TUNING GUIDE
Please read this guide in it’s entirety. Most of this guide also applies to JK 3.6 Jeeps as well. JK units will not need a SGW bypass cable. Everything else still applies to 2015 and newer units. Units older than 2015 will not need the ECU unlock service and can get straight to tuning with the MPVI4. Simply purchase a tune above to get started right away if you have a JK!
There are a couple of different tuning options available. First, let’s talk about the one that most customers go with - the standard ‘Custom Tune Service’ in which you have your own MPVI device or purchase a new one and all tuning is done remotely over email:
REMOTE CUSTOM TUNING
STEP 1: ECU REMOVAL AND UNLOCK AND DETERMINING ECU TYPE
~$250 USD
2015 and newer Jeeps require the ECU be unlocked PRIOR to tuning. Your ECU must be removed from the vehicle and shipped out for unlocking at a ECU unlock company of your choosing. ECU removal is simple and can be done with basic hand tools in a matter of minutes. Please note that for TCU only tunes, the ECU unlock is NOT NEEDED.
HP Tuners can do unlocks on all units. Your time may vary, but plan on your Jeep being out of commission for 7-10 business days. For faster turn around, other companies do GPEC2A and GPEC5 unlocking, often times with same day turn around. Use Google to search for GPEC2A/GPEC5 unlocking services near you if you don’t go through HP Tuners. BMP Calibrations recommends N2Speed for GPEC2A unlocking and Spartan Autoworx or HP Tuners for GPEC5 unlocking.
GPEC2A ECU IDENTIFICATION
-This ECU has the wire harness plugged into the SIDE of the unit as viewed while installed in the vehicle. It is used in 2018-2023 units, with no clearly defined cut off date. This ECU requires unlocking, HP Tuners can unlock this unit for $250, the link for their GPEC2A service is here, but for the fastest turnaround time, plus a lower price of $200, I recommend using N2Speed for your GPEC2A unlock. Spartan Auto Worx can also unlock this unit for $200. If using HP Tuners, on that page, you will select “Upgrade” for the service and select “Original (PCM From Vehicle)”
GPEC5 ECU IDENTIFICATION
-This ECU has the wire harness plugged into the TOP of the unit as viewed while installed in the vehicle. It was used starting in 2021, mixed in with GPEC2A until 2023. Used exclusively on 2024 and newer units. HP Tuners can unlock this unit for $250, the link for their GPEC5 service is found here, but for faster turnaround and a lower $200 price, Spartan Auto Worx can also unlock the GPEC5.
CLONED OR SPARE ECU - AN OPTION IF YOU CAN’T BE WITHOUT YOUR JEEP
If you don’t have another vehicle or have no way to take your Jeep out of service for an ECU unlock, your next option is purchasing a new ECU to have as a “spare” or “clone”.
Order new unit from allmoparparts.com, if you call them, ask for Benny, he is a huge help on the JL Wrangler Forum, message him on the forum for the best service.
Supply them with your VIN to confirm you get the right ECU. Should cost $150-$200 or maybe a bit more depending on year, shipped to your door.
Take your Jeep to your local dealer with the new blank ECU in hand.
Have service department make sure your current ECU already in the Jeep has the latest ECU software updates, most dealers charge 1 hour labor (usually $100-$200) for this.
Once ECU is updated, have dealer install the new spare ECU and program it to the vehicle.
Now you should have two fully functioning ECU’s that can be swapped on the fly, test both to make sure they both run and drive your Jeep.
Once verified they work, ship one out for unlocking and continue to drive your Jeep as normal!
STEP 2 - SECURITY BYPASS CABLE
~$30-$200 USD
2018 and newer vehicles require a SGW (Security Gateway) bypass cable. If you already have a Z Automotive Tazer, the Tazer itself acts as a bypass. These bypass devices cost as little as $30-$100. BMP Calibrations recommends the following unit from HP Tuners - HP Tuners Smart Access Cable - $89. This cable takes about 1 minute to install and plugs in line at the SGW Module which is located above the OBD2 port, behind the plastic in the driver side below the steering wheel. I go over bypass cable installation starting at the 6:45 timeframe of my tuning guide video found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaXKJbP8VcA&t=577s
Step 3 - HP TUNERS MPVI DEVICE AND UNIVERSAL CREDITS PURCHASE
~$500-$800 USD
This is the most expensive step. Remember, this cost does not go to BMP Calibrations!
