 2nd Gen Tacoma was brought to light by @Hacktacular.

My intent with this thread is to have a common source location that I can maintain for all the technical and procedural info that is scattered about the original HPTuners thread and other locations. The goal of this thread is to educate those who are interested in the product and/or custom tuning as well as those who already have HPTuners a source for a "one stop shop" information location similar in fashion to the world famous TRD-Magnusson Supercharger tips-tricks-and-mods thread.

Please be patient while I compile and organize the information. MUCH, MUCH more to come.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is HPTuners?
They're a company that specializes in providing tuning and diagnostic solutions for a wide range of modern OBD vehicles. Through the use of their MPVI2 and VCM Software Suite, you have an almost endless array of digital adjustments(some applications more than other), seamless live logging, diagnostics/analysis tools and tuning abilities with these powerful tools. I encourage you to check out their website (HPTuners) for the latest information regarding their product(s).

MPVI2, VCM Software Suite, Credits?
HPTuners utilizes a software package called the VCM Suite. The VCM Suite (available here: HPTuners Downloads) consists of two separate programs, the VCM Editor and the VCM Scanner.

VCM Scanner - Is the software that gives you a very powerful and comprehensive scan tool. View, chart, and log diagnostic data in real time via the vehicle’s OBDII diagnostic data port. View and clear vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) along with other vehicle module information.

VCM Editor - Is the software that allows you to read your truck's ECU flash memory and save the tune in our proprietary .HPT file structure. VCM Editor enables you to adjust a multitude of complex parameters such as torque tables, spark tables, fueling, RPM limits, ACIS, VVTi, transmission shift points and pressures, speed limiter settings and much more. Finally, you can write these changes back to the ECU via the MPVI2.

MPVI2 - This is the latest hardware module from HPTuners. This is the OBD2 dongle that physically interfaces with your truck and makes custom tuning these possible.

Universal Credits - A credit a form of "digital currency" that is used to license MPVI2 devices to specific ECU configurations. Each license has an associated number of credits that are required to activate it. As an example, the 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma application requires use of 4 credits to license. If you do not have enough credits to activate the desired license you must purchase and add more credits. Overall, the credit is the basic unit of currency used to license the MPVI2 to specific ECU(s).

The above components, are the fundamental pieces of the HPTuners system. If your purchasing the MPVI2, your device will come with a USB stick w/ the VCM Suite software and MPVI2 Drivers on it, however it may be necessary depending on the version of software supplied that you have to visit the Downloads page to get the newest VCM Suite. While you're there you'll notice there is a "Stable" and "Beta" version. At this time, both work, however it is my personal recommendation to use the Beta release (it's updated multiple times a day!) for the absolute latest features/fixes/releases. It is recommended to download/install the VCM suite and the MPVI2 drivers while you wait for your MPVI2's arrival.

This will allow you to simply open the box, plug the MPVI2 into the OBD2 port and start the tuning process by reading your stock tune.

The VCM Editor & The Tuning Process

Reading the stock tune - Video walk through

To read the stock tune, you're going to need the following:

1. Laptop w/ VCM Suite and MPVI2 drivers installed.
2. WiFi or Cellular Hotspot for internet connection.
3. MPVI2 connected to the vehicles OBD2 port & Laptop via USB Cable.

Open the VCM Editor, connect the MPVI2 as outlined above. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and click the "Read Vehicle" button shown below:


You will get a pop up like the one below. You'll want to click the "Read" button, and allow the software to connect to the truck and the HPTuners servers.


You will get the following pop up indicating the virtual read is complete. Click "OK". This message is 100% normal and is (IMHO) a confusing way of telling the end user the virtual read has been performed successfully.


*Virtual Read* Some ECU's cannot be directly read from the OBD2 port as the manufacturer because never intended to read the content of the ECU, only flash it for updates. So, the virtual read is the only way to read the ECU data. Our ECU happens to be one of these. When you attempt to read the stock tune file from the truck, The MPVI2 will read the stored VIN number and Calibration ID number and report these details to the HPTuners servers where a copy of the tune that was original to your ECU will be supplied and you'll see the pop up message indicating the virtual read was performed. With this virtual read, even if the car is tuned, if you read the car, you will always have an original file.

Additionally, you may also see another pop up message about your ECU being outdated as seen below. This message is displayed when the Calibration ID of your ECU is "outdated" and there is a Toyota TSB updated calibration available. You will be supplied the latest variant of your Calibration ID at the time of the virtual read. *This can have implications if you are currently without a supercharger but plan to later fit the TRD/Magnusson Supercharger. More on this to come*



Once the above messages are acknowledged, you'll be prompted to save a file. This is the stock calibration (virtually read) and supplied to you in the previously mentioned .HPT format. Name this file as you please and save it to a location you can remember and/or easily navigate too. The .HPT format is a proprietary format that contains all of the OE calibration data but additional details specific to HPTuners.

Editing the stock tune

To edit and/or tune your truck, you'll use the VCM Editor to render the calibration updates to your tune file. Simply open your stock or current working file and perform the required updates. Be sure to save any changes as a unique file to ensure you do not lose any prior versions, should you need to refer back to them or reload them for testing purposes.

Writing a tune - Video walk through

Writing your newly modified tune back to the truck is fairly straight forward but you will want to take some steps to ensure you do not damage (Brick) your ECU. I'll outline a few of the key things you'll want to do to ensure a successful reflash. This list is not necessarily all inclusive as there may be specific modifications/alterations to your vehicle that I cannot account for. This list outlines the common areas that have raised issues with our specific application over the last few years.

1. Ensure your laptop is up-to-date with all updates and has a good dependable battery.
2. Ensure your vehicle's battery is in good condition and is capable of maintaining at least 12.2-12.3 volts at rest. *Using a battery charger during flashing is encouraged if/where possible*
   
3. Have all sources of electrical current draw (Supercharger pump, dome light, radio, A/C, Fans, Etc) turned off prior to starting the flash.
4. Ensure your MPVI2 USB cable is in serviceable condition. Kinking it and rough handling can damage them.
5. Have a reliable internet connection or hotspot.

With the above precautions taken (and any others) you'll want to ensure you have the file you wish to flash open in the VCM Editor, an internet connection and the MPVI2 is connected to the OBD2 port and to the laptop. Click on the "Write Vehicle" icon shown below:


You'll get a similar pop up to the one below. Click on the "Write" button and depending on the licensing you'll either be prompted to license, or the flash will initiate. If this is your first time reflashing the vehicle you'll need to license, which we'll cover in the next section. Write times vary depending on the ECU hardware. Flash times for the earlier ECU's take between 3-4 Minutes where the newer ECU's take 1-2 minutes. DO NOT INTERRUPT or UTILIZE OTHER SOFTWARE DURING THE FLASH PROCESS!


Licensing

If this is your first time loading a tune file back to the ECU, you'll be prompted and informed you do not have a license for this file. The image below (outdated) is what you'll be prompted with. You'll want to select the option to "Show License Options" and on the following screen select the VIN Specific option. Continue to follow the prompts. Keep in mind that once you use your credits, they cannot be refunded. Upon licensing, you'll be prompted again with option to "Write" calibration. Follow the above instructions to flash the tune file.


Purchasing Credits

There are a few ways you can go about purchasing credits for your MPVI2. There are also a number of sources where you can get them as HPTuners does authorize independed dealers to resale credits (some at a slight discount). However, all credits are issued by HPTuners and to eliminate issues/delays in getting my credits I get them direct from the source. This is the method I'll outline here.

1) Registering Your Device
If you didn't purchase your MPVI2 with the credits pre-installed, or you're needing to add more credits to your device, you're going to need an account with HPTuners and register your device with them. You can do that here: HPTuners My Account

Once you've either logged in/created an account, you should see this:


Once here, click on the "My Devices" icon of the left. That'll bring you to a page where you can enter the details of your device. Be sure to pay attention to the headings, as there is a spot for the registration of an older MPVI device. So confirm that you are inputting your data in the MPVI2 specific data entry fields. It should be the form below.


You can find the serial number to your MPVI2 on the device. Input that data in the appropriate field and for the "Verification ID", open up your VCM Editor (leaving the registration page open the background). Navigate to the "Help" menu and select "MPIV2 Verification Code".


Save this code and back to the HPTuners device registration page and input your "MPVI2 Verification Code" in the appropriate field. Input any Notes you may want about this device. Once all fields are complete, click the blue "Import" button. This should save your device to your account and you should see it listed at the bottom of the "My Devices" page, similar to this:


2) Adding credits to your MPVI2

As previously mentioned, there's a number of ways you can go about getting credits for your MPVI2. I'm going to outline things going direct from the source, on HPTuners web page. You are welcome to use any of the other methods, but for the sake of this FAQ and brevity, I'm only going to focus on this basic method.

Log into your account and go to your device (as outlined above) and click on the "Add Credit" button. This will bring you to a page where you can purchase credits. Ensure your serial number matches the number on the screen. Any error here will mean you purchase credits for someone else's device! Add the number of credits you wish to add (remember, we need 4 for our applications) and "Add to Cart". Complete the checkout process.




Once your purchase is complete, the HPTuners servers will allocate the credits to your device. However, before you can use them, you need to sync your device with the HPTuners servers. Here's a short clip from HPTuners illustrating the process:


Once you've resync'd your device your credits have now been applied to your MPVI2 and you can use them at this point. Remember that you use your credits when you "Write" a tune back to the ECU. See the "Writing a tune" section above.

Additional Licensing Info:
For our application, HPTuners Licensing has three components. They are:

1. The MPVI2 Serial #
2. The vehicle's VIN #
3. Calibration ID of the ECU

When you license to upload the tune file, you're essentially given unrestricted access to write and update tunes at any time, for no additional cost when these three items are licensed. A lot of questions and confusion arise from the licensing portion of this system. Understanding exactly what comprises of the license can be helpful in understanding the limitations, loop-holes, and gotcha's.

Adding a TRD/Magnusson S/C and tune after tuning your truck in Natrually Aspirated form:
The biggest "gotcha" that comes up fairly regularly is folks wanting to get tuned while their truck is still naturally aspirated, but have plans to add the TRD/Magnusson supercharger at some point in the future. This situation poses some unique drawbacks and hurdles that can ultimately end up costing the user more in the long run. While we'll cover a little more in another section regarding Calibration ID's what's important to note here is that the Factory TRD S/C tune (and some of the other aftermarket tunes such as Bully Dog) have a unique Calibration ID that is different than the naturally aspirated tune your truck was originally programmed with. This poses a problem (and potentially two) for individuals wanting to tune their trucks before fitting the supercharger. As mentioned the licensing is tied to the Calibration ID in addition to the two other variables listed above, so if the Calibration ID changes, you must re-license the configuration by using an additional 4 credits to license the Supercharger specific Calibration ID. Additional complications can arise for some Calibration ID's in that the TSB update tune from Toyota (or as part of the HPTuners reflash) renders the ECU ineligible for conversion to the TRD Supercharger Tune. This is typical on 2012+ ECU's. The earlier 2005-2011 ECU's are able to receive the TRD Supercharger tune despite the TSB updates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The VCM Scanner & The Tuning Process

The VCM Scanner is in arguably the most powerful component of the VCM Suite. It is a comprehensive Scan Tool & Datalogger with a great deal of analytical power. If you're just getting started, the first step of your journey might be to get familiar with the current condition and state of health your engine and transmission may be in before undergoing the tuning journey.

One thing to keep in mind, the VCM Scanner comes pre-configured to record some very basic PID’s that are part of the OBD2 protocol’s universal SAE parameters. These are very basic scan-tool parameters that don’t give much in the way of detailed info.

All aspects of the VCM Scanner are end user customizable. What you wish to log, the rate that the PID's are polled, the units they're displayed in, how they are displayed, with what other data are they displayed against and more all all configurable. You can view data in raw numbers via the Channels list, Gauges, Graphs or Charts. The possibilities are limited by your creative thinking and knowledge of how to read the data. This aspect of HPTuners is often the most daunting part of the tuning process and the scope here isn't to cover every potential setting/tip/trick on how to master the program, but provide a solid foundation to facilitate your learning. To assist users, I've compiled a list of pertinent parameters for the Tacoma/FJ Cruiser that can be loaded into the VCM Scanner and get you out collecting data while you develop your VCM Scanner layout to suite your specific and individual needs. I'll outline how to load the channels configuration file attached below (Techumesh.channels *Note* The file is in .zip format and must be extracted before it can be used.) and perform some basic customization of the VCM Scanner.

Thankfully, HPTuners has integrated Custom PID's to the Toyota platforms in addition to the Toyota Enhanced PID’s which are found on Toyota’s TechStream software which is used by service department technicians for diagnostics/repair. These enhanced PID’s give an in-depth look into how the ECU is processing the various inputs/outputs but also reports them at a much higher polling rate than the SAE channels. The improved sampling rate goes a long way in making sense of what’s happening inside the engine and the non-SAE PIDs should be used/selected where and whenever possible. The channels file that I’ve attached below (Techumesh.channels) uses these enhanced PID's almost exclusively.

VCM Scanner Files

When configuring the VCM Scanner or doing any datalogging, it's important to know where the various files you're modifying and/or saving are going. The main location that you need to be familiar with is: /Documents/HP Tuners/VCM Scanner/



Within this directory, you'll see a number of various folders. The ones you immediately need to be concerned with are the "Channel Config", "Layouts" and "Logs". The others are important too, but these are the bread and butter and managing/using the contents within these folders will enable to tuning process to happen.

Channels Configuration
We've already touched on the Channels Configuration file. This is the critical piece, as it is what the tells the scanner what PID's to poll from the ECU. Without properly loading the proper channels file, the datalog session will likely be an effort in wasting time as the data generated often times isn't useful to making informed decisions on the tuning process. To get the configuration file loaded you'll want to perform the following:

1. Extract the Techumesh.channels file to (/Documents/HP Tuners/VCM Scanner/Channels)
2. Once the file is saved to that directory, you’ll open up the VCM Scanner, and then click on the channels tab on the upper left.
3. That’ll open and you’ll see a list of PID’s that the Scanner will attempt to poll. If you already see that list, you can click on the little folder at the top of the channels list to open the Techumesh.channels file.
4. Once you select and open the Techumesh.channels file, you should see the list of PID’s repopulate with new parameters. These are the Toyota Enhanced PID’s I mentioned above.

Datalogging
With the the channels configuration file setup properly, you're ready to start datalogging. To start logging, you'll need:

1. the MPVI2 plugged into the OBD2 port.
2. USB cable connected to the laptop*.
3. VCM Scanner open*.

* Pro Feature's allows Stand-alone datalogging, no USB/Laptop required

To start the logging, simply depress the 'space bar' to initiate the log. You'll see the VCM Scanner connect to the vehicle and start polling and recording data. To stop the log, depress the 'space bar' again. You'll see the entire log session remain displayed on your screen. You can review the data or simply press the spacebar again to initiate a 2nd session. You do not need to physically save each individual log (though you can!) as datalog sessions are automatically saved and all log files are stored here: \Documents\HP Tuners\VCM Scanner\Logs


You may notice that many of the gauges and graphs on the right half of the screen will not report data immediately after changing the channels configuration. This is because the graphs/gauges are all linked to the default channels. Some time will need to be taken at some point to reconfigure those to use the new channels we’ve chosen. (More on that later..)



Datalog Files
Log files, or .hpl files, are files that have saved frame data. You can save your log files for future reference, or to share with others. You can also export an existing .hpl VCM Scanner log files for external analysis as a comma delimited .csv file. Exporting to a .csv file is convenient if you wish to share your log file with those that do not have HP Tuners. To share your log file with those that do have HP Tuners, all you need to send them is the .hpl file and they will be able to open up the log file in their own version of HP Tuners VCM Scanner.

- Layout Configurations
--Graphs
--Charts
--Gauges
---Tips & Tricks

- Pro Features
--External sensors
---External sensor setup

 

The above should get you squared away with reading/writing tune files. The information below will be tailored to specific topics not necessarily related to the reading/writing tune files but important info relevant to this discussion.

What can be adjusted?
HPTuners Tacoma Engine Parameters & Engine DTC
HPTuners Tacoma Transmission Parameters

VCM Editor Tips & Tricks
-Calibration Info
-Compare tunes
-Edit Axis

VCM Scanner Tips & Tricks
-Channels
-Gauges
-Graphs
-Charts
-Maths
-Filters

Calibration ID's
- TRD Calibrations
- VIN Programming

E85 Usage

 

Reserved for future use #2.

Toyota Patents

 

Great info here! Thank you @JustDSM!

 

Ok, here is one for you. I have an 07 with a 2012 engine. So far it runs good. I blocked off the SAI ports on the manifold and installed URD long tubes, a volant (yeah I know) CAI and have the rest of the exhaust ready to install. Should I get a 2012 ECU before tuning this with HPT?

 

I would not use the 2012 ECU in your situation. Great question however!

