Concerned about warranty, considering VF Tuner for easy flash to OEM

I have a 2023 Tacoma Off-Road that I just got last week; prior to getting I located my closest tuner who is 2.5 hours away from me. My concern is voiding the warranty; with that said, many have said to just get it flashed back to OEM if you have to take it in. However with him being 2.5 hours away, that isn't always feasible.

I did contact Overland, they said if you get it flashed then purchase VF Tuner wiflash tuning kit; they would send you your files locked so one can manually load. I am NOT worried they would be locked cuz, i would never alter the builds. My question is; How hard is it to run vftuner just to flash it to OEM if I need and then flash it back after if I needed to? I would be willing to spend that extra cash to protect my warranty.

 

Really easy to flash back to stock. You need to make sure that you get the correct files from vFTuner. The most recent ones have the correct checksum that emissions testing requires. Please read this thread. Applies to all tunes not just OTT.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tune-and-failed-emissions-testing-experience.818248/

 

The dealer won't check the ECU for any warranty work unrelated to the ECU. Basically, the only time you would need to flash back to stock is if your ECU starts failing or if you blow an engine/trans.

 

Or if your state does emissions testing and checks it.

 

OP there is also an entire section here dedicated to performance and tunes, lots going on there

 

Even if you flash back to stock, there are ways to tell it has been altered in some way. Ignition cycle count being an obvious one. My truck (OTT tuned for a couple months now) has 15k on it but if you hook it up to a scan tool, it only has 200 ignition cycles. Now to be fair, I don’t know if Techstream even shows some of the things OBD Fusion does. I think I’ve heard that it doesn’t show the CVN number. I worry about warranty issues too, but it drives so much better that it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

 

I recently received the WiFlash dongle with the associated software and I cannot comfortably recommend it at this time. The software appears to be half-finished and buggy which does not bode well for a process as sensitive as ECU tuning. If given the option, I would purchase the Tactrix cable and revert to the pre-2.0 software. Bonus to the Tactrix-version is that it can be used with Techstream whereas the WiFlash-version cannot. I've reached out to the support e-mail to see if these issues are unique to me, a PEBKAC, or if they're common across most v2.0 users.

 

They are not unique to you. VFTuner is working on it. Can never go wrong with a cable.

 

Support e-mailed me last night stating that a new version of software was released two days ago. I’m downloading it now, but I’m still skeptical. Is it possible to use the pre-2.0 version with a genuine Tactrix cable?

UPDATE 20231217: I've been working with Mathew from VF Tuner on some of the issues that have been mentioned throughout various threads both here and on other forums/websites. He has informed me that VF Tuner will not register a "regular tactrix" cable. Accordingly, it would appear that the new WiFlash dongle along with VF Tuner 2.0+ is the only supported method for ECU flashing. Additionally, Mathew has provided me with links to the latest documentation.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0..._Device_Driver_Installer_PDF.pdf?v=1702853607
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0885/5830/files/ECU_ID_Identification_Manual_PDF.pdf?v=1702466651
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0885/5830/files/ECU_Recovery_Manual_PDF.pdf?v=1702466651

 

yes I am using 1.7x with a cable.

 

Good to know. The Tactrix cable might be a present from Santa this year. Thanks for the info.

 

@spmiz12 I'd be happy to work with you with KDMAX Pro remote tuning. You can get the cable/license and tune pack from me as well as complete setup assistance on the laptop through flashing. All included...one stop shop! Join the hundreds of owners I've worked directly with to get their Tacomas setup right without having to make a 5 hrs drive round trip: https://tacomatuning.com/remote-tuning -- oh and the VFTuner cable I offer is the non-WiFlash version mentioned earlier so if you are looking for the same proven setup we've all had for 3+years THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL BE GETTING!

 

So it would be $550, what if after the tune I need it adjusted to tune it in better; what would that run?? If I has to take it into the dealership for powertrain related issues; and want to go back to stock, what would that run?? Appreciate your help.

 

How do you get the 1.7x version if VF Tuner is only licensing the 2.0x version now??

 

Future loaner cable costs is for shipping to/from -or- purchase the cable bundle right from the start with tunes with full assistance for setup and flashing and keep the cable/license forever to use on that truck any time you want for $750 (https://tacomatuning.com/shop/ols/products/kdmax-pro-toyota-tacoma-ecu-tuning-4)

+$50 if you need a loaner laptop with any of the above (again, to cover to/from shipping)

 

Not sure. I have the 1.7x version since I am a Pro Tuner. I think vFtuner did the Microsoft Windows upgrade and is forcing everyone to move to the new version.

 

All I can add to this topic is that I have many remote cable setups to sell and those are all the 1.7.x based dongles which are prefect and proven for current Tacomas/4Runners/Tundras.