Beware of buying USED Ktuner devices

[ayau]

I recently sold my Ktuner v1.2 device to John Doe. Before shipping the device, I made sure to select the 'return to factory' button and also unlock the Ktuner from my ECU. The picture below was taken right before I shipped the device.

Furthermore, the instructions on Ktuner's site (see below) indicates that the above screenshot is sufficient evidence to prove that the device was unlocked (it's not).

When John received my Ktuner device, he indicated it was still locked to my VIN and provided a screenshot for evidence.

I contacted Ktuner Support to see if they could do a remote unlock. The answer was 'no' and they indicated that I needed to follow specific instructions and a different unlock method verification. Basically, I'll need the buyer to ship me the device, unlock, then ship it back.

See official unlocking instructions below:
v2: http://www.ktuner.com/KTunerHelp/locking_to_unlocking_from_an_ecu_1.htm
v1.2: http://www.ktuner.com/KTunerHelp/locking_to_unlocking_from_an_ecu_2.htm

So the take way from this is:
- The unlock ECU button doesn't always work. I've never seen a software function not work and not provide a clear error message to the user but whatever.
- Make sure to carefully read Ktuner's instructions for unlocking the device.

 

[Digity]

I recently sold my Ktuner v1.2 device to John Doe. Before shipping the device, I made sure to select the 'return to factory' button and also unlock the Ktuner from my ECU. The picture below was taken right before I shipped the device.

Furthermore, the instructions on Ktuner's site (see below) indicates that the above screenshot is sufficient evidence to prove that the device was unlocked (it's not).

When John received my Ktuner device, he indicated it was still locked to my VIN and provided a screenshot for evidence.

I contacted Ktuner Support to see if they could do a remote unlock. The answer was 'no' and they indicated that I needed to follow specific instructions and a different unlock method verification. Basically, I'll need the buyer to ship me the device, unlock, then ship it back.

See official unlocking instructions below:
http://www.ktuner.com/KTunerHelp/locking_to_unlocking_from_an_ecu_2.htm

So the take way from this is:
- The unlock ECU button doesn't always work. I've never seen a software function not work and not provide a clear error message to the user but whatever.
- Make sure to carefully read Ktuner's instructions for unlocking the device.

Great info thank you for sharing

 

[arpypat]

Thank you for sharing. I was lucky enough to scoop up a properly unlocked unit at a good price.

I'm surprised that the folks at Ktuner wouldn't perform this operation for you. What if you had sold the car and didn't have access to it?

 

[ayau]

Thank you for sharing. I was lucky enough to scoop up a properly unlocked unit at a good price.

I'm surprised that the folks at Ktuner wouldn't perform this operation for you. What if you had sold the car and didn't have access to it?

You’d be SOL or buy a new KTuner license, which probably costs as much as a new KTuner.

 

[KTuner]

Furthermore, the instructions on Ktuner's site (see below) indicates that the above screenshot is sufficient evidence to prove that the device was unlocked (it's not).

No, it doesn't. As I mentioned in email, and you can clearly see in your photo of the instructions you followed, those directions are for the IN-ECU Hardware which is completely different than the KTunerFlash hardware. Separate section, separate instructions. Make sure if you're following instructions for a unit that you're actually in the help section for that unit.

I'm surprised that the folks at Ktuner wouldn't perform this operation for you. What if you had sold the car and didn't have access to it?

That's because we can't perform this operation for you.

If you're the original owner you'd purchase a new license for the unit. We don't know if the vehicle left with a tune on it.

 

[CrippleRipple]

Guess I'll be checking my unit at lunch. I've always unlocked it as you have above as well.
From my Civic Si to my last Accord several times. My first KTuner unit had to be sent back & I was issued a new unit. I've always done it as above as well.

I traded my Accord 2.0T in to a dealership for another Accord 2.0T recently.
I proceeded just as you have above: Factory Tune> Unlock > Successful Unlock Message > Double check KTuner information.

