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vF Tuner installation guide & FAQ

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by Shellshock, Nov 24, 2020.

  1. Nov 24, 2020 at 12:03 PM
    #1
    Shellshock

    Shellshock [OP] King Shit of Turd Island

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    This will hopefully make it easier for new people looking to get tuned. Installation instructions in post #2

    Some of these things will be changing with version 1.3. Once that process is fully explained, I’ll update this post and archive the legacy info that’s no longer relevant.

    What happened to ovtune? Why are the threads locked?
    Communication has moved to https://forum.vftuner.com/
    Some individuals would come to ovtune / vf tuner threads and regularly start a shitshow. Mods finally got sick of it and started swinging the hammer.

    What do I need to buy?
    New User
    Purchase vF tuner Flash kit + Cable
    https://www.ovtuned.com/collections/vf/products/vforest-tuner-software-flash-cable
    Owner of legacy flash kit (dongle or dongleless)
    Message zendesk for link to order the upgrade ($0 for dongle customers, $79 for dongleless customers)

    I'm not interested in writing tunes. I just want to flash my truck with a premade tune from OVTune.
    Purchase the tacoma tune pack.
    https://www.ovtuned.com/collections/vf/products/tacoma-3-5l-vf-tune-pack
    You'll need to request the tune pack for your ECU via SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM
    Update your truck to the latest TSB first! More info below.

    Where can I learn to modify / write tunes?
    Manual transmission
    Automatic transmission

    Where do I find instructions?
    Currently available in 3 locations
    1) ovtuned website
    2) the vF tuner Installation directory (c:\Program Files (x86)\vF Tuner)
    3) the second post of this thread

    Where do I download vF Tuner?
    Download button on the homepage of ovtuned.com
    CURRENT VERSION: 1.2.9.9.901
    https://ovtune.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/vF+Tuner+Installer.exe

    Where’s the vF tuner forum?
    https://forum.vftuner.com/

    Its been <insert number of days> and I haven't received my reg key!
    Check your spam folder. Most keys are sent in a couple days.
    All setup info comes by email
    The Master Key (unlocks vF tuner) is sent automatically to the email used for your vF order
    To get a reg key (unlocks vF flash tool), send your system ID to SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM
    check your spam folder

    I flashed once but now everything is grayed out and i cant flash anything
    Check your current system ID and the system ID for your registry key. Most likely a windows update has been applied (which updated your system ID) and they no longer match. When this happens, you need to email SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM and request a new registry key.

    What are credits and why do I need them?
    vF tuner comes with 5 credits (1 for the software, 4 to unlock an ECU of your choice). You can purchase additional credits to unlock additional ECUs.
    https://ovtuned.com/collections/vf/products/vf-tuner-credits

    Where can I get the tactrix adapter besides OVTune?
    tactrix.com

    Where do I get the tactrix drivers?
    You need these for both vF tuner and techstream
    https://www.tactrix.com/downloads/openport2_setup_1024791.exe

    How do I apply a TSB?
    Everything you need is found here, thanks to @tonered
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tsb-update.562550/

    Do I need to save my stock tune? Where do I get the stock tune?

    Stock files are located in the installation directory of vF tuner
    c:\Program Files (x86)\vF Tuner\Tacoma

    How do I know if I have the latest TSB?
    Latest Revisions - Transmission - TSB - CUW update file

    81280F90-791D-4DB6-AA68-AD8B92F4F0DC.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2021
  2. Nov 24, 2020 at 12:04 PM
    #2
    Shellshock

    Shellshock [OP] King Shit of Turd Island

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    vF tuner process - Detailed instructions below
    • Purchase vF tuner
    • Receive master key
    • Install vF Tuner Software and tactrix drivers
    • Activate vF Tuner with master key
    Tuning process (1.2.9.x +)
    • Connect to internet (required)
    • Plug ODB2 into truck, usb into computer
    • Turn truck to “on” engine off
      • Two presses of Push to start button with foot off brake
      • Two clicks of key in non PTS models (Manual and lower trim trucks)
    • Launch vF tuner
    • Click the “flash ecu’ button (page 20 of vF instructions)
    • “Prepare ECU”
      • This step will connect to the vF licensing server and verify current licensing status. At this point you will be given the option to license your VIN for 4 credits (required). Once you have registered the VIN, you’ll be able to move onto the next step
    • Verify ECU ID listed in the output window
      • This lets you know what your current ECU calibration is. You may need to update via techstream to a newer calibration (tunes tend to only support the newest ID for your model year)
    • “Select calibration file
      • Select the tun you wish to flash
    • “Calibrate ECM”
      • This is the actual flashing process. It is VERY important that this step not be interrupted.
      • Once flashing has completed, a window will open telling you to turn the vehicle off
    • Final steps
      • I typically will reset learning values after a flash. This is not required but you can see some strange behavior at times if you do not. This can be done via techstream or the ‘reset ECU’ button within vF tuner.
      • Idle truck for 10 minutes to complete initial learning
      • You may get some unexpected behavior within the first 100 miles while the ECU is doing the initial calibration. By 500 miles or so, learning will be 100% complete

