PSA: VFtuner software update required to connect from now on

The lead developer explained to me that vftune.exe must use the "Run as Administrator" launch method.

This is in their documentation, but not the explanation why.
Even though running as the Administrator account, "Run as Administrator" offers additional elevation of privileges.
He says this is mandatory for proper creation of the log files in the Program Files (x86) directory.
Without elevated permissions, log file creation in this directory fails.

Using "Run as Administrator" is always a safe bet to ensure the code has full permissions for everything it does.
After all, you are hooking up to your ECU.
In my opinion, it is best to be safe than sorry.

 

No, I was referring to the $300 tunepack files they sell as a separate product that actually were tuned files from the VFTuner folks.

 

@bgavin Thank you for the information. First, let me note that I know very little about computers and operating systems. I have been using an old laptop with Windows 7 for my tuning. I was able to download VFTuner Legacy Interface 3.0 to this laptop successfully and can edit tunes and maps. I have not attempted a flash yet. Am I understanding you correctly that I will not be able to flash with this laptop? I will need Win10 or above to flash? Thanks in advance.

 

Both the legacy and wi-flash installer are the same identical file.
This means the vftune.exe application file is the same.

I don't know how your Win7 will interact with the Legacy adapter.
My assumption is it will fail.

I originally bought the wif-flash and v2.5 vftuner from OTT.
It flashed my 2023 successfully using a Windows 8.1 laptop.

My problems began when I upgraded my v2.5 to the v3 as required.
Trying to update the firmware on my wi-flash device failed.
Connected to the truck with the same Win 8.1 laptop, the v3 software failed to recognize my VIN and claimed I was attached to a different vehicle.

All of this was the result of v3 requiring Win10 or higher.
The developer told me that the app is developed, tested and intended to run on Win10 and Win11.
Myself, I would not expose my ECU to any potential risk by running on Win7.

I made suggestion to the developer that they write a hook into the installer to check the Windows version.
It should politely inform the user that Win10 or higher is required, then refuse to install on anything lower than Win10.
This is standard practice with Turbo Tax, Quickbooks, Lacerte and many others.

The OTT tunes are well worth the effort.
I am delighted with the improvement they made with my 2023.

It is my understanding the OTT tunes and maps are locked from editing.
I have no further knowledge of this, either Yes or No.

 

Great info. Thanks for the response. Looks like I need to upgrade my tuning laptop.

 

Lol...his software never worked out of box..

 

Now that the older-than Windows 10 issues are behind me, vftuner v3.0.4 works as it should.
It still has some rough edges, but the flash and wi-flash both work correctly... as long as you are using Windows 10 or higher.
Win10+ is mandatory even though the installer and vftuner.exe will both launch with older versions of Windows.... and fail.
The documentation should be changed from "windows laptop" to "windows 10 or higher laptop".

Go into the control panel Windows Update Settings and PAUSE updates for 7 days.
This will ensure Win10 doesn't try to update in the middle of a flash process and potentially trash your ECU.

The documentation from OTT has a minor flaw in the flow and screen shots.
You have to click the Flash ECU to get the pop-up where you answer Yes for Tundras, and CANCEL for Tacomas.

If you have a mobile phone synced to the truck my advice is Power Off the phone entirely.
You do not want an unexpected call to interrupt the vehicle during the flashing process.

I have flashed three separate tunes so far.
Started with #3 of 5, the MM tune.
This gave me a nice responsive pedal.

I flashed down a level lower to #2 the Lite/Mild ECT mode.
This felt sluggish compared to the #3 MM tune.
Going down did not cure the dead spot and jerk from a full stop.

I flashed up to #4 the Medium/Spicy ECT and will probably leave it here.
This also does not cure the dead spot and jerk from a full stop.

Each high range tune has the effect of slightly raising my shift points.
#3 MM in Drive was around 1800 rpm in the first three gears.
#4 Medium/Spicy is around 2000 rpm in Drive and 2500 in ECT, which is right where I want it.

I am told OTT did not change the shift points in their tune, so this is solely due to the increased pedal response.
For my style of driving #4 works great.
Around town mileage is worse, the more spicy the tune, because it doesn't shift into a high gear so quickly.

I'm getting 22+ mpg on the freeway at 65 mph with cruise control on the flat.
As noted earlier, I really do like the improved drive-ability these tunes give to my factory stock 2023 Tacoma.