KESS3 Protocols

KESS3 protocols are the software licences that let the Alientech KESS3 tuning tool read and program the ECUs and TCUs in different vehicles. They are modular, so you only buy the coverage you need rather than one fixed package. You can pick them in two ways, either by vehicle type, which covers cars and LCV, bikes and ATVs, trucks and agriculture and marine or by connection method, which is either OBD through the diagnostic port or bench and boot directly on the control unit.

KESS3 Protocols FAQs

How much does the Alientech KESS3 cost?

The price of the Alientech KESS3 tuning tool depends on how you set the tool up. A KESS3 Master costs more than a KESS3 Slave, and on top of the tool you pay for the protocol packages you choose plus an annual subscription that keeps your coverage and updates current. The cost changes with the protocols you pick, the best way to get an accurate price is to select your options online or tell us what you want to work on and we’ll build the package for you. You can call our team on +44 (0)1789 774444 for a quote.

What are KESS3 Master protocols?

KESS3 Master protocols give you full Master access for the vehicle groups you activate. With a KESS3 Master you read original files in clear, which lets you edit and write your own maps without having to send your tuning files to another tuner. You add the vehicle groups you need, cars and LCV, bikes and ATVs, trucks and agriculture or marine and choose OBD or bench and boot for each one.

What vehicles does the KESS3 cover?

The KESS3 works across cars, vans, motorbikes, ATVs, trucks, agricultural machines and marine engines, covering both ECUs and gearbox TCUs. The exact models change as Alientech releases new protocols every week, so the coverage keeps growing. 

To check a specific vehicle before you buy, look it up on the official Alientech vehicle list, or ask us and we will confirm it for you.

What is KESS3 OBD tuning?

OBD is the simplest of the three connection modes. You plug the KESS3 into the vehicle’s diagnostic port under the dashboard and read or write the ECU without taking it off the car. It suits a lot of everyday jobs, though some newer or locked ECUs need a Bench or Boot connection instead. 

You can see how the three modes differ in our guide to OBD, Bench and Boot tuning.

How do you use the Alientech KESS3?

To use the KESS3 tool, you simply connect the tool to the vehicle, read the original file, edit it or send it for editing, then write the changed file back. You activate the protocols for the vehicle group you are working on, choose OBD or bench and boot for the connection and follow the on-screen steps in the Alientech Suite software. 

If you are new to tuning, our KESS3 tuning guide walks through a first job, and Alientech training courses cover the tool and software in full.

What is a KESS3 Master with full protocols?

A KESS3 Master with every vehicle group and both connection methods activated would include:

• OBD plus bench and boot 
• Coverage across all four vehicle groups (Cars and LCV, Bikes and ATVs, Trucks and Agriculture and Marine)

This setup gives you the widest vehicle coverage in one tuning tool, which suits busy workshops that work on a mix of vehicles. 

You do not have to start there though. Many tuners begin with one group (E.g. cars and LCV on OBD) then add protocols as the work comes in.

Is the KESS3 the same as the KESS V3?

Yes. KESS3 is the third generation of the KESS tool, so you will sometimes see it written as KESS V3. It replaced the KESS V2 and the K-TAG, bringing OBD, bench and boot into one device. If you are moving up from an older tool, our KESS3 and KESS V2 comparison covers what has changed.