FAQ – Frequently Askes Questions

- Processor with at least 2 GHz, recommended Dual Core with 1.6 GHz.

- Main memory: At least 2 GB, depending on OEM application, more may be required.

- Hard disk: 40 GB freely available hard disk space.

- Interfaces: USB 2.0.

- Screen resolution VGA 1024*764.

- Internet access (for downloading and operation of the OEM application) DSL or cable modem.

- Operating system: MS Windows XP (SP3), MS Vista, MS 7 (32/64 bit), MS 8 (32/64 bit). Further restrictions may be associated with the OEM application.

- PDF Reader.

- Web Browser Internet Explorer 8.x, 9.x, 10.x.

- Some OEM applications require Java Runtime Environment 1.6.

- The KTS must be connected via USB with the PC. The KTS should be connected directly to a USB and not via a USB hub (e.g. at the docking station) to guarantee trouble-free reprogramming.

- Sufficient vehicle battery voltage must be guaranteed. Provide external power supply for the vehicle.

- Consumers in the vehicle must be switched off (e.g. air conditioner, ventilation).

- The KTS must be supplied via a voltage adapter.

- A notebook must be operated with power unit.

- The standby and idle state of the PC/laptop must be switched off prior to reprogramming.

- Microsoft Update must be switched off for the time period of the programming.

- In the antivirus program, the hard disk scan must be switched off

The OEM-specific information must be observed in all cases.

• The power supply to the KTS and the USB connection between PC/laptop and KTS must be guaranteed during reprogramming.
• Provide a stable diagnosis connector connection. Secure the diagnosis connector against falling out/down.
• Interruption of the connection during reprogramming can result in damage to the ECU.
• The manufacturer-specific information must be observed in all cases.

• After reprogramming, please switch off the ignition, wait at least 30 seconds and restart the vehicle.
• After reprogramming, the fault-memory entries of the systems installed in the vehicle must be checked and deleted. The faults reported in the course of reprogramming are system-typical.
• Monitor and inspect initial operation of the vehicle or ECU and their detailed functions in a targeted manner following reprogramming. Carry out a test drive if necessary.
• The manufacturer-specific information must be observed in all cases.

Use of the Bosch KTS software does not require a user ID.

OEMs organize the application for a user ID and password combination themselves. Bosch has no influence on this. The application procedure is described in each case under "OEM Info & Downloads".

Use of the Bosch KTS software does not require a user ID.

No costs are incurred with the use of Bosch KTS software. Costs may be incurred for consultation on the Technical Hotline of the ESI[tronic].

Every OEM calculates a specific fee for the use of his application. Bosch has no influence on the pricing of the OEM. Information can be obtained on the respective online portal of the OEM. Links to the OEM online portals can be found under OEM Info & Downloads.

The standard SAE J2534-1 (PassThru) SAE J2534-1 is used for reprogramming (flashing) of ECUs in the vehicle. The introduction in Europe is in the framework of the Euro 5 standard. ECUs in new vehicles with Euro 5 certification must then be reprogrammable.

The standard SAE J2534-2 (PassThru) J2534-2 is an extension of J2534-1 and contains a series of optional characteristics.

Bosch PassThru version 1.3 supports the SAE J1962 pin selection for the following protocols:

• ISO9141 and ISO9141_PS
• ISO14230 and ISO14230_PS
• SAEJ1850 PWM
• SAEJ1850VPW
• CAN and CAN_PS
• ISO15765 and SO15765_PS

PassThru version 1.3 from Bosch supports the following API methods:

PassThruOpen, PassThruClose, PassThruConnect, PassThruDisconnect, PassThruReadMsgs, PassThruWriteMsgs, PassThruStartPeriodicMsg, PassThruStopPeriodicMsg, PassThruStartMsgFilter, PassThruStopMsgFilter, PassThruSetProgrammingVoltage, PassThruReadVersion, PassThruGetLastError

PassThruIoctl with the IOCTLs GET_CONFIG, SET_CONFIG, READ_VBATT, FIVE_BAUD_INIT, FAST_INIT, CLEAR_TX_BUFFER, CLEAR_RX_BUFFER, CLEAR_PERIODIC_MSGS, CLEAR_MSG_FILTERS, CLEAR_FUNCT_MSG_LOOKUP_TABLE, ADD_TO_FUNCT_MSG_LOOKUP_TABLE and DELETE_FROM_FUNCT_MSG_LOOKUP_TABLE

Parallel installations of ESI[tronic] and KTS PassThru software on a PC are possible. For every version of ESI[tronic], Bosch provides a matching PassThru.

