08/22/2026
REMOTE SOD PROGRAMMING BEST PRACTICES
THIS IS TO ENSURE A HIGH DEGREE OF PROGRAMMING SUCCESS AND TO CUT DOWN ON PROGRAMMING TIME TO SAVE MONEY AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.
1. Ensure your smart programming power supply can handle at least 70 AMPS of ripple-free DC voltage and is rated for FLASH programming and has adjustable voltage. If you haven’t purchased a smart programming power supply in the past 5-7 years, yours is likely not adequate for modern European vehicles. We cannot assist you if vehicle voltage for programming is not within manufacturer’s specifications. Contact us for suitable programming power supply options: https://www.iscantech.com/ps-m2/
2. Make sure you begin conditioning the battery well before programming. As a rule, set the programming power supply to flash program on the vehicle at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before programming is set to commence. This ensures a fully charged battery prior to programming.
3. Always check for updates on your iSCAN before any programming. Update all available APP – VEHICLE – SYSTEM updates before submitting your SOD request.
4. High heat is a problem for module programming. Always make sure the iSCAN is well ventilated, not in direct sunlight and for warmer climates (especially in the summer months), have a fan blowing air on the iSCAN before and during programming. Have the iSCAN tilted up and never directly on it’s back as the cooling ports are on the back of the device. It is a good idea to leave the iSCAN powered OFF before a programming event as a unit left on for an extended period of time will run hot. Anything above 65 degrees Celsius is a potential issue. You can find the internal temperature of the device within SETUP.
5. Slow internet speeds will cause programming failures and delays which can increase programming time and costs. Always check your download speeds and latency. Anything below 10 MBPS download or above 150 MS of latency can cause issues. You can check your internet connection within RESOURCES – INTERNET SPEED TEST. It is always a good idea to periodically reboot your router(s) and any network devices to improve internet speeds. Doing a network reboot before programming is always recommended. SOD providers reserve the right to decline programming assistance if internet speeds are not to a minimum standard.
6. Proper vehicle setup is very important:
a. Always connect the programming power supply to the positive jump post and the negative ground post under the hood.
b. If you do not have a jump post under the hood and your only option is to connect directly to the battery it is ok to connect the positive terminal on the battery but never connect the negative terminal directly to the battery, always find a chassis ground connection.
c. For BMW F & G chassis, you must connect to your network via WiFi only (no Ethernet as it will conflict with the vehicle’s DoIP network), latch the driver’s seat belt, turn off all loads and maintain at least 13.8 V at the DLC (as displayed on the iSCAN).
d. For Mercedes-Benz, you must turn the windshield wipers to the off position before programming.
e. For any DoIP vehicle and iSCAN 3 or SF, (BMW/MINI, Land Rover, Mercedes, Volvo, etc.) the iSCAN can only be connected to a network via WiFi as an Ethernet connection will conflict with the vehicle’s Ethernet based communication protocol.
f. If you have a 48 volt mild hybrid vehicle, make sure that the 48 volt system is fully charged before programming. Those vehicles will always take voltage from a programming power supply to re-charge the 48 volt battery before maintaining adequate programming voltage within the 12 volt system. You may have to leave the charger on for multiple hours before the 48 volt battery is fully charged and stable, programming voltage is possible at the DLC.
g. The vehicle’s start-up battery and 48v batteries State of Charge should always be monitored via a scan tool prior to ensure State of Charge and contactor are within specifications. Never directly connect a maintainer or charger to the vehicle’s 48v battery. Maximum charging amperage at the Start-up battery should never exceed 25A from a proper smart maintainer or charger if charging is needed and applicable while the ignition is OFF.
7. Used module programming: Anytime we attempt to program a used module, there are uncertainties of the module’s condition, compatibility with the vehicle and if used module programming is possible. We consider these types of events as chargeable programming events, pass or fail.
Thank you for your support!
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