Tuners Lose It as Ford's Locked ECU Is Finally Hacked

The S650 Mustang ECU can now be completely adjusted following HP Tuners' breakthrough this month.
Dyno technicians can now begin developing their enhanced package options.
Initial outcomes from a slightly altered Mustang suggest positive developments ahead.

In 2022, the S650 Mustang was released with high expectations, yet faced a major issue: Ford restricted access to its ECU, preventing tuners from making modifications. This limitation significantly slowed progress in enhancing performance. However, this situation has changed recently.

HP Tuners has successfully decoded Ford's MG1CS036 ECU, providing genuine tuning capabilities and consequently increasing performance potential. Dynamometer tuning necessitates access to various essential settings, and without such access, many car owners find themselves unable to modify their vehicles unless they install an aftermarket ECU. The restrictions surrounding several newer models have now been lifted. Ford vehicles. The horsepower numbers across the nation are set to increase.

Also: Ford Will Not Allow "Unauthorized Tuners" to Access the Mustang S650 Ford Is Refusing Entry for "Unapproved Modders" Into the Mustang S650 The Mustang S650 Will Be Excluded From "Unauthorized Adjusters" Ford Blocks "Non-Authorized Tweakers" from Reaching the Mustang S650 Access to the Mustang S650 Remains Restricted for "Unverified Customizers" Ford Declines Permission for "Irregular Updaters" to Engage With the Mustang S650 "The Mustang S650 Isn't Open to 'Illegal Tweakers' – Ford Says No" Ford Keeps the Mustang S650 Away from "Not Officially Approved Modifications" The Mustang S650 Stays Out of Reach for "Unaccredited Tune Providers" Ford Prevents "Improper Adjustment Experts" From Touching the Mustang S650

Until this point, holders of the S650 Mustang Had access to various aftermarket components, yet fine-tuning proved challenging. Apart from installing a completely new third-party ECU with a personalized calibration, the alternative approach involved a daisy chain system designed to mimic the benefits of a tuned setup. Naturally, Ford provided its own range of aftermarket packages and tuning options, but these also carried significant costs.

What HP Tuners accomplished essentially involved unlocking the ECU, allowing certified experts to access and adjust settings. This isn't limited to the Mustang alone. The complete range of vehicles now supported through this update includes the 2021–2023 models. F-150 (Along with the 2023 Raptor R), the 2021–2025 Bronco (including the Raptor and Ranger Raptor), the 2022–2023 Expedition, and the 2024–2025 Mustang GT and Dark Horse.

Here is a varied selection of cars that you're probably going to encounter frequently at your nearby dynamometer facility these days. Initially noticed by Ford Authority One store, Palm Beach Dyno, has already worked with the software and gave us a glimpse of what to anticipate. In the video below, Ken from PBD walks us through tuning a slightly modified Mustang.

Ultimately, he was able to gain nearly 30 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque in fourth gear. Indeed, the vehicle being discussed has certain upgrades, yet this serves as strong evidence of what owners might anticipate. Significantly, this new feature does not necessitate a trip to a dynamometer to enjoy some advantages.

More: BMW Customizers Are Already Working On Improving The Latest X3's Design

Dyno facilities such as PDB provide online services Dyno centers like PDB offer virtual options PDB is one of many dyno shops providing distant access Establishments similar to PDB allow for remote operations Companies like PDB specialize in remote dyno capabilities PDB offers online dyno solutions Shops including PDB deliver remote testing services PDB provides digital dyno support Places like PDB enable remote performance evaluations PDB functions as an online dyno service provider tuning which tends to be pricier but eliminates the need for visiting a physical store. Significantly, individuals wishing to utilize remote tuning must have an MPV12 or later OBDII scanner or HP Tuners' own RTD 4.