GETTING STARTED WITH VCM EDITOR

1.

It is recommended you have the following before you begin using VCM Editor:

￭

An account on hptuners.com.

￭

An interface device from HP Tuners that has been registered.

￭

An understanding how VCM Suite licenses system vehicles and of the HP Tuners credit system.

NOTE: For detailed explanations of all of these topics (and more), see VCM Suite Getting Started.

NOTE: Certain vehicles may require modifications to their VCM or special cables to allow reading and writing of tuning files. See Manufacturer Locked Control Modules.

2.

When you are ready to begin tuning, ALWAYS check the vehicle for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) before you do anything else. If there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle, it may affect performance and any performance data you want to monitor could be impacted. This makes it very difficult to tune the vehicle effectively.

IMPORTANT: Reading a vehicle will clear all DTCs, resulting in the loss of the troubleshooting information they contain. DO NOT proceed to the next step until you have resolved as many DTCs as possible and made note of those issues that cannot be resolved.

3.

Once you have resolved as many DTCs as possible, the next step is usually to read of the vehicle's current sensor output using VCM Scanner. Obtaining this "data log" will often provide valuable information in understanding the vehicle's current behavior.

4.

In VCM Editor, read the current tune of the of the vehicle. See Reading a Vehicle for instructions.

5.

Before you do anything else, save this initial read to file (select File > Save in the menu bar). If something goes wrong with your tune, you may need to write this back to restore vehicle function.

CAUTION: Improperly tuning a vehicle can cause serious engine damage. Do not attempt to make any change to a vehicle's tune without thoroughly researching the potential impacts of the change.

6.

Editing a tune file involves modifying the configurable parameters used by the vehicle controllers:

a.

Locate a parameter you wish to modify. See Locating Parameters.

b.

Change the value of the parameter as needed. See Modifying Parameters.

NOTE: The color behind the names of parameters you have edited will change. See Parameter Colors, for more information.

7.

Select File > Save in the menu bar to save your changes.

8.

When you are ready to test your changes, write the modified tune file back to the vehicle. See Writing Tunes Back to the Vehicle.

9.

Use VCM Scanner to check the impact of your changes and verify that all performance and emissions characteristics of the vehicle remain within limits acceptable to the vehicle owner and required by law.

10.

Repeat steps 6 through 9 until your desired tuning goals have been met.