Hey everyone! I’m a locksmith, and today I’m sharing my experience with the Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus Tablet – a game-changer in my locksmith toolkit. Before buying, I scoured the internet for a solid review but came up empty-handed. So, I took the plunge, and after a month of heavy use, here’s my no-BS breakdown.
What’s in the Box?
First off, the unboxing was pretty satisfying. Here’s what you get:
– Thetablet(the brains of the operation).
– OBD adapter (essential for vehicle programming).
– Super chips case (handy for organization).
– German car adapters (with options to buy more).
– Charger and extra adapters (always good to have backups).
Why I Chose the Key Tool Plus?
I was torn between this and the Autel IM608, but the Key Tool Plus won me over for a few reasons:
Features That Blew Me Away
I wasn’t expecting much, but this thing is FAST. Key programming is smoother than my old device, and the interface, though different, became second nature after a week.
– Fabric key reader (Mercedes, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep—no sweat).
– Vehicle diagnostics (not as robust as Autel, but gets the job done).
– FD and Super Chip support (all integrated, no extra gadgets).
I’ve used this for 3 weeks straight on 30+ cars and still had 62% battery left. It charges via USB-C (easy to replace) and even charges through OBD while working – genius!
If you’re used to Autel or AutoProPad, the VVDI Key Tool Plus feels different at first. The workflow isn’t identical, but once you get the hang of it, it’s way more streamlined. I almost returned it after the first week, but now? I’m hooked.
Final Opinion: Should You Buy It?
100% yes
– Cheaper than high-end competitors.
– Does everything the other tool does (despite what some might say).
– Battery life is a beast.
– Bluetooth cutting machine integration is a huge plus.
If you’re a locksmith looking for a powerful, affordable, all-in-one tool, the Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus Tablet is worth every penny.
Hope this helps fellow locksmiths make an informed choice!
Tutorial: How to clone Hyundai SIM2K-241 ECU with Xhorse Multi Prog programmer in boot mode.
Procedure:
Select Hyundai-Elantra- Continental SIM2K-241 ECU.
Check wiring diagram and boot pinout.
Set up boot connection with the ECU and multi prog.
Read and backup original eeprom data.
Read and save original flash data. Reading flash takes longer.
Disconnect original ECU.
Connect the donor ECU with multi prog following the same wiring diagram.
Back up eeprom and flash data of the donor ECU.
Write original eeprom data to the donor ECU.
Write original flash data to the donor ECU.
Problem:
Had a problem with Xhorse MQB48 adapter. VVDI MLB Tool will read the original key ID, but cannot collect key data.
Error:
“Data length error. Check whether the 8-pin memory chip inside the MLB device’s motherboard has been replaced.”
Solution:
To use the VVDI MLB Tool MQB48 function, you must replace the 8-pin chip inside the MLB Tool device motherboard.
The MQB48 adapter comes with solder wires and an enhanced version replacement chip.
Check how to replace the chip for the MLB tool:
http://blog.vvdishop.com/how-to-update-vvdi-mlb-tool-firmware-to-use-mqb48-adapter/
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to read a Mercedes-Benz ME9.7 ECU using the Xhorse Multi Prog via OBD on bench mode.
The process begins by connecting the ECU to the Xhorse Multi-Prog tool. This can be done either via OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) or bench mode. For this demonstration, the OBD method was used. The key advantage of the Multi-Prog tool is its ability to automate the connection process—no need to power on the vehicle manually. Simply plug in the OBD connector, and the tool handles the rest.
If you have removed the ECU from car, you can read it via OBD on bench mode using Godiag GPT adapter.
Once connected, the software confirms the link by displaying “OBD” on the screen. The next step is to read the ECU data. There are two types of data to extract:
Boot Data: Typically not required for renewal but can be read for diagnostic purposes.
Map Data: Essential for the renewal process.
The Multi-Prog tool efficiently retrieves the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), calibration data, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the ECU. The reading process takes approximately 6 minutes and 13 seconds, after which the tool provides a summary of the extracted data.
After reading, the data is saved for future use. This step is crucial if the ECU is being renewed for a client or for later reprogramming. The saved data ensures that all necessary configurations, including keys and calibration settings, are preserved.
If the goal is to clone or reprogram another ECU, the saved data can be written onto a replacement unit. This step is only recommended if the original ECU is fully functional, as it ensures all critical parameters are transferred correctly.
For those working with Mercedes-Benz ECUs, this method offers a reliable way to renew or clone units while maintaining all necessary vehicle-specific data.
In this guide, we will read and disable the immobilizer on a BMW F30 EDC17C50 ECU (Engine Control Unit) using the Xhorse Multi-Prog tool. This procedure is essential for tasks such as adding or making keys for BMW vehicles, as it involves extracting the ISN and modifying the ECU’s immobilizer settings.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Connecting the ECU
Identify the Connectors:
The ECU has two types of connectors: rectangular and circular. The circular connectors are used for transmission control modules, while the rectangular ones are for ECU communication.
Connect the Power Leads:
Attach the negative (ground) lead to pin number 2.
Connect the positive lead to the appropriate pin.
Attach Communication Wires:
Connect the remaining wires (red, blue, purple, gray, yellow, and green) to their respective pins as shown in the pinout. Ensure all connections are secure to avoid communication errors.
Secure the ECU Adapter:
Attach the ECU adapter to the back of the ECU and screw it in place.
2. Reading the ECU Data
Power On the Multi-Prog Tool:
Turn on the Multi-Prog tool and ensure the ECU is properly connected.
Read the Internal EPROM:
Select the internal EPROM option and click Read. This process takes approximately 4 minutes and 16 seconds.
Save the read file, which contains critical data such as the VIN and ISN.
Read the Internal Flash:
Next, read the internal flash, which takes longer (around 7 minutes). Save this file as well.
3. IMMO OFF with Multi Prog
Load the Saved File:
Navigate to the Tool tab- Turn Off IMMO option in the software and load the saved EPROM file.
Generate the Immobilizer-Off File:
Confirm the action to generate the modified file with the immobilizer disabled. Save IMMO OFF file.
Write the Modified File to the ECU:
Select the IMMO Off file and write it back to the ECU. The process involves sending and receiving data, accompanied by clicking sounds indicating communication.
Verify the Write Operation:
After writing, read the ECU again and compare the data with the IMMO Off file. Ensure the files are identical to confirm the immobilizer has been successfully disabled.
Final Notes
Bench Mode: The entire procedure is performed in bench mode, meaning the ECU is not installed in the vehicle.
Time Management: Reading and writing processes may take several minutes, so patience is key.
Verification: Always compare files before and after writing to confirm successful modifications.
With practice, this process becomes straightforward, enabling efficient ECU management for BMW vehicles.