    • Identity ECU
      • Check to see if there is a new ECU for your Model Year
      • If so - update using techstream
    • Request tune pack (if purchased)
    • Receive tune pack
    • Apply Tune
      • vft files are premade tunes and ready to flash
      • vft files can also be modified with vF tuner
        • Shift points
        • Throttle response
        • Alternator output
      • Turning process
        • Connect Tactrix to ODB2, USB cable and plug into computer
        • Launch vF Flash Tool
        • Turn ignition to “on”, motor not running
        • Click “Identify” to verify ECU and successful connection
        • Click “Flash it”
        • Select Tune
        • Verify flashing was successful
        • Turn ignition “off”
        • Turn ignition “on”, motor not running
        • Reset LV (Manual and automatic trucks) and AT (automatic only)
        • Turn ignition “off”
        • Start truck
        • Idle truck 10 minutes

    1) Download software. Depending on your OS / AV /browser, you may get a warning. This is safe to ignore. Tell it to download and keep the file.
    1.jpg
    2) Run the installer. If you get a warning, click more info and run anyway.
    2.jpg
    3) Accept the license agreement. Next.
    3.jpg
    4)
    4.jpg
    5)
    5.jpg
    6)
    6.jpg
    7)
    7.jpg
    8)
    8.jpg
    9)
    10.jpg
    10) You'll get a warning the first time you launch the application as you have not yet entered your license information.
    11.jpg
    11) Make sure you’re online/connected to the internet during this part. A Master Key will be provided to you via e-mail. The email which received the master key will be the email you must input in the “Email” box. You will need to enter a password of your choice (don't forget it), and username (no spaces). The “Register” button will light up when you have filled out all the boxes completely.
    Screen Shot 2020-11-24 at 5.46.48 PM.jpg

    1)
    1.jpg
    2)
    2.jpg
    3)
    3.jpg
    4)
    4.jpg
    5)
    5.jpg
    6) Click install
    6.jpg
    7)
    7.jpg
    8)
    8.jpg

    Here's step by step setup instructions to setup Techstream v14. If you get a UAC pop up from windows, click ok.

    1) Download v14 from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHumlcFInkXdfAGgap0XS0KijFZumfSA/view?usp=drivesdk


    2) Click download


    3) Click download anyway


    4) Save the file


    5) Browse to the file download location (typically in your downloads folder)


    6) Right click and extract the files


    7) Browse to the extracted files


    8) Double click GTS_14.20.019_NDSI and click next


    9) next


    10) Accept the terms. Next


    11) Put something in User / Company. Next.


    12) Install


    13) Finish


    14) You'll now see Techsteam on your desktop. Double click Techstream


    15)


    16) Select North America. Next.


    17) Select English. Next.


    18)Fill in Dealer Name, Dealer Code, Dealer Phone. Click Ok


    19) Any time a Java pop up appears, Click No. It also appears when you launch Techstream.


    20) Copy the Software ID (highlight, Right click, Copy)


    21) Double click techstream-act.exe to run (found in the folder of extracted files, Step 7)


    22) Enter the number "2" for Techstream 14.20.019 (the version we have installed). Press enter / return key


    23) This step is optional but will make the next few steps much easier. If you don't do this one, you will need to manually type out the software ID and Activation key. I'm lazy and can't type, so i copy / paste.
    Goto the upper left corder of the window, right click, select properties. Check the box for quick edit mode. Press ok


    24) Right click anywhere in the window. The key you copied earlier will paste. Press enter. The activation keys will appear. Select the "NA Activation Key" and right click. This will copy the key.


    25) Paste the key into Techstream.


