Car coding and diagnostics FAQs

We scan every control unit (ECU) in the car, not just the engine: gearbox, body control, sensors, air suspension and more. We then read live data such as sensor voltages, cylinder performance and timing, so we can find faults that a basic code reader (generic OBD scanner) misses. See dealer-level diagnostics.

Manufacturer-level software and interfaces matched to the car: Mercedes Xentry (with online SCN where needed), Volkswagen Group ODIS with GeKo, BMW / Mini ISTA and ICOM / E-Sys, and Ford IDS / FDRS, plus the right tooling for other marques we support. Using factory-grade tools means changes are made the way the manufacturer intends.

We publish brand hubs for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini, the Volkswagen Group (including Audi, VW, Škoda, SEAT, CUPRA, Bentley and Lamborghini), Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall and Ford. Exact jobs still depend on model year and electronics — browse brands or send your reg and we will confirm what is possible.

Most coding changes settings that are already built into your car's software, and we keep a full backup of your original settings so changes can be reversed. Warranty terms differ by manufacturer, so ask us about your car before you book.

Yes — we program keys and spares across the brands we cover. Bring the blank or spare and we code it to your vehicle. Brand-new keys are supplied for Mercedes only: we are Manchester's only certified coder for Mercedes FBS4 keys (2012 onwards), including when all keys are lost. See Mercedes key programming for that service, or tell us your make and we will confirm the key job.

Yes — remote coding and diagnostics are available across the brands we cover. We connect through a secure remote portal; you will need a compatible cable, a stable Windows laptop and fast internet. Some high-power flashes still need a Manchester workshop visit with battery support — we confirm which path suits your car and job before you book. See remote coding.

It can. A dealer update, such as a BMW iStep, Volkswagen Group SVM flash or a firmware refresh, can reset coded settings back to factory. We offer a discounted Refresh service to existing clients to put your changes back.

We can program used units on many platforms — for example Mercedes gearboxes, BMW instrument clusters, Audi steering columns and other control modules where tooling allows. We wipe the old car's data (virginise it using EEPROM tools where needed), then load the software and set it up for your car. This can cost far less than buying a new part. See module programming.

Often, yes. We can repair the unit's circuit board, restore its software so it talks to the car again (diagnostic bootloader), and re-sync mileage and key data (immobiliser). We'll tell you what's possible once we've looked at it. See module programming and restoration.

Often yes on compatible factory screens — commonly from around 2015 onwards across Mercedes, BMW, Mini, Volkswagen Group, Ford SYNC and other marques we support where the head unit allows it. We update or code the system for CarPlay and Android Auto, and can update maps at the same time where available. Tell us your car and screen type and we'll confirm. See CarPlay and Android Auto activation.

Yes on many platforms with eCall / OCU hardware, including Mercedes, Volkswagen Group, Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall and Ford. Send a photo of the warning with your registration and we will advise the next step. See SOS / eCall fault repair.

Common examples are remembering your stop-start setting, turning off seatbelt chimes, folding the mirrors when you lock the car, video playback while driving (video in motion), the dial sweep animation on digital gauges (gauge sweep) and changing steering weight. What's possible depends on your car, so ask us about yours — or pick your manufacturer on brands.

We offer secure remote sessions UK-wide across the brands we cover, plus work at our Manchester workshop where we use battery stabilisers for high-power software updates (flashing) so the car's computers aren't damaged mid-update (bricking). Mobile visits are also available for selected jobs. Same-day appointments available.

By credit or debit card, online bank transfer or cash. We issue a VAT invoice that lists the fault and the software work done.