It is planned to test the most important European brands and to make them available to independent workshops in the framework of new Bosch PassThru versions. Current information on the tested manufacturers will be published here on a regular basis.

For the use of the Euro 5 reprogramming software an ESI[tronic] license is currently not necessary.

Bosch does not generally make a distinction between the KTS models. Differences and restrictions are specified on the KTS model respectively. With a new acquisition of a KTS for Euro 5, Bosch recommends the KTS wireless series.

The vehicle manufacturer defines which updates are released for each passenger car and system. Further details on this are available on the pages of the vehicle manufacturers.

The time required for reprogramming essentially depends on three factors:

1. The vehicle bus used. The CAN bus is a lot more suitable for reprogramming than the K line.

2. The performance of the PC used.

3. The volume of the data to the programmed. ECU programs with a few kilobytes up to several megabytes are possible.

The vehicle manufacturer decides whether a programming voltage is required for reprogramming. The OEM application defines whether a warning is issued to the user.

The Euro 5 standard governs model approval for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and access to repair information for vehicles. This applies equally to both diesel and gasoline engines: Accordingly, diesel-driven vehicles must not emit more than 180 milligrams of nitric oxide (NOx) per kilometer. The Euro 4 standard permits 250 milligrams. The permissible emission of soot particles (PM) is also lowered: Instead of 25 milligrams per kilometer, now only five are permitted. Nitric oxide emissions are limited to 60 milligrams per kilometer for gasoline engines (formerly 80). In the future these technical model approval requirements will apply all over the EU. At the same time, a duty of manufacturers to inform workshops comes into force. Date: The Euro 5 standard will apply from September 2009 with a transition period of 6 months for all new models.

New opportunities for independent workshops: More precisely, the Euro 5 standard requires automobile manufacturers to make technical repair information available in their online portals and to permit reprogramming of ECUs. This information will then be explicitly available not only to authorized dealers, but also to independent workshops. Result: Complete service and repair covering different brands, from oil change and troubleshooting to the configuration and reprogramming of ECUs.

What do I have to remember during registration?

Every vehicle manufacturer provides the information for registration on his online portal. Bosch provides additional helpful information on its online portal on registration with vehicle manufacturers.

Vehicle manufacturers are currently preparing release guidelines, which every manufacturer of a "PassThru Interface" can verify. Vehicle manufacturers currently decide themselves whether the results are published on their Internet portals.

Can it only be used for reprogramming or reading / deleting the fault memory and maybe also reading actual values?

The Euro 5 standard regulates the reprogramming of ECUs. All vehicle manufacturers decide whether they wish to provide vehicle diagnostics already for individual vehicles or functions.

Based on discussions Bosch has held with various vehicle manufacturers, we do not anticipate that all vehicle manufacturers also provide ECU reprogramming for vehicles manufactured before the Euro 5 standard comes into force.

When carrying out reprogramming, users can avoid many problems by observing the information provided by the vehicle manufacturer and Bosch. A basic distinction is made between three cases.

a) In the event of a problem with reprogramming, the OEM software application and the ECU support repeated reprogramming. In this case, reprogramming takes longer. The ECU is changed to the new software status.

b) In the event of a problem with reprogramming, the OEM software application or the ECU do not support repeated reprogramming. In this case, reprogramming is canceled. The ECU does not move to the new software status. The function of the ECU is retained.

c) In the event of a problem with reprogramming, the OEM application or the ECU do not support repeated reprogramming. In this case, reprogramming takes longer. The ECU does not move to the new software status. The ECU is malfunctioning and has to be replaced.

For ECU reprogramming, only testers that are already Euro 5-compatible can be used. These are devices in which a "PassThru Interface" according to SAE J2534" is integrated. With the PassThru standard, a communication driver has been defined which is used for ECU reprogramming.

Bosch offers several models for this purpose: The modules KTS 530 / KTS 540 / KTS 570 and the testers KTS 340 and KTS 670. Older KTS models such as KTS 520 / KTS 550 / KTS 650 are also Euro 5-compatible.

If required, the modules and testers can install the latest software version from the online portal of the vehicle manufacturer in the ECU of the vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer charges fees for downloading information and reprogramming.

Yes, the KTS 520, KTS 550 and KTS 650 models are also Euro 5-compatible.