    26) Techstream will now show 5000+ days remaining in the lower left


    27) In the top menu bar Click setup and VIM Select. Change the drop down to Openport 2.0. Click ok.
    If this does not appear as an option in the drop down, you need to install the tactrix drivers and plug in the cable.


    28) At this point Techstream is fully configured and operational. You can click "connect to vehicle" in the upper left to complete any customizations (seat belt chimes, blinkers, etc).

    29) To apply a TSB, all you need to do is double click the CUW file and follow the on screen prompts.

    Click about in the top menu bar
    13.jpg

    c:\Program Files (x86)\vF Tuner
    14.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2021
    JDSmith, Bastek, C41n and 12 others like this.
  3. Nov 24, 2020 at 1:11 PM
    #3
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    vF / OV Tuner Nuggets

    vF Options and Credits:
    -- With the $349 dollar bundle, you get a vF Software License with nine Credits and the vF / Tactrix adapter.
    -- With the nine Credits you can:
    -- Flash two VINs
    -- View and / or edit two ECU IDs
    -- Or view one ECU ID and flash one VIN​
    -- If you want the excellent vF 2.0 Tunes, you need a Tune Pack add on for $390. One TP has all the available released tunes for one ECU ID, along with future support.
    -- If you want to do more than that, Credits are available in 8, 20, and 40 Credit bundles and other Tune Packs are available for other Taco ECU IDs or other Toyota models.

    -- Four Credits will permanently Unlock one VIN for flashing. Anyone with a vF License can flash this specific VIN without spending more Credits.

    -- Four Credits will permanently Unlock one ECU ID for viewing and / or editing. The ECU ID Unlock is only applicable to one user's Master Key. Any tune file with the same ECUI ID can be opened unless it was locked by someone.​
    Old vF / OVT News and Blog Posts:
    https://vftuner.com/blogs/news/

    2.0 MT: https://vftuner.com/blogs/news/toyo...0-manual-transmission-2020-model-year-support
    Note: This includes Tune name explanations.​
    2.0 AT: https://vftuner.com/blogs/news/tacoma-2-0-final-auto-release
    Note: The old P5F files have been removed.​


    OVT TSB Rationale:

    My guidance for picking a tire size for the AT tunes:

    -- Always go to the next higher.
    -- Any tire different than stock, go 33.
    -- Any tire at 33 and not an SL sidewall (LT tires), go 35.
    -- If you have heavy 35s, edit the tune for 36s or 37s.
    The map input is the radius that you need.
    image_292.jpg


    Reg and Prem Tune initial ignition set points:
    For the 2.0 Tunes, there are no '87' or '91' tunes. They are all Octane Learning (OL).


    Learned Value Reset Explainer from OVT:
    "Regarding reset AT / LV.

    So this isn't confusing

    Resetting LV / AT after a flash = not required

    Resetting LV / AT after a flash = is not harmful, and may be done at your discretion

    Resetting LV / AT after a flash = Should be done IF you have drivability issues (very odd shifting behavior, very odd engine behavior, or you hear any knock/detonation)

    Resetting LV / AT after a flash = May make the truck run noticeably rougher for the first few miles (especially the transmission)

    Resetting LV / AT should NOT be done just because you feel like doing it.

    Resetting the LV / AT should NOT be done if you haven't recently flashed.


    If you Reset LV / AT right after a flash = the first 25mi to 50mi, the trucks shifting characteristics can be ignored


    If you Reset LV / AT or even flashed the truck and are making judgements without putting AT LEAST 25 miles on the truck, you are not getting an accurate representation of how the truck will perform."
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2021
  4. Nov 25, 2020 at 7:22 AM
    #4
    ShirtTucker

    ShirtTucker Taco Tip Line: 248-434-5508

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    Lots-o-stuff
    Nice. I would only add a section for "My reg key no longer works!!!", or the the actual issue it causes, for us poor buggers that have a Windows 10 update change their system ID. We just have to email zendesk requesting a new reg file. Make sure the email includes all relevant information, including the new system ID.
     
    tonered likes this.
  5. Nov 25, 2020 at 7:34 AM
    #5
    Shellshock

    Shellshock [OP] King Shit of Turd Island

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    Added :thumbsup:
     
    tonered likes this.
  6. Nov 26, 2020 at 4:56 PM
    #6
    squarenone

    squarenone Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for this thread!!! It couldn't have come at a better time as I just purchased this for BF.
     
