DTUK® TCU+ Gearbox Flash​​​

The TCU+ Gearbox Flash installation guide.

The TCU+ Gearbox Flash is an OBD flash tool that not only unlocks manufacturer’s transmission settings within the vehicles ECU to give smoother and quicker gear shifts, increased torque and performance. It also now provides an adaptation reset as standard which helps you get the most from your car. This provides an essential tool in your vehicle’s modifications journey.

The TCU+ Gearbox Flash has three functional requirements.

• The need to improve and optimize the gear shift speeds and modify torque settings in the modern automatic gearing systems to improve the overall driving experience.
• The need to create a simple to use Plug n Play OBD solution which is easy to install and at an affordable price.
• Provide the end user with a tool that allows the vehicles adaptation settings to be reset to factory, simply and efficiently.

How does it work?

The all-new TCU+ Flash Tool integrates with the vehicle’s onboard communications network via OBD to access the ECU, TCU and Convenience modules to adjust/reset the shift strategies within the OEM control components to “point” or “re address” these strategies to the best and most optimal settings.

This includes changing the transmission shift speed pointer to a faster/different setting. The internal components that make up the mechanics of the transmission have a wide range of tolerance and multiple settings allowing manufacturers in most cases to use single components across a wide range of vehicles allowing them to reduce production costs across the group. They all contain similar if not the same generation components, usually built in the same factory, but have model specific software strategies that are used for their specific application.

The New TCU+ provides a Clean Start Point

Over time your vehicle may have adapted to a slower shift due to a previous owner driving style or the way the vehicle has been driven over time. Unique to the new TCU+ Tool we have added the extra function of resetting this to provide a ‘Clean slate’ install. This is an essential step when modifying or tuning as it gives the user a factory clean reference point and base line.

What’s all the Torque About?

Torque Limits are also set in various systems and control modules within the vehicle; this is set by the manufacturer and is one of the easy ways to electronically limit power in certain models of vehicles. This allows the manufacturer to release many different power variants with different driving characteristics with only a single engine. This is a much more cost-effective way of creating a vehicle range without the need to manufacture multiple engines at different power levels. We all know how many power variants are available for the VW Golf 2.0TDi for example. Same engine different software settings.

The New TCU+ Releases Lost Power.

By simply unlocking, resetting and amending the torque settings to the various other manufacturers settings we can allow the vehicle to produce and deliver power safely and still stay within the manufacturers specified limits. This style of ‘derestricting’ ensures that key settings such as clamping force, slip, torque limits, shift speeds etc. all remain within not only manufacturers spec, but also component spec, thus never exceeding safe operating tolerances or shortening component life.

How do I Install the new TCU+ Tool?

The new TCU Flash device is a simple Plug in OBD Flash unit. Plug the unit into the OBD port, wait for the procedure to complete and then remove from the OBD slot, it really is that Simple! Once installed the tool is then locked to that vehicles VIN (Vehicle Identity Number), which can be flashed multiple time to refresh the upgrade if it has been erased by the Main dealer or Manufacturer.

How do I remove the TCU+?

If you require the TCU+ to be removed this MUST be done at the main dealer with a standard flash back to stock/reset at dealer level

Installation Procedure

• Switch ‘ON’ ignition, but do not start engine. Ensure dashboard/ignition lights are illuminated.
• Locate OBD port (on board diagnostic plug) usually located in the driver side foot well.
• With the ignition still in the ‘ON’ position (engine NOT started) insert the flash tool into the socket. You should hear an audible beep and the LED will illuminate. The tool is now active and has begun to program.
• Once the upgrade is complete the unit will begin to beep constantly confirming the process has completed successfully and the LED will switch OFF.
• Remove the flash tool from the OBD port and switch ignition into the ‘OFF’ position
• IMPORTANT – Start the engine by turning the key only. DO NOT PRESS GAS/Throttle/ Accelerator Pedal and allow to idle for 5 mins. On some vehicles you may hear the engine hunt/rev in this time, then eventually settle.
• After 5 mins of idle you can now drive the vehicle using the full rev range and, in all gears, and modes, in both sport and manual. The vehicle will now begin the adaption phase and adjust to the new upgrade. This phase can take anything form 10 – 100+ miles depending on vehicle. We advise driving the car briskly for the first 80 -100 miles to achieve the best results Once complete the vehicle will feel sharper and more responsive.
• ONCE THIS PROCEDURE IS COMPLETE THE TOOL IS LOCKED TO THE VEHICLES VIN. DO NOT PLUG INTO ANY OTHER VEHICLE AS THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE