In short
Remote coding is a service for garages: you connect the vehicle to a diagnostic interface and to a computer with internet access at your garage, and we connect remotely to code, adapt, activate features or program a control unit live. It differs from the file service in that no files are exchanged: the work is done on the car, in real time. To do it safely you need a stable connection, a battery maintainer that holds the voltage for the whole session and someone beside the vehicle. It isn't suitable for jobs that require opening a control unit. Price on request, and before each session we confirm that the job can be done remotely.
Remote coding or file service: how they differ
Both let your garage offer electronics jobs without having to develop them yourself. The difference lies in what travels over the internet:
| Remote coding | File service | |
|---|---|---|
| What travels | The working session: we connect to your equipment live | A file: you send us the original and we return the modified one |
| When it's done | At the agreed time, with the car connected | When we receive the file; you write it afterwards |
| Tool you need | Diagnostic interface and a computer with internet access | ECU read/write tool |
| Who writes to the car | Us, remotely | You |
| Typical jobs | Coding, adaptations, activations, programming units | ECU remaps, custom functions, back to stock |
If what you want is to remap an engine and you have a reading tool, see the file service.
What needs to be at your garage
Before connecting
- Interface
- The one we specify for that vehicle, connected to the diagnostic socket
- Computer
- With the remote access program installed and no other heavy tasks running
- Internet
- Stable, preferably wired rather than wifi; no mobile hotspots
- Battery
- A maintainer or power supply that holds the voltage for the whole session
- Vehicle
- With the ignition accessible, doors closed if the job requires it and no electrical loads switched on
- One person
- Beside the car for the whole session, with a phone to hand
Why the battery matters more than anything
Programming a control unit means writing to its memory. If, halfway through writing, the voltage drops below what the unit needs, the write may be left unfinished and the control unit may not start. With the ignition on and the fan, radio or lights running, a battery that seems fine drains faster than you think.
That is why a charged battery or a clamp-on jump starter isn't enough: you need a maintainer or power supply that delivers current continuously and steadily for as long as the job lasts. If you don't have one, tell us beforehand and we will look at it.
What can be done remotely and what can't
| Job | Remotely? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Coding a new or replacement unit | Usually yes | It is done through the diagnostic socket |
| Adaptations after a repair (gearbox, injectors, sensors) | Usually yes | They are guided diagnostic routines |
| Activating hidden features the car already has | If the equipment is fitted | See VAG activations |
| Programming keys | Depends on the immobiliser | Some systems require a unit to be read or opened |
| Bench or boot-mode reads | No | The control unit has to be removed and opened |
| Cloning a control unit | No | Both units need to be on the workbench |
| Repairing an instrument cluster | No | It is hands-on electronics work |
What can't be done remotely we sort out by coming to your garage or at our workshop.
How a session is organised
You message us beforehand
vehicle, VIN, the job you want and the interface you have. We confirm whether it can be done remotely.
We tell you what to prepare
interface, access program and power supply, and the price.
We agree the time
the session is booked by WhatsApp or phone 48 hours in advance, within our hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:30 (closed on Saturday and Sunday)), with the car already at your garage and the person who will be beside it.
You prepare the vehicle
maintainer connected, interface plugged in, computer with access open.
Session
we read faults, do the job and ask you for any actions needed on the car.
Check
we clear codes generated during the job, check everything works and close the access.
Price
Remote coding is price on request, depending on the vehicle and the job. We give you the price when we confirm the session. We invoice in your garage's name.
Message us with the vehicle, the job and the interface you have. We will tell you whether it can be done remotely, what you need and the price.
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