Introduction to Alientech KESS3
KESS3 is a tool for reading and writing ECU and TCU programs through three modes: OBD, Boot, and Bench. Developed based on 30 years of experience and nearly 3 years of research by Alientech, KESS3 offers powerful performance, flexibility, and an easy-to-use interface. This device is compatible with all vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and marine. It caters to both young engine enthusiasts and professional technicians, providing seamless connectivity to most engine and transmission control systems on the market.

Key Features of Alientech KESS3
Supports reading and writing files for a wide range of ECUs and TCUs
KESS3 supports reading and writing files for various vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, ATVs & UTVs, trucks, buses, construction machines, agricultural equipment, and marine.
Integrated design with three reading and writing modes in a single compact device
- OBD Mode (On-Board Diagnostic): Allows reading and writing files directly through the OBD port without opening the ECU.
- Bench Mode: Reads and writes files by directly connecting to the ECU pins without opening the ECU case.
- Boot Mode: Reads and writes ECU files through direct connections on the ECU circuit board. Boot Mode requires opening the ECU.
ECU Identification
The ECU Identification process involves reading the unique identification data stored in the vehicle’s ECU or TCU, including:
- ECU Hardware ID (HW)
- ECU Software ID (SW)
- ECU Software Update ID (SW upg)
- VIN
- Manufacturer and vehicle model information
Automatic Checksum Correction
KESS3 automatically checks and corrects checksum errors during the reading and writing process, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

Comprehensive instructions for reading and writing files
Detailed instructions are integrated into the AlientechSuite software, accessible when selecting the communication protocol. These instructions provide information about the necessary cables and accessories, connection guidelines, and warnings to ensure proper communication with the desired ECU or TCU.
Virtual Reading
Virtual Reading allows downloading the original ECU file from Alientech’s online database. This feature is used when the ECU does not support direct reading via the OBD port (only file writing is allowed).
Recovery
If file writing fails, the ECU may enter protection mode or lose connection. The Recovery function can restore connection and rewrite or reflash the ECU, bringing it back to full functionality
Read Backup
Supported in Bench and Boot modes, Read Backup allows reading the full ECU data, including EEPROM, Flash, and Micro, ensuring a complete recovery if needed. However, this feature depends on the ECU type, as some ECUs do not allow reading Micro or EEPROM files.
Write Backup
Also supported in Bench and Boot modes, Write Backup allows writing the full ECU data, including EEPROM, Flash, and Micro, for full ECU recovery. This feature is ECU-dependent, as not all ECUs support writing Micro or EEPROM files.
ECU Cloning
This feature allows copying data from a damaged engine control unit (ECU) or transmission control unit (TCU) to another ECU of the same type and hardware version. This is available in Bench and Boot modes (some specific ECUs may require registration).
ECU Patch
This feature enables writing modified files to the ECU through OBD mode, often used to bypass or disable manufacturer protections on the ECU. In some cases, this can be done directly through OBD, while others require Bench or Boot mode by removing the control unit from the vehicle
Read Password
Allows extracting the security password from an ECU or TCU before performing tasks such as reading or writing files in Boot mode.
DTC Reading and Reset
KESS3’s DTC feature allows viewing and clearing DTCs on cars or motorcycles. Through the KESS3 EOBD connection, Alientech Suite retrieves a list of recorded error codes, helping technicians identify potential faults and damage easily.
Download Original Files
Master users with an active subscription can access Alientech’s online database to request and download original files (Original Files). These files contain all the initial ECU parameters and configurations released by the manufacturer.
Online Backup Management
This is a new feature available on the Alientech dashboard, allowing you to open, modify, disable checksum correction, and restore backup files for KESS3. It currently supports Boot and Bench modes only. You can open files with checksum issues, encode, and decode them. This feature is available for KESS3 Master versions and requires a separate subscription.
Multi-Language Support
The Alientech Suite interface supports multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Polish, and Russian.
