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KESS3 Unlock Module: Unlock Bosch MDG1 ECUs and Program Them Directly in BOOT Mode

03/09/2026

Alientech continues to expand KESS3 capabilities on the latest Bosch MDG1 ECUs with the release of KESS3 Upgrade 3.50. The main feature of this update is the introduction of the KESS3 Unlock Module, a dedicated accessory that allows technicians to unlock protected Bosch MDG1 ECUs directly in the workshop.

Once the Unlock procedure has been completed, KESS3 can access the ECU memories in BOOT mode to perform reading, writing and a complete backup of the ECU contents. This solution enables workshops to manage the entire process in-house, from the initial unlock to the subsequent ECU programming operations.

What Is the KESS3 Unlock Module?

The KESS3 Unlock Module is a dedicated accessory developed by Alientech to manage the BOOT Unlock procedure on selected protected Bosch MD1 and MG1 ECUs.

On these ECUs, a standard BOOT connection may not be sufficient to access and program the internal memories. The ECU must first be unlocked with the KESS3 Unlock Module before KESS3 can perform reading, writing and backup operations.

The roles of the two products should be clearly distinguished:

KESS3 Unlock Module: performs the Unlock procedure on the protected ECU.
KESS3: reads, writes and backs up the ECU data in BOOT mode after the ECU has been unlocked.

The KESS3 Unlock Module is therefore not a standalone ECU programmer. It is a dedicated accessory designed to work with KESS3 as part of a complete unlocking and programming solution.

Workflow for Protected Bosch MDG1 ECUs

The procedure can be managed directly in the workshop through the following main stages:

Identify the exact ECU model, hardware version and vehicle application.
Check the supported protocol in Alientech Suite or the Alientech Dashboard.
Connect the ECU according to the BOOT connection instructions provided by Alientech.
Use the KESS3 Unlock Module to perform the Unlock procedure.
After the ECU has been successfully unlocked, use KESS3 to access its memories.
Read, write or create a complete backup of the ECU contents in BOOT mode.

Correct ECU identification and proper connection are essential before starting the procedure. The published vehicle list indicates the overall application coverage, but actual compatibility still depends on the exact ECU model, hardware version, software version and available protocol.

Link product: Kess3

Available Functions After Unlocking

Once the ECU has been successfully unlocked, KESS3 allows technicians to:

Access the internal ECU memories.
Read ECU data in BOOT mode.
Write modified or replacement data.
Create a complete backup of the ECU contents.
Store the original ECU data before modification.
Support ECU programming, recalibration and software recovery operations.
Manage the entire process directly in the workshop.

The complete backup function is particularly important for ECU programming and repair. It allows technicians to preserve the original data before making changes, providing greater control throughout the operation.

Benefits for Workshops and ECU Technicians

Using the KESS3 Unlock Module together with KESS3 provides several advantages for daily workshop operations:

Unlock protected Bosch MDG1 ECUs directly in the workshop.
Reduce dependence on external ECU unlocking services.
Maintain control over every stage of the process.
Access ECU memories through a direct BOOT connection.
Perform reading, writing and complete backup operations.
Expand coverage of newer diesel and petrol vehicles.
Work on cars, high-performance SUVs, commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery.
Create new opportunities for ECU repair, programming and recalibration services.

This is a significant update for workshops using KESS3 on vehicles manufactured from 2021 onwards.

Supported Bosch ECUs

KESS3 Upgrade 3.50 adds Unlock support for the following ten Bosch MD1 and MG1 ECUs:

Bosch MD1CS003
Bosch MD1CS069
Bosch MD1CP007
Bosch MD1CS012
Bosch MG1CS042
Bosch MD1CS004 with HW80 hardware
Bosch MG1CS031
Bosch MD1CP006
Bosch MD1CS005
Bosch MG1CS002

Technical Information

Connection mode: BOOT
Production years: From 2021 onwards
ECU type: Protected Bosch MD1 and MG1 ECUs
Required accessory: KESS3 Unlock Module
Programming tool: KESS3
Required activation: CAR BENCH/BOOT
Protocol requirement: Active KESS3 subscription

The new protocols are available to KESS3 users with CAR BENCH/BOOT activation and an active subscription. The KESS3 Unlock Module is required to perform the BOOT Unlock procedure on the supported ECUs.

Supported Brands

The update expands KESS3 coverage across a wide range of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and agricultural machines from the following brands:

Audi, Bentley, Case IH, Citroën, Cupra, DS, Fiat, Ford, Ford Trucks, Genesis, Hyundai, Iveco, John Deere, Kia, Land Rover, Landini Tractors, Massey Ferguson, McCormick, New Holland, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Seat, Secma, Skoda, Steyr, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Supported Vehicles

Audi

A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS4, RS5, S4, S5, S6, S7, SQ5 and TT.

Bentley

Bentayga and Flying Spur.

Case IH

Farmall 90C, Farmall 100C, Farmall 110C, Farmall 120C and Farmall A Series.

Citroën

Berlingo, C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, C4 SpaceTourer, C5 Aircross, Jumpy and SpaceTourer.

Cupra

Formentor and Leon.

DS Automobiles

DS 3, DS 7 Crossback and DS 9.

Fiat

Ducato and Scudo.

Ford

Ecosport, F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty, Focus, Kuga, Puma, Tourneo Connect and Transit Connect.

Ford Trucks

F-650 Super Duty.

Genesis

G70, G80, GV70 and GV80.

Hyundai

Palisade, Porter, Starex and Staria.

Iveco

Daily.

John Deere

5G Series.

Kia

New Bongo, