vF Tuner installation guide & FAQ

questions regarding my truck 04A61

I have OVTune flashed on the truck already. In the VFTune directory, I can see the stock tune for 04A61. Where are the other ones?

 

The other stock files are for other model years. 04A61 is 2018 AT only. 04A60 is an older version of your ECU.

In general, you can only flash files that match your ECU ID.

 

I followed the development of OVTune from version 1.x until the 2.0 release. I expecting or at least hoping that those tunes where included. Is that not the case? What about exporting my current tune then modifying it? can I do that?

 

The tunes were always a separate option when folks bought OVT / vF. We needed a software license for Flash Manager / vF and then a Tune Pack.

There was a time in the earlier vF days when OVT Flash Manager folks could upgrade to vF for free if they only wanted flash access. No editing. That time is over. If folks want to upgrade now (or even be able to flash tunes), there is some cost associated with it. With the upgrade, you can get upgraded tune files.

That said, if you have the 2.0 Tunes, then you have the latest available from vF. There has been talk for a few years about a new tune update (EROM 1.2 / Ultimate), but it has not been fully developed.


We could never export / Read tune files for our own use. The Read function solely pulls unsupported Stock data for vF to create support for new ECU IDs.

 

That's rough when you spent $700 on ovtune then more on VF Tuner, and another $300 for what I think are the same maps that were in ovtune.

 

I don't understand this part? Who is telling you this?

My costs were this:

Almost $800 for OVT (license and tune files) back in 2019.
Free 2.0 Betas and Tunes when they were released.
$79 for vF when it launched (my choice) as I was a non-dongle customer. Dongle folks were free.
$1,250 to be Pro Tuner.
$$$$$$ in Credits to flash other folks.


When vF Lite (no editing / flash only) launched, there was a long, free period where OVT folks could get vF Lite for free including the 2.0 Tunes if needed. That was like 6mo to a year.

If folks missed that window, I don't know what to say. The last I heard, the upgrade cost was around $80?

 

I had to reset my computer drive and all of my files got wiped. I'm trying to download techstream following the guide from this thread. It seems v14 is no longer available. The newest version is v18. Any idea how to get the software registration from the software ID? Is there a patch I need and does it use different drivers than tactrix? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as I'm trying to do a new tune that I just got.

 

Sent you a PM.

 

Just got my Vftuner and software is unlocked/registered. How do I go about finding out what my ECU ID is?

 

turn vehicle on, but don’t start. Plug in to obd2, select flash ECU from file menu, click prepare ECM, it will check it and tell how many credits to unlock, you can hit cancel if you want, ECU ID will be displayed.

 

Also, under the help tab is a link to instructions. Probably a good idea to read those.

 

I’m looking at the guide here and the techstream download link doesn’t work. Is there an updated link please?

 

Just found this page through searching. Curious if the techstream-act.exe file is still available somewhere, and if that will also activate Techstream V18? I recently got TS V18 w/dongle off Amazon, but can only use it in "Offline Mode" and unable to download any TSB's.

I'm assuming it wouldn't work for V18, and if not is there an alternate version to use?

 

I've tried this a couple times but can't get past a certain point. I'm at the step "calibrate ECM" but the button is grayed out. Also, I'm not actually looking to flash a tune at this point, just trying to get VF Tuner up and running. I've had OV Tune since 2019 and just want to switch over. I don't remember having any trouble with the learning curve on OV but VF has stymied me to no end. Pls help.

Pic for reference:

 

ignition on, but motor not running

dongle plugged in to obd2 and computer

click prepare ECU

select calibration file

flash ECU will be available

 

Go ahead and click prepare ECM. Your cursor is right on it. The steps Texoma posted are accurate.

 

I'm already past that step. At this point calibrate ECM should be available. Should I repeat prepare ECM?

 

Also, to be clear, I'm not trying to flash a file. I just want access to the software. Right now I can't modify or moniter anything.

 

I don't know if this will make me look like less of an idiot or more of one. I realize now that I should have skipped past the flash directions and read down to the the section where you actually use the credits to unlock the ECU. I'm not sure why that isn't the 1st part of the directions, but maybe my brain is just wired backwards. It seems like that's putting the cart before the horse. In any event, thanks for the attempt to help this old caveman.

 

Does it look like with the latest update on VFTUNER there is no longer an option to reset the ecu?