When choosing a tool for ECU tuning and cloning, it’s important to understand each option’s strengths and limitations. In this article, we’ll compare PADFLASH, Foxflash, and Other Tools based on their different features to help you make an informed decision.
| Model | PADFLASH | FOXFLASH | Other Tools |
| TCU Support | Average | Good(Strong Support on TCU) | Only some tools support |
| BENCH | Yes | Yes | Only some tools support |
| Supported Vehicle Types | CAR, TRUCK, TRACKTOR, MARIN, BIKE | CAR, TRUCK, TRACKTOR, MARIN, BIKE | Car or truck, or BIKE, CAN’T Cover ALL |
| SUB Fee | NO | NO | SOME ABOUT 600 USD / YEAR SOME NO |
| Dongle | Yes | NO | Some tools have. |
| Read Method | BENCH, OBD, FULL CONNECTION, BOOT, JTAG, BDM | BENCH, OBD, FULL CONNECTION, BOOT, JTAG, BDM | Some tools partially support this. |
| Virtual READ | Yes | Yes | SOME YES, SOME NO |
| Internet Connection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EMS2.4 | Yes | NO | SOME YES, SOME NO |
| SID6 SID8 | Yes | NO | SOME YES, SOME NO |
| MD1CS018 MG1CA811 | Yes | NO | Some can, some can’t. |
| PSG16 CLONE | BENCH Read, Can be cloned. | OBD Read, Can’t be cloned. | Some can, some can’t. |
| M10JA | BENCH Read, Can be cloned. | OBD, BOOT, OTB, Can’t be cloned. | SOME OBD. SOME BENCH. SOME BOOT |
| PSG16 | BENCH | OBD | OBD OR BOOT |
| Order Option | Can be ordered separately | Just one full version | SOME CAN, SOME CAN’T |
| Master or Slave | Master | Master | MASTER OR SLAVE |
| Languages supported | 16 | Less than 16 | ABOUT 6 |
| Speed Modification | YES but partly supported | NO | Some can, some can’t. |
| Counter Reset | Yes | NO | Some can, some can’t. |
| Conclusion | If you need a clone without opening ECU, PADFLASH is a better choice. | ||
1. TCU Support
- PADFLASH: Offers average support for TCU (Transmission Control Unit).
- Foxflash: Provides strong support for TCU.
- Other Tools: Only some tools offer TCU support.
2. BENCH Support
- PADFLASH: Yes.
- Foxflash: Yes.
- Other Tools: Only some tools support BENCH operations.
3. Supported Vehicle Types
- PADFLASH: Supports a wide range including cars, trucks, tractors, marine vehicles, and bikes.
- Foxflash: Also supports cars, trucks, tractors, marine vehicles, and bikes.
- Other Tools: Typically support cars, trucks, or bikes but may not cover all vehicle types.
4. Subscription Fees
- PADFLASH: No subscription fees.
- Foxflash: No subscription fees.
- Other Tools: Some tools require a subscription fee, around $600 per year, while others do not.
5. Dongle Requirement
- PADFLASH: Requires a dongle.
- Foxflash: Does not require a dongle.
- Other Tools: Some tools come with a dongle, while others do not.
6. Read Methods
- PADFLASH: Supports multiple methods including BENCH, OBD, full connection, BOOT, JTAG, and BDM.
- Foxflash: Also supports BENCH, OBD, full connection, BOOT, JTAG, and BDM.
- Other Tools: Some tools partially support these methods.
7. Virtual Read
- PADFLASH: Yes.
- Foxflash: Yes.
- Other Tools: Some tools support virtual read, while others do not.
8. Internet Connection
- PADFLASH: Requires an internet connection.
- Foxflash: Requires an internet connection.
- Other Tools: Also require an internet connection.
9. Special Features
- EMS2.4: Supported by PADFLASH but not by Foxflash. Some other tools support it.
- SID6 SIDS: Supported by PADFLASH but not by Foxflash. Some other tools support it.
- MD1CS018 MG1CA811: Supported by PADFLASH but not by Foxflash. Some other tools support it.
10. Cloning Capabilities
- PSG16 CLONE: PADFLASH can clone via BENCH read, while Foxflash cannot clone via OBD read.
- M10JA: PADFLASH can clone via BENCH read, while Foxflash cannot clone via OBD, BOOT, or OTB.
- PSG16: PADFLASH uses BENCH, Foxflash uses OBD.
11. Order Options
- PADFLASH: Can be ordered separately.
- Foxflash: Only available as a full version.
- Other Tools: Some tools offer separate ordering options, while others do not.
12. Languages Supported
- PADFLASH: Supports 16 languages.
- Foxflash: Supports fewer than 16 languages.
- Other Tools: Typically support about 6 languages.
13. Speed Modification
- PADFLASH: Partially supports speed modification.
- Foxflash: Does not support speed modification.
- Other Tools: Some tools support speed modification, while others do not.
14. Counter Reset
- PADFLASH: Supports counter reset.
- Foxflash: Does not support counter reset.
- Other Tools: Some tools support counter reset, while others do not.
Conclusion
If you need a tool that allows cloning without opening the ECU, PADFLASH is a better choice due to its comprehensive support and flexibility. Foxflash excels in TCU support and offers a robust full version without the need for a dongle. Other tools vary widely in their capabilities and may require additional fees or have limited support.
Choosing the right tool depends on your specific needs, such as the types of vehicles you work with and the features you require.
