How Our Credit System & Custom File Service Works

Two Ways to Get Tuning Files

We offer two primary methods for obtaining modified ECU calibration files:

1. INSTATuner — our desktop application for instant automated file delivery
2. Custom File Service — our web-based service for bespoke, manually-calibrated files

Both use our credit system for payment. This guide explains how everything works.

The Credit System

What Are Credits?

Credits are our prepaid payment method. Instead of paying per-file with a credit card each time, you purchase a credit balance upfront and spend credits as you download files or request services. Think of it like a prepaid phone card — buy credit in advance, use it when you need it.

Purchasing Credits

1. Visit our online store
2. Navigate to the Credits section
3. Choose a credit package:
   • Packages are available in various sizes
   • Larger packages offer better value per credit
4. Complete checkout via credit/debit card or other available payment methods
5. Credits are added to your account immediately upon payment confirmation

Credit Balance

• Your credit balance is visible in your account dashboard
• Credits don’t expire — use them at your own pace
• Credits are non-refundable once purchased
• Balance carries over between INSTATuner and the web file service

Method 1: INSTATuner (Automated Files)

How It Works

1. Download and install INSTATuner on your Windows PC
2. Log in with your tuning-database.co.uk account
3. Search for your vehicle’s ECU file:
   • By ECU hardware/software number (most accurate)
   • By vehicle make/model/engine
   • By uploading your original binary file
4. Select the modifications you want (Stage 1, DPF off, EGR off, etc.)
5. Review the credit cost
6. Download the modified file

What You Get

• A modified ECU file with your selected options applied
• Checksums already corrected — ready to flash
• Matched to your specific ECU software version
• Instant delivery — no waiting

When to Use INSTATuner

• Your ECU file is in our database (common vehicles/ECU types)
• You need standard modifications (Stage 1, DPF, EGR, VMAX, etc.)
• You want instant delivery — no turnaround time
• You’re a high-volume tuner who needs fast access to files

For a detailed setup guide, see our INSTATuner tutorial.

Method 2: Custom File Service (Manual Calibration)

How It Works

1. Go to our services page
2. Upload your original ECU binary file
3. Specify what you need:
   • Tuning level (Stage 1, Stage 2, etc.)
   • Additional modifications (DPF, EGR, AdBlue, VMAX, pops & bangs, etc.)
   • Any special requirements or notes
4. Submit the request
5. Our engineering team reviews your file and creates a custom calibration
6. You receive a notification when the file is ready
7. Download the modified file from your account

What You Get

• A custom-calibrated file created by our tuning engineers
• Tailored to your specific ECU hardware and software version
• All checksums corrected
• Professional-grade calibration with safe parameters
• Revision support — if adjustments are needed, we can revise the file

Turnaround Time

• Standard: Typically within a few hours during business hours
• Complex requests: May take longer for unusual ECU types or multiple modifications
• You’ll receive an email notification when your file is ready

When to Use the Custom Service

• Your ECU isn’t in the INSTATuner database
• You need a combination of modifications not available as automatic options
• You want a bespoke calibration with specific requirements
• You have an unusual or rare ECU type
• You need revisions or adjustments based on datalogging results

INSTATuner vs Custom File Service

Step-by-Step: Your First File Request

Here’s the complete process for a typical customer:

Preparation

1. Read your vehicle’s ECU using your flashing tool (KESS V2, Autotuner, etc.)
2. Verify the read: Read the ECU twice and compare the files — they must be identical
3. Save the original file with a descriptive name and back it up

Ordering

1. Create an account on tuning-database.co.uk if you haven’t already
2. Purchase credits from our store (if your balance is insufficient)
3. Upload your original file via INSTATuner or the services page
4. Select your modifications and submit

Receiving Your File

1. INSTATuner: file downloads immediately
2. Custom service: check your email for the notification, then download from your account
3. Verify the file size matches your original (should be identical byte count)

Flashing

1. Connect your battery charger
2. Flash the modified file to the ECU using your tool
3. Cycle the ignition and start the engine
4. Test drive and verify the results

Revision Policy

For custom file service orders:

• Revisions are available if the file needs adjustment
• If you datalog and find that parameters need fine-tuning, contact us with your datalog results
• We’ll review the data and create a revised calibration
• Minor revisions are typically included in the original file cost
• Major changes (adding completely new modifications) may require additional credits

Getting Help

• Technical questions: Contact our support team
• Account issues: Use the login/password reset on our website
• File-specific issues: Reply to the file service notification with details of the problem
• Product guides: Browse our blog for tutorials on all our products

Ready to get started? Create your account, purchase credits, and request your first file.