SFD protection is definitely a hurdle for newer VW group cars like the Octavia. From what I've seen, some adaptations and coding changes need that online unlock, which makes the tool options pretty confusing. Apparently, there are ways to get SFD access without a full pro setup, but it's worth looking into which specific cables or software the community generally recommends for a straightforward unlock.

Hi all, not sure if ill get the answer i need but these codes are coming up on my vz commodore 2005, can anyone tell me what they mean?

I let a friendly LLM loose on a prototype vehicle tracker I'm building (https://l0destar.com) with a CANable interface and a scope. Quite impressed by the results: https://l0destar.com/canbus.com

It seems like from this report it should be fairly reliable but I don't have a car with a CAN bus to test it with. Is there anything further that's normally done to validate CAN interfaces?

Hi. I'm testing a self developed CAN OBDII application, but I'm running into a road block.

I've confirmed that my node is synchronized to the bus correctly. When connected, no bus faults are reported, a successful transmission is reported when I send a frame, and I receive frames when I don't filter by CAN ID.

I've also tested communication with another node that I have, and that appears to receive the data I send correctly.

I'm having a problem requesting the supported PIDs. I'm requesting this with the following CAN frame:

CAN ID: 0x7DF
byte 0: 0x02
byte 1: 0x01
byte 2: 0x00
byte 3: 0xCC
byte 4: 0xCC
byte 5: 0xCC
byte 6: 0xCC
byte 7: 0xCC

I'm not 100% sure what to use for padding, but I've also tried 0xAA and 0x00. I'm setting DLC = 0x8

For the receive side; I'm looking for a response from 0x7E8, but have also checked for responses from 0x7E9-0x7EF.

I'm testing with a 2016 honda civic. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

So, I decided to do a thing...

Yes, it's extremely slow, and yes, barely anything works, but we have an UI.

But why..?
Ive been messing with BMWs hardware and software for a while now, and keep on finding more and more interesting stuff. The next logical step was to make it run on something its not supposed to, and that's how HMI8 in a VM was born.

Hi

What tools are there can program/reflash ECU?

TL, DR;

• I built a custom DIY driver display for the EX30 BEV using a Raspberry Pi and a companion AAOS app.
• The project is fully open-source and free for anyone who wants to build their own setup.
• It is a hobby project—all setup guides, requirements, and hardware details are documented in the repository linked at the bottom of this post. Any feedback is welcome!

Hey everyone! A few months ago, I discussed my plans to create a dedicated driver display for my EX30. After a month of real-world testing and bug fixing, the project is stable enough to share with the community.

AAOS Development Path

My initial goal was to get everything strictly via OBD-II readings, but mapping and cross-validating the correct DIDs was tough. I decided to pivot and leverage the Android Automotive OS (AAOS) platform instead.

I built a companion app, cross-validated data using Volvo’s official EX30-AAOS emulator, and tested it on my own vehicle. Massive credit to Volvo for providing a solid emulator—it streamlined development significantly.

The EX30 Companion App forwards essential telemetry directly from the vehicle’s head unit to the external display:

• Speed & Power Output
• State of Charge (Battery Level)
• Ignition Status, Gear Selection, Night Mode, etc.

Note on App Availability: The app is currently distributed via Google Play's testing track. Complete instructions on how to join the test build are available directly on the GitHub repo.

OBD Path Integration

While AAOS gave me most of what I needed, a few parameters like exact odometer data, brake status, and min/max battery temperatures required direct CAN/OBD access.

To bridge this gap, I captured btsnoop logs via a standard Bluetooth dongle and an Android scanner app. Cross-referencing timestamp logs with video recordings allowed me to quickly isolate the target DIDs and init sequences to pull those extra parameters.

UI & Iterations

Designing the user interface was the trickiest part. I started with a rough "vibe coded" prototype to get real-time data rendering. Over time, I iterated to add derived telemetry like trip statistics.

To refine the visual layout into something clean and modern, I utilized Claude Pro (Fable 5) to help generate and polish the UI concept. The result is a sleek, driver-focused interface that fits the EX30's aesthetic.

Next Steps & Hardware

Right now, the Pi and display assembly are mounted temporarily behind the steering wheel. I'm currently modeling a custom 3D-printable enclosure to neatly house the screen and board together. Once the design is finalized and tested, I'll upload the STL files directly to the repository!

Repository & Setup Guide:

You can find the source code, hardware list, and setup instructions on github repository

Alguém usa dashboard ou HUD com entrada OBD2 no carro? Sabe dizer se é bom ou vale a pena?

Tenho um Polo 2024 e tenho vontade de compra o HUD F11 via entrada OBD com o objetivo de ter informações mais precisas de RPM, luzes de troca, entre outras coisas, mas tenho receio de ligar na OBD e dar ruim em alguma coisa.

Link do produto caso alguém queira da uma olhada:

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005012251929748.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=603-455-9033&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google\\_7\\_shopping&aff\\_platform=google&aff\\_short\\_key=\\_oFgTQeV&gclsrc=aw.ds&albagn=888888&ds\\_e\\_adid=&ds\\_e\\_matchtype=&ds\\_e\\_device=m&ds\\_e\\_network=x&ds\\_e\\_product\\_group\\_id=&ds\\_e\\_product\\_id=pt1005012251929748&ds\\_e\\_product\\_merchant\\_id=5757026236&ds\\_e\\_product\\_country=BR&ds\\_e\\_product\\_language=pt&ds\\_e\\_product\\_channel=online&ds\\_e\\_product\\_store\\_id=&ds\\_url\\_v=2&albcp=23541406539&albag=&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gad\\_source=1&gad\\_campaignid=23551211716&gbraid=0AAAABCRFad\\_imEpX7mIvrqRrDw7H1EjLM&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt\\_UBhDMARIsALpnOAz0NruVTXJKWMctBCZru8tGiAiL-nlsWLieY-Qx4\\_BiH5feOEWkelwaAnF\\_EALw\\_wcB

I’m building a car-scanner app that goes beyond standard OBD-II PIDs. I want manufacturer-specific readings such as MAF, fuel data, odometer, temperatures, pressures, transmission and battery information across many makes and models.

Official data from brands like BMW and Mercedes seems expensive, and paying thousands per manufacturer isn’t realistic.

How are smaller scanner apps solving this? Are there affordable databases, tools, partnerships, extraction methods, shared captures, or other practical alternatives?

I’m focused on ECU identification and live readings—not coding or flashing. Any advice, experience or useful direction would be appreciated.

Wanted to show a comparison of gps speed update rate vs my filtered speed which uses the tablets internal sensors to derive a smoother and faster speed signal

More of a question, we know many clone Chinese tools exist rebadged etc, would there be a way to monitor everything going in and out of the obd port and re-creating the functionality of the device?

For example my scan tool can force my vehicle to regen it's dpf for example, something is sent out over the obd to do that so if you captured that and replayed it would do the same?

I know there and thousands of different makes and models and probably even more functions that are model specific but with AI the logging process and actually sending of commands could maybe be automated perhaps? Thinking out loud here, and open source scan tool for all that does all the cool stuff like injector coding etc would be cool! Don't know or understand enough about the can bus network, maybe there is already a project or software out there that's doing this already thats free and open source?

I'm sniffing CAN BUS B traffic (2005 mercedes slk) with an ESP32S3 rs485, performing an action (moving my mirror), then 'replaying' that traffic back into the BUS. Through process of elimination, I can find the values I need. This works well.

Except today while sniffing the movement of the mirrors. I captured 3 seconds of me holding my mirror, which I thought was going to be 3 seconds of my car spamming code X into the bus for 3 seconds. Which I did find. But when narrowing the codes, I found 1 code by accident that when put in front of my move mirror code, makes it move the full 3 seconds. Since the car didn't know how long I was going to hold the button, how could it produce a CAN code to do this? I'm new to CAN BUS, so I'm guessing it's something I don't understand.

I Bought a tesla that had the odometer rolled back. I was aware of this prior to buying it so I did not get scammed. My question is how do I put the mileage back to the last known mileage? Currently shows 62,018 and last known mileage is 140,719. I Do I have to buy a new screen for it or a new BCM or reprogram a part?

I'm looking at starting a small coding/feature-unlock side business for VW/Skoda cars in India (starting with a Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline). Genuine Ross-Tech VCDS (Unlimited VIN) runs about ₹48,000 here, which is a big upfront investment to start with.

I found "Generic" brand HEX-V2 clones on Amazon India for ₹4,190–5,990, claiming "lifetime free software" and compatibility with 1995–2023 models. Obviously the price gap makes me suspicious.

Questions for anyone with real experience:

Has anyone actually used one of these clones for coding (not just reading codes)? Does long coding / adaptations work reliably, or does it fail on certain modules?

Do these get bricked by official VCDS updates like I've read, or does that only apply to specific clone chipsets?

Does it work at all on SFD-protected cars (2020+ VW Group models), or is that a hard no on clones?

If you were starting a small coding business, would you consider a clone acceptable to start with and upgrade later, or is that a bad idea from day one for liability reasons?

Any recommended budget alternative besides genuine VCDS and OBDeleven that's actually reliable?

Not trying to cut corners on customer cars — just trying to figure out if there's a sane way to start small before committing ₹48k, or if that's just the cost of doing this properly.

My 2015 tahoe ppv came with the super basic rubber steering wheel with no controls. I got a new GM civilian wheel and put it in. All of the connectors were the same and it was just plug and play.

