Description
Down Payment for Computer Reflashing Services
This down payment is required when a customer drops off a vehicle or module for ECM, TCM, or other module reflashing or reprogramming. The deposit helps cover manufacturer licensing fees and a small portion of diagnostic and setup time.
Your deposit is applied toward the total balance due.
We maintain this policy because:
- Vehicles often arrive with misdiagnosed electrical or control module issues.
- We provide the service, not the diagnostic — reflashing the computer may not always resolve the underlying problem.
- It costs us money up front for software licenses to complete the requested programming work.
Our published labor rate (October 2025): $180 per hour (subject to change).
Software licenses and subscriptions are billed at actual cost.
Typical License Costs
| Platform / Vendor | License Details | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GM SPS (ACDelco TDS) | 1-year license covering all modules in the same VIN | $45 |
| Ford FJDS | 2-day license covering all modules in the vehicle | $150 |
| Stellantis FCA Mopar TechConnect / WiTech | Single-vehicle license (3-day WiTech + 1-month VIN subscription) | $185 |
| HP Tuners | Single-vehicle/module license; credits required vary by model | $100–$400 |
| EFI Live | Per-VIN license for tuning and reflashing | $125 |
| SCT X4 / BDX | Single-vehicle license | $100–$400 |
| EZLynk | Per-vehicle or per-package license (varies by tuner) | $100–$400 |
These are base prices. Some vehicles may require additional subscriptions, calibration files, or OEM accounts depending on the specific scope of work. We will make every effort to discuss these costs upfront, but the customer is ultimately responsible for all actual license and subscription costs incurred to perform the service.
Special note for Fords. Most require 2 keys when replacing the ECM/PCM because of the PATS immobilizer system. If you do not have 2 keys, we can have the locksmith make an extra one. Typical charge is $90-$140. We prefer you get this done yourself and deliver the vehicle with 2 keys because it may take 2-3 business days for the locksmith to get to it.
