HELP: Unable to READ my original tune from my ECU.

Created by Anthony Cardinale, Modified on Thu, 15 Nov, 2018 at 3:23 PM by Anthony Cardinale


There are very few instances where an OFT will not read your original tune file from your vehicle ECU. These instances are sometimes related to an ECU that has been locked by another tuner or tuning software.

  • Are you the original owner of the vehicle?
    • Is it possible the ECU has been reprogrammed before? Some systems LOCK the ECU.


If you're unable to read your ECU, please follow the steps below to confirm OFT communication with your vehicle ECU.


Please follow these instructions, exactly:

  1. Please START the engine.
  2. Plug in the OFT to the OBD2 port.
  3. Select DIAGNOSTIC menu.
  4. Select VEHICLE menu.
  5. Now choose your vehicle from the options.
  6. Next you should be present with a list -> select IDENTIFY ECU


If the calibration code presents after doing the above then please do the following:


  1. Please START the engine.
  2. Plug in the OFT to the OBD2 port.
  3. Select DIAGNOSTIC menu.
  4. Select VEHICLE menu.
  5. Now choose your vehicle from the options.
  6. Select REALTIME DATA DISPLAY.


Are the values moving/changing while displaying? If yes, please proceed.


  1. Ensure that your vehicle is OFF, and your tablet is UNPLUGGED from your OBD2 port.
  2. Please turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine; TWO button presses (without pressing the brake [or clutch], or two key clicks).
    • Your fuel level gauge should display a fuel level.
  3. Plug in the OFT to the OBD2 port.
  4. Select TUNING menu.
  5. Now choose your vehicle from the options.
  6. Select READ menu.


We know that if conditions are correct, you SHOULD be able to READ the ECU because we've confirmed communication is established. If the tablet still refuses to read the ECU, then it is possible the ECU is locked from another tuner/tune/tuning software.

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