A cost-effective way to compete against the VM dealer

Launched at Automechanika Birmingham last year, Delphi’s DS-FLASH Pass-Thru package provides independent garages with comprehensive ECU re- programming capability through access to vehicle manufacturer data, without the need for expensive dealer- only tools and software.

The kit is fully compliant with Vehicle Manufacturer programming requirements and comes complete with a DS-FLASH VCI, cables, a battery support unit, licence keys and a laptop PC – pre-configured for VAG Group, BMW, General Motors, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover. Delphi provides support and training not only for the equipment, but for the registration to the VM web portal, as well as installation and use of the VM software.

Customers get a 12-month support package with the equipment, which includes a full day of training and ongoing support via a dedicated technical helpline.

In a nutshell, the DS-FLASH enables you to perform dealer-level diagnostics, download software updates including those for emission-related ECUs, update Digital Service Records and access OE technical data and service schedule information.

Autotechnician spoke to Paul Sinderberry, Delphi’s expert in Vehicle Diagnostics, Digital Service Records and J2534 pass thru, who previously ran his own garage, to get the lowdown on this piece of kit.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS IS THE DS-FLASH AIMED AT?

“A lot of the garages who will buy this product are workshops who are already doing a lot of diagnostics and they want to take their business to the next step. They may be doing diagnostic work for other workshops locally.”

WHAT ADVANTAGE WOULD THIS EQUIPMENT GIVE WORKSHOPS?

“One of the great things about the DS-Flash and using the OE software, is that you get very in-depth diagnostics. When you have to replace a control unit, it’s normally a trip to the dealer, and they tend to put independents to the back of the queue and wait several days to get it programmed!”

IS IT DIFFICULT TO USE?

“It’s proved a very useful tool for certain garages, it’s not for everyone. It’s quite a complicated tool to use because you’re using VM software. But then workshops have got access to our technical support helpline, so when they do get stuck, our technical guys can help set their VM accounts up.”

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPROGRAM?

Depends on the calibration file size, the number of files and ECUs to reprogram – the latest vehicles can be as fast as a couple of minutes, vehicles with a lot of data to download can take hours. A stable high- speed connection is recommended via a hardwired PC, rather than WiFi.