What is Elite Flash?
A small tool that plugs into your car's OBD port and updates the shift settings in the gearbox control unit, for quicker, smoother changes on automatic, DSG and PDK gearboxes.
Gearbox tuning without a garage visit
Most automatic gearboxes leave the factory set up for fuel economy and refinement. They change up early, take a moment to kick down and respond slowly to the paddles. The hardware can do much better; it is the software holding it back.
Elite Flash talks to your car through the OBD port and points the gearbox's shift strategy to faster, more decisive settings. It works within the tolerances the manufacturer builds into the gearbox and its software. Programming starts and finishes with a beep and a light on the tool, and takes 30 to 90 seconds.
Every tool also resets the gearbox adaptations as standard. Over time a gearbox learns habits from how it has been driven; clearing them lets it relearn from a clean start with the new settings.
What you will notice
Changes are felt straight away and keep improving over the first 50 to 100 miles as the gearbox adapts.
- Shift speed
- Up to 40% faster gearshifts.
- Smoothness
- Cleaner, firmer changes without the slur between gears.
- Torque converter
- Locks up at lower rpm, so the car pulls more directly.
- Paddles
- Faster reaction when you change gear yourself.
- Adaptations
- Reset as standard, so the gearbox relearns from a clean start.
- Dealer visits
- No count is added to the gearbox flash counter. If a dealer update overwrites it, flash it again.
One tool, one car
The tool locks to the chassis number (VIN) of the first car it is plugged into. On that car you can use it as many times as you need, for example if a dealer software update overwrites the gearbox settings. It does not add to the gearbox flash counter.
Do not plug a used tool into a different car. Because it is locked to the first car, it can damage the control units of another vehicle.
Going back to standard
If you want the gearbox back as it left the factory, for example before selling the car, a main dealer can install the full standard gearbox software.
Fitting it
Ignition on
Dashboard on, engine off.
Plug it in
Into the OBD port, usually under the dashboard by your knees.
Wait for the beeps
It writes in 30 to 90 seconds. Leave it alone until it beeps to finish.
Ignition off
Then unplug the tool.
Idle for 10 minutes
Start the engine and let it idle while the gearbox resets. Then drive gently for the first 50 to 100 miles while it adapts.