Specifications
| Specifications KESS3 |
| Connection port |
DB25 connector |
| Tyco 12 connector |
| IDC 26 connector |
| USB 2.0 Type B |
| Compatible operating systems |
Windows 10 and Windows 11, 32-bit or 64-bit editions |
| Minimum system requirements |
+ RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit OS or 2 GB for 64-bit OS
+ Processor: 1 GHz or faster
+ Storage: 200 MB
+ 1 USB port
+ Latest version of Microsoft Edge
+ Internet connection
+ Bluetooth® V4.2 BR/EDR and Bluetooth® LE
+ Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Device weight |
Approx. 400g (14.11 oz) |
| Device dimensions: |
Approx. 19.7x15x3H cm (7.76x5.91x1.18 in) |
| Suitcase weight (empty) |
Approx. 2,75 kg (6,06 lb) |
| Suitcase weight (with tool and accessories) |
Approx. 3,9 kg (8,60 lb) |
| Suitcase external dimensions |
Approx. 57x14,5x42H cm (22,44x5,71x16,54 inch) |
| Power supply |
| AC input |
100-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| DC output |
12,0 V, 4,2 A |
| Weight |
Khoảng 220 gam (7,05 oz) |
| External dimensions |
Khoảng 14,3x7x6H cm |
| Environmental conditions |
| Operation temperature range |
-10°C/+50°C (14°F/122°F |
| Storage temperature range |
-20°C/+70°C (-4°F/158°F) |
| Maximum operation humidity |
60% |
| Operating altitude |
max 5.000 m (16.400 ft) |
| Degree of waterproofing |
IP X0 |

List of Accessories
| STT |
Accessory |
Quantity |
| 1 |
KESS3 hardware |
1 |
| 2 |
Power supply 1400K3ALIM |
1 |
| 3 |
Detachable international plug set |
4 |
| 4 |
External battery power supply cable 144300TALI |
1 |
| 5 |
USB cable 081600USB2 |
1 |
| 6 |
OBD cable 144300KOBD |
1 |
| 7 |
Rainbow ribbon cable IDC26-10 144300T104 |
1 |
| 8 |
Rainbow ribbon cable IDC26-16 144300T105 |
1 |
| 9 |
Rainbow ribbon cable IDC26-26 144300T106 |
1 |
| 10 |
Multiwire cable 144300KBNC |
1 |
| 11 |
Extensions 144300KTER for multiwire cable 144300KBNC |
26 |
| 12 |
Suitcase |
1 |
Benefits of Using Alientech KESS3
- Improved design over K-Tag and Kess2 KESS3 comes with stronger hardware and more optimized software compared to previous versions, delivering better performance and faster processing.
- Integrated OBD, Bench, and Boot modes KESS3 combines all three reading and writing modes in one device, offering flexibility and convenience to users. You can read and write ECU file for various vehicles without the need for additional devices.
- Supports a wide range of vehicles KESS3 works with cars, motorcycles, ATVs & UTVs, trucks, buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and boats.
- User-friendly interface The AlientechSuite software is easy to use, even for users without much experience
- Advanced features: In addition to professional ECU reading and writing, KESS3 supports essential tuning functions such as:
• Automatic checksum correction
• Downloading original files (Original File)
• Step-by-step ECU connection guides
Warranty Information
- 1-year warranty on KESS3 hardware.
FAQ
How to purchase Alientech KESS3?
You can purchase the Alientech KESS3 through our website: Alientech Kess3 Master
What are the differences between the Master and Slave versions?
Master users have full independence, from reading files, editing, to writing files to the ECU without any file encryption. Additionally, the Master can provide tuning services for Slave users, creating an ECU file management system and offering file decryption services for files that the Slave users have read. The Master version is designed for professionals and businesses specializing in tuning who want to establish their own Slave system.
In contrast, Slave users are dependent on their Master. Only the Master can decrypt the files that you have read. This option is recommended for technicians who are new to tuning or entering the tuning field and require support from a Master.
