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Alientech has released KESS3 Upgrade 3.70, adding a bench protocol for the Bosch MD1CP061 ECU on 2022 onwards Ford and Volkswagen pickups. The new route connects through the ECU connector, so the unit can be read and written without opening it, including after it has been taken out of the vehicle.
Which ECUs
The release covers a single ECU family, the Bosch MD1CP061. Alientech describes the new BENCH protocol as complementing the OBD route that already existed for this ECU. Nothing in the release mentions a boot method, and it is not marked as BETA.
The practical benefit is simple. Connecting at the ECU connector means no case opening, which keeps the job cleaner and avoids the risks that come with prising open a sealed unit. It also means a removed ECU can be worked on at the bench, which helps when the vehicle itself is not available or when a repair is under way.
Vehicles this opens up
Alientech names the following, from 2022 onwards:
- Ford Ranger, 3.0 V6 EcoBlue
- Volkswagen Amarok, 3.0 V6 TDI
These two share the same platform and engine family, which is why one ECU protocol covers both.
What it means
For owners of a current Ranger or Amarok, tuning on these V6 diesels is typically about stronger mid-range pull, easier towing and better response when the pickup is loaded. Gains depend on the vehicle, so any power figure should be read as typical rather than promised, and we would always talk through what suits your use first.
For dealers, the bench route widens what you can accept. Vehicles that were awkward to approach over OBD, or ECUs that have come out of a car, are now workable with a KESS3, and the quicker handling helps with turnaround.
Owners can start with our tuning builder. Dealers can use the file service, and KESS3 users can find the tool details on our Alientech tuning tools page.
