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
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Identify the Connectors:
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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.
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Connect the Power Leads:
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Attach the negative (ground) lead to pin number 2.
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Connect the positive lead to the appropriate pin.
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Attach Communication Wires:
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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.
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Secure the ECU Adapter:
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Attach the ECU adapter to the back of the ECU and screw it in place.
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2. Reading the ECU Data
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Power On the Multi-Prog Tool:
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Turn on the Multi-Prog tool and ensure the ECU is properly connected.
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Read the Internal EPROM:
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Select the internal EPROM option and click Read. This process takes approximately 4 minutes and 16 seconds.
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Save the read file, which contains critical data such as the VIN and ISN.
Read the Internal Flash:
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Next, read the internal flash, which takes longer (around 7 minutes). Save this file as well.
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3. IMMO OFF with Multi Prog
Load the Saved File:
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Navigate to the Tool tab- Turn Off IMMO option in the software and load the saved EPROM file.
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Generate the Immobilizer-Off File:
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Confirm the action to generate the modified file with the immobilizer disabled. Save IMMO OFF file.
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Write the Modified File to the ECU:
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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.
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Verify the Write Operation:
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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.
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Final Notes
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Bench Mode: The entire procedure is performed in bench mode, meaning the ECU is not installed in the vehicle.
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Time Management: Reading and writing processes may take several minutes, so patience is key.
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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.