The issue I'm having is the steering wheel buttons dont do anything. This ppv has the special certified IC with the basic black and white screen.

Is this a programming issue or hardware issue? I would think the steering wheel buttons would be connected to the BCM but apparently they're connected to the IC?

I really just want the buttons to work with my android head unit, I don't care about the OEM functions. Anyone have experience with this?

Hello,

I'd like to start doing ECU modification but I know nothing about it pretty much.

I would like to start in motocycles since i'm more into motos.

Where can I learn the basics ?

What softwares do I need ?

What hardware do I need ?

How can I start ?

Any advice ?

I do not know how to take off the files from a motocycle with what hardware or software. I own a Z900 and I'd like to take out the files from it just for testing on my computer. After that I do not know what software to use.

As you can see, its a new world for me in this ECU part.

I work in IT so I have some skills in computers and eletronic stuff.

Need help, i really want to start from scratch and learn it the proper way

What fun can i do with my new KIA EV4 with carcoding?

Got a lot of curious people asking about my DIY gauge for my m2. This was a test to find the max refresh rate of the display. In the car I’ll probably settle around 30fps

Previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/CarHacking/s/0UJvdY53lr

Hey guys, any idea how i can get the seat massage and the electic backseat adjustment running without a car?

I'm sure this has been asked too many times already but I need a little help. I have done all kinds of mechanical work on all of my own cars but the electrical side of things has always befuddled me. I have a basic scan tool where I can read and reset codes and do some very basic systems monitoring but I'd like to take it a step further if for only a learning opportunity.

I currently need to write my VIN to a donor Jeep PCM (2005) for testing purposes. I've seen videos where folks do it in seemingly no time with a programming tool (one was an Autel Maxiim and another was a Daigun IV) but I can't make heads or tails of all the options out there. Is there a sub-$500 tool that I can get to do this and learn some other stuff while I'm at it? Thanks in advance for any helpful replies!

Hi Guys,

Previously I have posted a question but due to the circuit diagram in the post, it deviated from the original question. If you haven't seen the previous post, it's fine. I'll explain everything clearly below.

I'm working on a project where I need to control a diesel injector. This is an academic project, if it goes well it shall get into industry level, so looking for a standard Good approach.

The diesel injector is activated by an Arduino(this is the initial setup, and will soon switch over to stm32). The diesel injector is outside the engine in a separate setup which gets supplied by a constant pressure fuel pump driven by an ac motor(const speed). I'm using a MOSFET to control the injector. The MOSFET I'm using is IRLZ44N. The drain of the MOSFET is connected to negative terminal of the injector and source of the MOSFET is connected to the negative terminal of the injector's power supply (i have added flyback diode for safety circuit for injector). The Arduino controls the injector via the gate pin of the MOSFET. The power supply for injector is 12v SMPS.

The Arduino gets signal from the injector's supply and control wires, we tapped these 2 wires and gave them to an optocoupler pc817. This optocoupler's output is given to the digital pin of Arduino. Arduino mirrors this signal to the gate pin of the MOSFET. You might wonder why I'm using Arduino, if the setup goes well, I will alter the pulse in future. So that's why I'm using it.

Issues faced:

1) this setup worked as intended, but after sometime, that is, after 2-3 weeks of testing this setup, the injector has gone. We didn't notice any smoke or smell, but the injector stopped actuating. We lost 2 injectors in this journey.

2) we started the engine and maintained in idling for 60seconds and started our injector setup, we collected around 90ml of fuel at idling, which feels abnormal.

Now, I need a reliable approach for this project. It would be really helpful if someone can come up with some idea for this.

Thank you in advance

So I've been working on trying to intergrate with a GR branded race recorder which is a JDM optional accessory that seems to be intended to work with Track days and such.

I posted about this a while back but maybe a video of it working a bit would bring more intrest.

I've included CAN, GPS, and these VDV files installers for the applications, and AI translated manuals because I'm not fluent in moon runes.

GitHub

Qashqai J12 1.3 DIG-T (2021+) — Injector +12V missing, need correct wiring diagram

Car: Qashqai J12, 1.3 DIG-T, 04/2021, IPDM 284B7-6RA0B (HS)

Problem: Cranks, all sync OK, rail pressure 214 bar, but injectors have 0V pin-to-pin during crank (ground present, no +12V supply). Fuel Injection Amount = 0 g.

Ruled out: SRS clean (no crash event), no immobilizer codes, ECM has no injector circuit faults, fuel pump runs fine.

Need: Actual J12 1.3 DIG-T IPDM / engine room fuse box wiring diagram showing which output pin/circuit supplies +12V to the injectors. The IPDM has ACTUATOR1–5 but labels don't specify which is injectors.

Thanks.