FRC iFlash OBDII Instructions

Please read this entire page before you start any process or download anything. Failure to do so could result in damage to your ECU or vehicle which you are responsible for at your own expense.

Getting Started: Once you receive your Flash Cable Kit, follow these simple instructions to begin your ECU flash process. Follow each step as described for the read and write process. If the instructions are not followed, you could risk damage to your vehicles ECU. If your vehicle requires the ECU to be mailed in to be flashed, you may skip these instructions.

Required to flash:  The OBDII flash client is pretty simple and direct.  These are the things you will need to read and write to your vehicles ECU through the OBDII port.

  • OBDII Flash Cable – It uses a mini USB to standard USB cable that plugs into your computer.
  • Flash Client – The software application that allows you to read and write via your OBDII port.  This is program is installed like any program on your computer as a .exe file. You can download the latest version here from the software provider www.my-iflash.com
  • Computer – You need to have a computer to install the flash client and connect the USB cable to.  This can be any Windows PC, APPLE IS NOT SUPPORTED.
  • Battery Charger REQUIRED – Not a trickle charge, but a battery charger.  It is highly recommended to have a battery tender or battery charger on the car during the read and write process. If your battery dies during the flash process, you can BRICK YOUR ECU and you are responsible for this.
  • Internet connection is NOT required. Please make sure to disable ANY antivirus software and screensavers for the reading out and flashing process.
  • Need more help? Search YouTube Here.

Instructions:

Step 1 – Save the executable file that is located on www.my-iflash.com (make sure you read at bottom of page which flash client to use so you dont lock to the wrong one!). Double click the exe file to install the flash client to your computer and follow the prompts until it says completed.  Once the installation is completed, you will then see an icon on your desktop.

Step 2 – With the cable plugged into your laptop and into your OBDII port, turn your vehicle to the on position without starting it so all the lights are on your dash.  Then double click the application icon to launch the program.  It will bring up a legal screen and hit next to proceed.  Next it will bring up a intro screen and click on NEXT.  It will begin connecting and identifying your computer.  If you get a USB Device error or you get an error that says USB Device Not Recognized, remove the USB cable or plug it in and start over.

Step 3 – The next screen will begin the connection process to your ECU.  It is essentially sending a signal saying, “lets connect”.

Step 4 – The flash client has now connected to your vehicles ECU and has identified your VIN and ECU type.  If the ECU is not automatically recognized, select your ECU from the dropdown and then proceed. If you do not know your ECU type, contact us or look on the product page for your vehicle. DO NOT randomly select one as it will lock. We cannot reset these cables and you will have to buy a new one if you choose the wrong ECU.

You will then press NEXT where you will have options to Read ECU Memory, Program ECU Memory, Restore ECU Memory, or Diagnostics. Click on to Read ECU Memory.  Being curious and clicking other things might get you in trouble so follow the steps listed.  You can click on. Diagnostics and see if you have an Check Engine Lights before you do the flash and clear these codes. This only works with some vehicles.

NOTE: Some 2012 newer vehicle ECU’s you cannot read out for Volkswagen/Audi/BMW.  If you have tried to do the READ ECU MEMORY and it does not work, please do the following.  Simply take a screenshot that shows your vin, software numbers, and info. Then send it to us using the software request upload form linked below.  You do not need to proceed further.  We will find the matching original file in our database to make the tune from.  We will then email you back the tune and original file for records.

Step 5 – When you click Read ECU Memory, it will ask you if you want to read just the Data Area or the Full Program.  Some cars can only program the data area and some you have to read out the full file. We always recommend reading out the FULL program as well so you have a complete restore (original) for the recovery mode.  This also saves the full ECU memory so if you have any issues during the write process, you can restore your ECU memory with this file.

Step 6 – It will now ask you where you want to save your read out on your computer. DO NOT RENAME THE FILE.  You can save this ANYWHERE you want, just remember where so you can attach it to the upload form!  After you click save, it will start the read out process.  Note:  During reading and writing, the fans may turn on for some cars (mainly Porsche).  Please make sure you have a battery charger to prevent power draw.  This process may take anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the vehicle because it is reading the entire file.