 

Ok, perfect! Once i find someone to weld this exhaust up I will definitely be ordering one. I have actually read most of this entire thread! Seems like the missing piece of the puzzle

 

For people in Orange County, CA I have an MPVI2 cable that I’m willing to help people get their reads and flashes, my internet reaches my driveway thank goodness.

Justin eventually it may be a good idea to include how all the prices breakdown in this thread to avoid all the messages like i sent you. Also feel free to tell me to delete this if you think it’s lame

 

I think it would be a great resource to have a list of folks who own MPVI2's and are willing to allow others use of their device or are willing to flash files/datalog for folks. That's something I'll integrate into this thread. I will ask folks to PM me if they'd like to be included on that list to keep the clutter down in this thread. But great idea!

Regarding the pricing and break down. I have decided to keep this thread "Tech" oriented and not so much of a sales post. I'd like to use this post more as a resource to assist everyone with using/learning about their software/hardware. I'll make a separate thread in the classified section that outlines the "sales" bit of things to better align myself with the rules of the forum. The Mods/Admins have been kind to me by allowing me to assist folks thus far and I don't want to stretch my welcome too much more. But also a great idea and a much needed one, as A LOT of my PM's are related to this.

 

@JustDSM, great thread. Feel free to add me if I can help. I am no longer in a Tacoma but do have an MPVI2 and can assist if needed.
I'm in South Florida Broward County.

 

I don't know much about the wizardry that accompanies the tuning process, but I can flash/log with no problems lol

 

I hope this is a question for this thread, if not I apologize

I want to know what the difference is between a HPTune and a OVTune? I have a 2nd gen w/ an HPTune. My pops just got a 3rd gen 2021 and can’t stand the transmission shifting. I told him he should get a tune. Looking into it all I can find is OVTuning for 3rd gens. Why is this? Does HPTune support 3rd gen? Is HPtuning only boosted engines?

If there is a thread or something I haven’t read yet please direct me.

Thanks in advance. Also great info!, sub’d

 

HPTuners is a big, big company where OVTune is a one man show. For your pops 3rd gen, search for KDMAXX or vF Tuner.

 

I think I've finally read enough and failed enough to be able to ask a question. One of the biggest underlying themes when it comes to tuning I've found is that "get your injectors configured right or everything else will be off" or something along those lines. I've got fuel injector clinic injectors, the data sheet, MVP2+ pro,

$185 AEM 30-4110 UEGO Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge

AEM 30-4110 on bank2 + pro-link (not wired in yet), and a list of mods that make this whole thing overwhelming. This video was one of the most useful ones but we don't have any of those knobs due to the way we control the ECU.

How do I translate/input an injector datasheet into HPTuners and what channels should I look at to verify I set these correctly? Almost all of my logging shows STFT because I'm running <10.0:1 rich in 40% throttle.

I've read on the forums here that it is probably better to use the power enrichment table directly and thus set the PE thresholds to 10/5 % enable/disable. I have the URD TCAI so I have MAF calibration (maybe?) I need to do as well.

 

OOhh, found this nugget finally. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hp-tuners-for-2005-2015.600793/page-121#post-20525165 Contains all the logging channels for our tacomas... well and https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hp-tuners-for-2005-2015.600793/page-176#post-20944652

 

Sub

 

In depth VCM Editor tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWYKVoFcOmk
VCM scanner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBQB0afJBUw

 

Hoping you all can help answer an MPVI2 question for me.
I borrowed an MPVI2 from another member so I can do a tune soon. But when I made my account on HPTuners, they tell me that another user owns the interface. I had no luck finding an answer on their forums. Wondering if you all know how to work around this? Do I need his account login to use his MPVI2? Or hit up support at HPTuners?
Thanks!

 

If the ownership of the MPVI2 been transferred, you'll need to contact HPTuners Support (https://support.hptuners.com/hc/en-us). Ultimately, the original owner of the MPVI2 will have to delete that device from their account so it can then be registered under your account. All of the existing licensing will transfer, as that licensing information is stored on the MPVI2.

If this is just a "borrow" to do the tune, you'll have to work out arrangements with your friend to get the necessary credits added to the device.

Does that make sense?

 

I appreciate your help! That makes sense and is kind of what I suspected. I'll talk with the MPVI2 owner about the best way to use it.

Follow up question- will my ability to change the tune be tied only to this device? Not that I foresee making changes, but would like to know for the future.

Thanks!