JKM frequently sell bluefin handsets for all makes and models of cars. We appreciate that some customers are not as comfortable as others in programming their vehicels ECU and may have questions that they would like to ask prior to purchasing a bluefin. You can be assured that any supported applications listed for use with bluefin is thoroughly tested and is covered by Superchips UK support staff (if required). We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the bluefin handset and the Installation procedure etc. If you don’t see your specific query listed below then please contact JKM.

If I purchase a bluefin through JKM will I get the same bluefin product, software and support as buying from Superchips directly? Can I program more than 1 car with a single bluefin handset? Can I have the bluefin handset reset for use on another car? How does the bluefin enable me to increase the MPG from my Turbo Diesel car? Can I revert back to my standard settings at will? Will using the Bluefin handset cause my V.A.G ECU 'Flash Counter' to be increased? Is the same software supplied for use on the bluefin handsets as per a normal Superchips upgrade? How do I install my remap using the bluefin? Do you have any advice or suggestions on things to do, prior to installation? What happens if I run into difficulties during the installation? How will I know that the bluefin has loaded and worked correctly? How does bluefin affect my car insurance? What if I am not happy with the result? What if I lose my bluefin handset with my vehicle's original settings on it? What kind of warrantee do Superchips offer?

If I purchase a bluefin through JKM will I get the same bluefin product, software and support as buying from Superchips directly? Yes you will. You get the exact same bluefin product, PC software; Recalibrated files from Superchips and you will also get the same technical support from Superchips UK if required. JKM are a fully authorised distributor of the bluefin product and Superchips.

Can I program more than 1 car with a single bluefin handset? On first using a new bluefin unit, the handset will ‘read’ the chassis number of your vehicle over the diagnostics port. The bluefin handset will then become ‘locked’ to that specific chassis number (once a successful read of the standard file has taken place). Therefore it is only possible to load software onto 1 car at a time. It is however possible to have the bluefin handset reset for use on other cars at a later date – please see below.

Can I have the bluefin handset reset for use on another car? Yes – however this is dealt with by Superchips UK directly as JKM do not have the authorisation or ability to unlock bluefin handsets. The first (original) vehicle that was programmed with the bluefin handset will need to be returned to factory stock - then the bluefin handset can be reset. If you change your car within the first 12 months of owning the bluefin and you change to a similar manufactures type (so that you can retain the bluefin handset that you have) – for example you change from a Volkswagen Golf GTI to a Volkswagen Passat TDI then currently (June 2010) Superchips will reset the handset for you to use on your new car application for free of charge. This is assuming that the new vehicle type is supported by Bluefin, please check first. This is only valid once per handset and is only for 12 months from the point of purchasing / registering the handset with Superchips. Outside of the first 12months of ownership of the bluefin it is still possible to have the handset reset – however you will need to contact Superchips UK directly as JKM do not have the authorisation for this process.

How does the bluefin enable me to increase the MPG from my Turbo Diesel car? Superchips provide software files that contain ‘recalibrated maps’ for your Engine Control Unit, it will result in an increase in torque/power produced by your engine. Vehicle manufactures will have design criteria on the torque and power levels their engines are to be produced with. Manufactures will always leave a substantial ‘overhead’ for the amount of torque that can be produced and Superchips have the experience and knowledge to know how much of this overhead can be used whilst maintaining engine reliability. With the bluefin software installed, the torque output produced by your engine will increase into this ‘overhead’. Where the Miles Per Gallon (MPG) fuel savings come from is the fact that the torque has increased across the rpm band and this will allow you to use a higher gear to maintain a set road speed – this will result in a net gain from lower engine RPM over the distance of a journey. Less engine revolutions for a set road speed will result in lower fuel consumption, hence increase in MPG. Driving styles will influence the MPG saving seen, for a true comparison you need to give the vehicle a back to back test before and after installation.

Can I revert back to my standard settings at will? You can reload your factory standard settings when ever it suits you. For instance prior to returning to a main dealership. Once the bluefin handset is loaded with both your ‘standard’ and ‘modified’ software files it is simply a case of connecting the bluefin handset and selecting the ‘return to stock’ option. Then again to revert back to the modified software is equally as simple.

Will using the Bluefin handset cause my V.A.G ECU 'Flash Counter' to be increased? On later V.A.G applications the Engine Control Unit (ECU) contains an ECU ‘Flash counter’. This is essentially a number that is stored in the ECU and it can only be viewed by specifically looking for it within the ‘advanced data’ area of the ECU - when using suitable diagnostics equipment. As its name suggests the Flash Counter is increased each time the ECU is Flash programmed. There are various types of ECU used by V.A.G to cover all of their engine types, It is possible to reset the Flash Counter on Bosch MED9 ECU’s used on Turbo Charged Petrol applications such as the 2.0 TFSI engine. Other applications may have their flash count increased following a programming operation with the Bluefin. The message is sent from the bluefin handset to the to the ECU requesting a reset of the flash count, however it is not always successful in doing so on each ECU type. JKM have not heard of, or are aware of, an official ‘Flash Count log’ being kept by any of the Vehicle manufactures, However we cannot rule this out. This is not something that JKM are aware of any dealership routinely ‘looking at’ during any normal servicing.

Is the same software supplied for use on the bluefin handsets as per a normal Superchips upgrade? Yes – it is the same performance software. The only difference is that you are loading the software onto your car using a different tool to what JKM use. JKM use a multipurpose Superchips dealership tool for loading files onto your vehicle, where as the Bluefin handsets have been simplified in their operation for general consumer use against specific makes and models of vehicle.

How do I install my remap using the bluefin? You don't need any mechanical or technical knowledge, you don't even need to lift the bonnet - it's all done from the comfort of your driving seat. Start by simply plugging the bluefin handset into the diagnostic port (connecting you to the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit). You will first need to read the current standard map that is programmed into your cars ECU. You will need to download the data from your ECU into the bluefin handset. This is a simple procedure where by you simply need to follow the clear on-screen prompts. JKM have put together a simplified ‘step by step’ guide at the following link: This method although written for V.A.G cars is also applicable for BMW’s – though may also be applicable to other makes and models as well. On some models (mainly Ford) you will simply read the standard vehicle file – and then ‘reload’ the modified file on straight away with no need to send the file to Superchips, this is because the handsets are pre loaded with modified files in some instances.

Do you have any advice or suggestions on things to do, prior to installation? JKM advise that you take your vehicle for a road test prior to installing the bluefin software and you familiarise yourself with how your car performs under varying load conditions. If you are unsure if your standard car is operating correctly then JKM would advise you have the car checked by a suitably qualified and experienced specialist. Return to a suitable installation location ideally somewhere warm and dry where you can get a cup of tea! Switch off all non essential electrical loads such as Electric heated seats, Air Conditioning and in car blower, Radio etc. This will give the battery slightly more voltage to utilise. Then begin the bluefin installation process and follow the clear on screen prompts. Make sure that the flying cable is not positioned in a way that it may be prone to being ‘knocked’ and accidentally removed from the loading connector during the process.

What happens if I run into difficulties during the installation? This is unlikely as Superchips spend lots of time refining and simplifying the installation process. Superchips also spend lots of time working out recovery procedures for ‘what if’ situations – for cases where things accidentally happen during the installation (for example accidentally knocking the programming cable and upsetting the ECU loading process). In purchasing a bluefin you obtain free Installation Technical support (If required) from Superchips UK. They will be able to advise a suitable recovery process for you. Superchips can be contacted directly on Tel: +44 (0)1280 816781

How will I know that the bluefin has loaded and worked correctly? Once you have installed your bluefin, you should feel the results in your vehicle the next time you drive it. However, to confirm the electronic process has worked correctly the bluefin will perform a final check to ensure the correct data has been installed (or de-installed if reverting back to your original settings) before it is removed from your vehicle. Any problems will be highlighted to you clearly on the handset screen.

How does bluefin affect my car insurance? You should always inform your insurer of modifications to your car’s performance. Premiums may remain unchanged by using Superchips specialist partners, Adrian Flux, 0844 8888999 – www.adrianflux.co.uk who understand the benefits that a bluefin brings.

What if I am not happy with the result? If you are not happy with the results Superchips offer a seven-day refund policy. Simply return your vehicle to its factory original settings via the bluefin handset and a completed return form that came with your pack to: JKM Motor Services Ltd at the address here. Your statutory rights are not affected.

What if I lose my bluefin handset with my vehicle's original settings on it? If you lose your bluefin handset once you have installed the new settings, Superchips can program a new handset with your vehicle’s original settings. This is dealt with by Superchips UK directly.

What kind of warrantee do Superchips offer? Full details on the Superchips Warrantee and what is covered and excluded etc can be found at this link

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