Step 7 – When the reading process is complete, it will show a successful message and ask if you want to view the folder where the file was saved or not.  You can click yes and submit the file right away or click no and upload it once you close the program.

Step 8 –  Once this is done, you can close the flash client, unplug everything from your car, and drive it as normal.

UPLOAD YOUR FILE HERE

Writing Process:

Audi R8 Customers with MED9.1.1 or MED9.1.2 READ HERE – You must select FORCE Programming of Slave and FORCE WRITE.  IF The ECU write fails at 50% giving you an error DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING.  Hit OK, click program ECU Memory, and select the file again.  When it fails its switching between the first ECU and the Second in the car.  If it fails again, repeat the process and hit Program ECU Memory.

Step 9 – When you receive the tuned file from us, save it to your computer in the same folder as your original file or somewhere you can remember where it is.  Launch the Flash Client by double clicking the icon and follow Steps 1 through 4.  This time though you will click on the button to Program ECU Memory. The file is labeled with the extension of .mod. If you are flashing back to the original file, choose the “Recovery ECU Memory” and select your saved .org file.  Make sure you have your computer plugged in and your car on a battery charger or battery tender.

***Important note after you flash – After you have received your tuned file and loaded to your vehicle, if you have had your vehicle serviced and the firmware updated during this time, whether you are aware or not, DO NOT flash your car again.  Doing this will corrupt the ECU because of the mismatching firmware.  Your vehicle will not start and you may have to have your ECU repaired or replaced at YOUR EXPENSE.  In the event this happens, we cannot be held responsible.  If the firmware was changed, do a new stock read out and we will provide you with a updated tuned file at an upgrade fee cost.

If you are trying to flash back to the original file, chose Recover ECU Memory and select your ORG file

Step 10 – Select your file from the folder where you saved it on your computer by double clicking it.  The writing process will start.

Step 11 – The write process will take about the same amount of time as the read process.  Just make sure nothing interupts it.  You will watch the programming memory bar go across.

Step 12 – The final step will come and tell you to turn the car off.  So switch the ignition off and leave the key in.  The green bar will go from full to empty and then give you a successfully programmed window.

Step 13 – Close the flash client, unplug the OBDII cable, remove your key, reinsert, and then start your car!  You are finished!  Take it for a test drive.  
 

Hints, Tips, Tricks, additional Information

  • ECU SOFTWARE EXPIRES EVERY Dec 31 requiring it to be RE-DOWNLOADED. If your software has expired, visit www.my-iflash.com to download. If this doesnt work, nothing we can do as the software was not ours.
  • Should you have a cable issue, we need the Configuration Numbers from the XDevice Tool Kit here. Scroll to bottom of page to see process.

Flash Client Information

Porsche Flash Client

  • 997.2 Turbo, Carrera Choose SDI3
  • 987.2 Cayman Boxster Choose SDI3
  • 957 Cayenne Choose SDI4
  • SDI3 | SDI4 ECU READ FULL FILE.
  • 997.2, 987.2, 957 09-12 DFI cars… After flashing the new tune, please perform the throttlebody adaptation.
  • 997 Turbo 07-09 cars choose ME7.8.x Read FULL Data
  • 997.2 GT3 & GT3RS 2010-2012 ME7.8.x Choose FULL Read Out.
  • 996 Turbo cars choose ME7.x (1024KB)
  • 996 Carrera choose ME7.x (1024Kb)
  • 996 GT3 Choose ME7.X (1024KB)
  • 987.1 Cayman Boxster and 997.1 Carrera choose ME7.8.min
  • 955 Cayenne use the VAG download below (same ECU as the Touareg)
  • If your car is not listed here, go to the product page as it will have the ECU type.
  • If your read out is only 64kb or not a full file, you cannot use this to flash back to stock.  Contact us so we can provide you a FULL original file.