Have not tried to retune my new Accord yet but last time I checked the KTuner unit off the car it kept asking to lock & I was not getting the very last message in the link provided. I have never seen the pop up message below as listed in the directions:

**Crossing my fingers I don't have a paperweight**

 

[CrippleRipple]

Am I in the same boat? Shows factory reflash on my last Accord & KTuner unit unlocked.

Yet I'm see this message hooking the unit up to my laptop & not the other message?

I did connect KTuner to my new car just to check sensor values via Tunerview on my phone?

 

[KTuner]

Am I in the same boat? Shows factory reflash on my last Accord & KTuner unit unlocked.

Yet I'm see this message hooking the unit up to my laptop & not the other message?

I did connect KTuner to my new car just to check sensor values via Tunerview on my phone?

If it's connected to the vehicle when you connect you will get a lock window. If you're trying to check if it's currently unlocked connect to it without a vehicle.

 

[ayau]

Am I in the same boat? Shows factory reflash on my last Accord & KTuner unit unlocked.

Yet I'm see this message hooking the unit up to my laptop & not the other message?

I did connect KTuner to my new car just to check sensor values via Tunerview on my phone?

I received that message when I connected KTuner to the vehicle. This is NOT a way to check whether or not the KTuner device is truly unlocked. Mine was still locked. This is why the messages are misleading.

Check the message without connecting KTuner to the car.

 

[CrippleRipple]

I was in a rush at lunch, sorry for not being clearer.

I meant that is the message I am getting with the unit off the car, sitting next to me on the couch with my laptop. Won't have time to hook the unit up in the car with my laptop until after work to definitely check the status.

Also had previously only hooked the KTuner 1.2V up to my new Accord to check sensor values with my phone & the Tunerview app when inspecting for purchase. I've never hooked the laptop up while the unit is in car, tried to flash, nor even a lock to my new Accord.

 

[ayau]

Only true way to check status is to connect KTuner v1.2 without the car and make sure you get the correct message.

 

[KTuner]

I was in a rush at lunch, sorry for not being clearer.

I meant that is the message I am getting with the unit off the car, sitting next to me on the couch with my laptop. Won't have time to hook the unit up in the car with my laptop until after work to definitely check the status.

Also had previously only hooked the KTuner 1.2V up to my new Accord to check sensor values with my phone & the Tunerview app when inspecting for purchase. I've never hooked the laptop up while the unit is in car, tried to flash, nor even a lock to my new Accord.

What's shown in your photo is an Accord. If the unit is asking you to lock without being connected to a vehicle those are the details it is locked to currently. It can't randomly make up ECU numbers, it gets them from a vehicle or from the saved data it's locked to.

A unit can't lock via TunerView, so that would have to be done with the proper locking procedure.

 

[CrippleRipple]

Only true way to check status is to connect KTuner v1.2 without the car and make sure you get the correct message.

Correct, which I just performed. I am getting this message instead of the one the help document shows.

What's shown in your photo is an Accord. If the unit is asking you to lock without being connected to a vehicle those are the details it is locked to currently. It can't randomly make up ECU numbers, it gets them from a vehicle or from the saved data it's locked to.

A unit can't lock via TunerView, so that would have to be done with the proper locking procedure.

Exactly what I was wondering, appreciate the answer.
It appears my unit is still locked to my car I traded in last November then.

What are my options at this point, my old Accord went right to auction 2 months ago.

 

[ayau]

@CrippleRipple sounds like you have a paperweight if you didn't get the expected message. It's not possible to remotely unlock Ktuner. I've asked.

I believe you can buy a Ktuner license, but the cost of that probably doesn't make sense if you have the intention to sell the device.

 

[CrippleRipple]

@CrippleRipple sounds like you have a paperweight if you didn't get the expected message. It's not possible to remotely unlock Ktuner. I've asked.

I believe you can buy a Ktuner license, but the cost of that probably doesn't make sense if you have the intention to sell the device.

Wow, that really sucks and what I was fearing.

Saw your post and was like wait a minute........

It even shows the last flash back to stock & no VIN locked like yours.

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