When reading your vehicle, calibration data is transferred from the control modules to the VCM Editor. The process will automatically detect all relevant control modules and read them in sequence. Use the progress bar and status messages to track the read operation.

IMPORTANT: Ensure your vehicle’s battery is fully charged before starting. We recommend keeping a battery charger connected during the process.

If communication is lost during the read, VCM Editor will automatically reset the module and prompt you to resolve the issue before retrying.

Step-by-Step Read Procedure

• Connect Interface & OBD2

  Connect your HP Tuners interface to a laptop with VCM Suite installed, then plug into the vehicle’s OBD2 port.

• Close VCM Scanner

  Make sure VCM Scanner isn’t running.

• Open VCM Editor

  Start the VCM Editor application.

• Close Any Open Tune Files

  If a tune file is open, click "File > Close" to avoid confusion.

• Ignition ON/Run

  Turn the ignition to ON or RUN (engine off).

• Disable Accessories

  Doors closed, lights/radio off. CAUTION: Avoid locks/accessories while reading.

• Initiate Read

  In VCM Editor, go to "Flash > Read Vehicle (Ctrl+R)" or use the Read Vehicle icon.

• Confirm & Begin

  After ~10-15s, a Vehicle Reader window appears. Click "Read" to start the process.

• Monitor Process

  All modules are read; dash errors are normal. NOTE: Multi-module vehicles may pause between reads.

• Disconnect

  When it completes, turn off the ignition and disconnect the interface.

• File Auto-Opens

  The read file opens automatically in VCM Editor.

• Save & Backup

  For a first-time read, save & backup the stock file (e.g., [ORDER#]-Stock-[VIN].hpt).

Additional Notes & Considerations

• Always use a 10 AMP+ battery charger.
• Close any previously opened files in VCM Editor ("File > Close").
• If the VIN is incorrect, use VCM Scanner > Controls & Special Functions > Change VIN.
• Update .NET from HP Tuners if errors appear.
• Connect OBD2 to your PC before plugging into the vehicle.
• Expect 3-10 business days for your final tune after we receive base files.
• If emissions are unplugged, you may see "Service Emissions". Keep DEF at least 1/4 full.
• Tuning Price Policy: Revisions from incorrect file submissions aren’t covered.

Writing a tune updates calibration data in your vehicle’s control modules using VCM Editor. Follow these steps for a smooth, successful process.

IMPORTANT: Park the vehicle safely (e.g., in a garage). Internet is required.

Battery & Device Setup

• Charge & Power

  Ensure the vehicle battery is well-charged; use a charger if possible. Keep your laptop powered.

• Connect to OBD2

  Attach your device to the laptop, then plug into the vehicle’s OBD2 port.

• Ignition On / Engine Off

  Switch ignition to ON (RUN), but do not start the engine.

• Push-to-Start Tip

  Press the start button twice without the brake pedal.

Load the New Tune File

• Download & Open

  Obtain the NEW TUNE from Tuner Depot, save it to your laptop, then open VCM Editor.

• Close Previous Files

  Ensure no other tune files are open (File > Close).

• Resync Interface

  Go to HELP > RESYNC INTERFACE, then click Close.

• Open New Tune

  Select "File > Open" and choose the new tune. Confirm it’s not the stock file.

Write the Tune

• Begin Write

  In VCM Editor, go to "Flash > Write Vehicle (Ctrl+W)" or click the Write icon.

• "Write Entire"

  If prompted, choose "Write Entire".

• Complete

  Click "Write" and wait for "Write complete!"

• Power Cycle

  Turn off ignition, close VCM Editor, then disconnect the device.

• Test Run

  Wait a few seconds, switch ignition ON, start the engine, and watch for any warnings.

In Case of Errors

If the write process fails or you see errors, try closing everything and repeating from the start. Multiple attempts may be necessary. If problems continue:

• Create an Info Log

  With the new tune open, click VCM Suite Info (info icon) to poll data. Save the log as [ORDER#]-INFOLOG-[VIN], and email it to OBDii@blackbandit.com with your order number & device serial number.

Additional Notes & Considerations

• Use a 10 AMP+ battery charger if possible.
• Always close any previously opened tune files in VCM Editor first.
• If VIN fails, try VCM Scanner > Controls & Special Functions > Change VIN (all caps).
• If you see .NET errors, update from HP Tuners.
• Connect your interface to the laptop before the vehicle’s OBD2 port.
• Our typical turnaround is 3-10 business days for final tunes.
• For unplugged emissions, a "Service Emissions" message may appear. Keep DEF at least 1/4 full.
• Price Policy: We do not cover revisions for incorrect file submissions.

Sometimes there's a delay (“lag”) between the OBD2 and ECU. If no credits appear in your InfoLog, follow these steps:

• Close VCM Editor

  Shut down the Editor completely.

• Disconnect OBD2

  Unplug from both PC and vehicle.

• Ignition Off / Wait

  Turn ignition OFF, wait ~10 seconds.

• Reopen Editor

  Launch VCM Editor again.

• Reconnect OBD2 to PC

  Wait 10 seconds for the power light to come on.

• Resync Interface

  Go to HELP > RESYNC INTERFACE and close the dialog afterward.

• If Power Light is Off

  Unplug the device, restart Editor, then reconnect.

• Check Info

  With Editor open, click VCM Suite Info (info icon) to gather data.

• Review Credits

  Once the InfoLog is complete, confirm "Available Credits" is correct.

• Repeat if Needed

  If credits still don't appear, repeat the above steps.

If after 4 attempts credits don’t show, email OBDii@blackbandit.com with your order number and device serial number.