BMW | Mini Flash Client

  • BMW F-Series is ID only. When you get to the screen that has your software information, take a screenshot and use the upload form to submit your file.
  • Make sure the ignition is on. Make sure your fuel gauge is up and the motor is OFF. Plug in your driver seat belt before flashing.
  • BMW M3 MSS60 and MSS65 Read FULL Program
  • BMW M3 S54 Read Calibration Only
  • BMW M5 V10 MSS65 Read FULL Program
  • Mini DO NOT flash back to stock file.  Not a full file and will corrupt ECU.

Audi & VW (VAG) Flash Client

  • If your ECU has been flashed previous, this will not work! You will need to have the ECU flashed back to stock or have factory firmware.
  • If you get a ECU Security Timeout Error, that means the ECU has blocked you from reading. Close the flash client and leave the key in the ON Position for 20 minutes without interruption. After 20 minutes just start the flash client and try to read.
  • Audi R8 2012-2015 MED9.1.2 – You must select FORCE Programming of Slave and FORCE WRITE.  The ECU will write about 50% and fail giving you an error.  When you see the error.  DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING.  Hit OK, click program ECU Memory, and select the file again.  When it fails its switching between the first ECU and the Second in the car.  If it fails again, repeat the process and hit Program ECU Memory.
  • Audi RS4 or RS with V8 engine choose ECU Green Oak x2
  • Bentley 04-07 uses ME7.x.x 1024KB
  • Bentley 08-11 can only ben bench flashed.
  • Bentley 12-18 use MED17 TC1797
  • Bentley GT W12 – Use Force Read and Force Write
  • Bentley Flying Spur W12 – ME7.1.x 1024kb x2 ID only will not read
  • Huracan use MED17 x2
  • 955 Cayenne before clicking Read or Program ECU, select Software Options and choose Force Read or Force Write for the process you are doing.
  • MED17 – Use Force Read in Software Options
  • DEVICE Error Screen (Like This) – Use Force Read in Software Options

DSG Gearbox Flash Client

  • ID only via OBDII Port.  Once you go to the screen that shows your firmware number, please take a screenshot.
  • DSG DQ250 Cxx you can read via the OBDII port.

Polaris Flash Client

  • Read only via OBDII Port.
  • For those with the Dynamix package, you need to unplug the the speedometer cluster and ride command module before flashing.

Canam Flash Client

  • ID only via OBDII Port.  Once you go to the screen that shows your firmware number, please take a screenshot and use this on the upload form.

Ford Flash Client

  • 2015+ Focus ST use MED17 768KB
  • 2013-2014 Focus ST use MED17 384KB
  • 2017-2020 Ford F-150/Raptor Read Calibration Data ONLY 768KB

Lotus Flash Client

  • The Lotus cannot be read directly. Please connect the cable to the car and follow the next next next prompts. You can try to read memory. If that does not work, take a screenshot of the flash client showing the Software Number after you identify the ECU type. Upload the screenshot. Once we receive this, we will be able to get a stock file to tune and send back to you to flash as normal.

Mercedes Flash Client

  • ME9.x 2mb Size File
  • MED17 is a ID only.  At the screen that shows your software number and info, take a screenshot and upload it.  Same process as doing a DSG flash.

XDevice Tool Kit

  • If you have messed up your cable by selecting the wrong ECU type or have a VIN issue, please download this XDEVICE Tool Kit.
  • With the cable plugged into the computer, double click on the top REFRESH LIST.  It will then populate a cable.  Double click on this.

  • Once this loads, then chose the horizontal tab that says END USER.

  • At the bottom of the screen is a “Configuration Reference Number”.  Click the COPY button.

  • Send this, along with your order number, vehicle information, what the issue is to [email protected]. Please be aware we are not the tool manufacture and it could take several days to get any reset done.

  • Once we have a reset code, we will email this back to you. You will follow the same steps to refresh and recognize the cable. Then you will paste the reset string in the box below and hit execute.