You must purchase a HP Tuners MPVI3 or newer device to tune your vehicle. This is the physical interface that flashes your tunes to your vehicle. It can be used for multiple makes and models and is not bound to just 1 vehicle. Lots of other platforms supported: Ford, GM, Toyota, Stellantis, Harley Davidson, Yamaha, and more. If you plan on coming for in person tuning, technically you don’t need your own device. But if we use mine, your stuck with the tune on your Jeep unless you come back to me. I highly recommend you have your own MPVI4 device though. But if local, you don’t need it.
New MPVI4 units cost $400. Used units can be found on Marketplace, but beware of prices that are too good to be true. The MPVI3 and MPVI4 are great units, I would avoid any older models to avoid complications. BMP Calibrations recommends purchasing a brand new HP Tuners MPVI4 directly from HP Tuners or any other reputable automotive retailer
As mentioned previously, HP Tuners credits are required for tuning. You must also purchase “universal credits” from HP Tuners. These are essentially tokens that license your vehicle for tuning. These credits are a one time purchase only at $50 each. Jeeps take anywhere from 2 to 8 credits depending on what ECU you have and if you have a manual transmission or automatic transmission. Below is a breakdown of credits needed based on your Jeep ECU and transmission configuration
GPEC2A Models - Total Credits Needed
Manual Transmission Models - 2 Credits
Automatic Transmission Models - 6 Credits
GPEC5 Models - Total Credits Needed
Manual Transmission Models - 4 Credits
Automatic Transmission Models - 8 Credits
Step 4 - BMP CALIBRATIONS CUSTOM TUNE
~$350-$450 USD
Once all of the above purchases are done, you are ready for BMP Calibrations. You will purchase your tune package from the Purchase Tunes Here section at the top of this page.
You will receive an email with instructions and information within 24 hours after purchase. Please check your SPAM folder if you do not receive an email in your inbox from brad@bmpcalibrations.com as for some reason emails from me often go to SPAM.
Be sure to check out the “Tune Instructions” and “Datalog Instructions” of the website to get an idea of the next steps. The hard and expensive part is over
BENCH FLASH TUNING
An affordable option for customers who want a one and done tune, with ECU unlocking and the tuning taking place all at one time and in one sitting, with the fastest possible turnaround time. No MPVI4 or bypass cable needed. Simply remove your ECU, ship it to BMP, and get it back unlocked and tuned and ready to drive. Once received, plan on 2-3 business days for processing before shipping the unit back to you. With this tune option, if you ever want any tune customizations done, you will need to either send the ECU back to BMP, or purchase your own MPVI and credits for me to do the tune changes remotely. I only recommend this package service if you have a manual transmission. The TCU in the automatic transmissions is NOT part of the ECU, so I can’t tune the transmission via bench flashing at the ECU. If you are happy with the way your 8 speed shifts, you can purchase this package, but just understand that the tune works much better with my transmission tuning paired with it. Otherwise, I recommend this package only for 6MT models!
Step 1 - PURCHASE PACKAGE FROM BMP CALIBRATIONS
1.) Purchase a bench tune package from the Purchase Tunes Here section of this website
This purchase covers HP Tuners credits, the tune file itself, and the ECU unlock process. All in one sitting, all handled by BMP and his local ECU unlock company.
Step 2 - Remove your ECU and ship it to BMP Calibrations
An email will be sent immediately after purchase with instructions. In this email, a shipping address will be provided. IF YOU DONT RECEIVE AN EMAIL, CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! Please ship with UPS or FedEx with insurance coverage for the fastest service. It is your responsibility to pay for shipping and ship the ECU. Once BMP receives your ECU, we get it unlocked for you locally and then bench flash your custom tune.
Step 3 - Install Your Tuned ECU
I will ship your ECU back to you via UPS. I cover return shipping cost. ECU install is reverse of removal, put your newly unlocked and tuned ECU back in the Jeep.
On first startup, your engine probably won’t be running properly and you will have a check engine light! Everything is fine, don’t panic. Simply disconnect BOTH negative connections at the battery and isolate them from each other for about 10 seconds. Then reconnect and the Jeep should run normally. If it still doesn’t run right and has a check engine light, clear the ECU codes with a scan tool.