*Some other differences between the Master and Slave versions:
| KESS3 Master - available features and services |
| Feature / Service |
Free of charges |
Upon subscription |
| AlientechSuite software updates |
✔ |
✔ |
| Update of protocols purchased with KESS3 or activated before the subscription expiration date |
✔ |
✔ |
| Activation of new developed protocols |
✖ |
✔ |
| Virtual Reading |
✖ |
✔ |
| Bosch ECU clone – VAG group |
✖ |
✔ |
| ECU clone – other brands |
✔ |
✔ |
| Original file request |
✖ |
✔ |
| Access to the Help Desk Portal |
✔ |
✔ |
| Access to the Encoding Portal * |
✔ |
✔ |
| Access to the KESS3 Backup Management ** |
✖ |
✔ |
*Access to the Encoding Portal is reserved for organizations owning KESS3 Master tool with at least one Slave tool associated.
**Access to this service is subject to the purchase of the corresponding activation.
| KESS3 Slave - available features and services |
| Feature / Service |
Free of charges |
Upon subscription |
| AlientechSuite software updates |
✔ |
✔ |
| Update of protocols purchased with KESS3 or activated before the subscription expiration date |
✔ |
✔ |
| Activation of new developed protocols |
✖ |
✔ |
| Virtual Reading |
✖ |
✔ |
| ECU clone – all brands |
✖ |
✖ |
| Original file request |
✖ |
✖ |
| Access to the Help Desk Portal |
✔ |
✔ |
| Access to the Encoding Portal |
✖ |
✖ |
| Access to the KESS3 Backup Management |
✖ |
✖ |
Does the hardware purchase include the software?
Alientech KESS3 applies separate pricing policies for hardware and software. Therefore, when purchasing the hardware, you need to select additional software packages (protocols) that suit your ECU reading and writing needs. This provides you with the flexibility to choose the necessary features for each type of vehicle and ECU.
Below is a reference list of products that include both software and hardware:
| KESS3 MASTER |
Alientech KESS3 Master hardware |
| KESS3 Master - Car - LCV OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Bike - ATV & UTV OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Agriculture - Truck & Buses OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Marine & PWC OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Car - LCV Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Bike - ATV & UTV Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Agriculture - Truck & Buses Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Master - Marine & PWC Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 SLAVE |
Alientech KESS3 Slave hardware |
| KESS3 Slave - Car - LCV OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Bike - ATV & UTV OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Agriculture - Truck & Buses OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Marine & PWC OBD Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Car - LCV Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Bike - ATV & UTV Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Agriculture - Truck & Buses Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
| KESS3 Slave - Marine & PWC Bench-Boot Protocols activation |
Does the device require an annual update subscription? Can it still be used if not updated?
Alientech KESS3 offers an optional annual update subscription. If you choose not to renew the update package, KESS3 will still function normally for reading and writing ECU programs, without any limitations on the protocols you have previously purchased.
However, subscribing to the annual update package offers many significant benefits for users:
- Always up-to-date software: You will have access to the latest versions of the software and protocols, expanding support for the latest vehicles and ECUs on the market.
- Access to advanced features: The update package allows you to use advanced features such as Virtual Reading, DTC diagnostics, and Original File downloads.
- Bug fixes and optimizations: You will receive regular patches and software optimizations, ensuring KESS3 operates smoothly and efficiently.
- Priority technical support: Customers with an active subscription will benefit from priority, in-depth support from Alientech’s expert team. This ensures you receive fast and effective assistance, resolving any technical issues or questions regarding the KESS3 device promptly and professionally.
I own KESS v2 / K-TAG. Can I upgrade to KESS3?
We have designed an attractive trade-in program specifically for customers who own KESSv2 or K-TAG. When you upgrade and replace your KESSv2 and/or K-TAG with KESS3, you will receive an exclusive discount on the new KESS3 configuration. Discover the great discounts available just for you!
ECUTools Vietnam
Điện thoại: +84.899.402.402
Facebook: ECUTools.vn
Youtube: ECUToolsvn
Tiktok: ECUTools
Trang web: ECUTools.vn