Licensing 101

How Are Vehicles Licensed?

Licensing in HP Tuners ties together three critical pieces of information:

1. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
2. Serial Number of the module
3. Operating System (OS)

When you license a vehicle, the license is specific to the combination of these three factors. If any of these elements change, the license will break, and a new license will be required.

Additionally:

• You must hold a license for the file you are writing, as well as for the vehicle you are writing to.

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Why Would I Need to Relicense My Vehicle?

You may need to relicense your vehicle if:

• The VIN Changes: This can happen if the controller is replaced or the VIN is altered.
• The OS Changes:
  • If your vehicle is flashed at a dealership, they may update the controller to a different operating system.
  • Using a handheld programmer to switch between tunes may also alter the operating system ID.
• The Controller is Replaced: Swapping the controller creates a new combination of information that requires a new license.

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What About Licensing Files From the Repository?

Licensing files from the repository is highly discouraged. Here’s why:

1. Repository Files are Uploaded by Other Customers: These files are intended for reference purposes only.
2. Compatibility Risks: Loading and flashing repository files into your ECM may result in severe issues, including damage to your ECM.
3. Non-Reversible Licenses: Licensing repository files will consume credits that cannot be refunded, and the licenses cannot be reversed.

Warning: Many customers have fried their ECMs by flashing incompatible files from the repository. For this reason, the software includes a warning in the licensing screen advising against this practice. Referencing repository files is fine, but they should never be licensed or flashed to your vehicle.

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For further information on licensing or troubleshooting, please contact our support team