    Shellshock[OP] likes this.
  7. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:42 PM
    #7
    squarenone

    squarenone Well-Known Member

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    When I try to connect to vehicle, a pop up appears and states that I must update since Ver. 14.20.019 isn't supported anymore and doesnt allow me to proceed any further unless I update. I just disconnected from the internet and used in offline mode, is there a way to bypass this update? Also, when using offline mode, another pop up appeared and stated you can only use offline mode for 28 times, then registration is required. Any ideas or advice?
     
  8. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:46 PM
    #8
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    V14 is officially out of date. The problem is that V15 has different hoops for folks to jump through. It is easier to just put up with this small issue with V14, esp as so many folks are using it.

    The countdown will reset to 30 if you accidentally go to the forced update site.
     
    squarenone[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:49 PM
    #9
    squarenone

    squarenone Well-Known Member

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    Ah gotcha, didn't know this was the case as I haven't seen anyone mention this. Thanks for the quick response
     
    tonered[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:56 PM
    #10
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    You're welcome!

    I hate to say it, but it has come up a few times. I have a blurb about it in the Update thread. But, noting it here is good regardless.
     
    squarenone[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Dec 7, 2020 at 5:58 PM
    #11
    squarenone

    squarenone Well-Known Member

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    I have no doubt that it has, I just haven't personally seen it myself and my search-fu is broken today.
     
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  12. Dec 7, 2020 at 6:19 PM
    #12
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    My search fu has been weak lately. Was looking for a vid earlier today.
     
  13. Dec 14, 2020 at 10:55 AM
    #13
    michael22joseph

    michael22joseph Member

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    I just bought the VF tuner for my 2021 Tacoma (which has terrible throttle response and shift patterns) and have a couple of questions that I can't find answers to so far.

    1. Does V14 of Techstream work with 2021 vehicles? If not, any ideas how I can access V15 so I can reset LV and what not?

    2. I've heard from a few people that flashing the ECU with a new tune works great at first, but as the truck "learns" your driving style, it slowly goes back to baseline. Is this true? If so, is there a way to prevent the vehicle from "learning" and changing shift/acceleration patterns back to normal?

    @OVTune , @Shellshock , @tonered , any thoughts?
     
  14. Dec 14, 2020 at 10:59 AM
    #14
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    For 1., I do not think that we know this for sure yet? I believe someone was going to verify. If it does not work for you, I can share V15 as others will start to need it. With V15, the setup process is different. You need to get an Activation Key by joining the MHHauto forum and jumping through a couple hoops.

    For 2., that has been noted by a few folks. There is some settling that seems to happen a very long time into a flash (four tanks or more), but it is Taco to Taco and driver to driver dependent if folks feel that it is reversion. I believe that I have been hearing less about reversion on the 2.0 Tunes? My Taco is a unicorn my TW standards and just seems to work. The latest TSBs are great, as are the OV Tunes on top, plus a bit of vF editing seems to make a killer combo.



    BTW, what ECU ID are you? I think only the 2021 MT TP is available. 04C30. If you are 04C00 or 04C20 with a TP, that would be great to know!
     
  15. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:09 AM
    #15
    michael22joseph

    michael22joseph Member

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    I just placed the order for the vF Tuner/cable and Tune Pack today, so I'm still waiting to get my software and cable. I'll update as soon as they're delivered with my ECU ID. By TP, what do you mean?
     
    tonered[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #16
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    Sorry! TP = Tune Pack. :santa2:


    Looking forward to your updates. Considering the vF shutdown after tomorrow, you got it in just in time.
     
  17. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #17
    michael22joseph

    michael22joseph Member

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    You're telling me! Hoping it'll get here over the holidays and give me a little project to do for Christmas.

    I'm not sure if the tune pack is for sure available for the 2021 AT, but I'm sure it will be soon, and wanted to place the order now rather than wait. If I have to wait a bit for the new tune packs, no huge deal, I can tinker in the meantime.
     
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  18. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:25 AM
    #18
    michael22joseph

    michael22joseph Member

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    One last question--how do you find which gear size is the correct one, 4.88 vs 5.29? I'm having a hard time figuring out which I have.
     
  19. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:29 AM
    #19
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    You have 3.909 Stock. 4.88 and 5.29 are aftermarket gearing. All known 3rd Gen gearing info is in the link in my signature.
     
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  20. Dec 14, 2020 at 11:29 AM
    #20
    michael22joseph

    michael22joseph Member

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    Thanks. I'm at work so my firewall won't let me access the Drive link but I'll look when I get off. Thanks for your help!
     

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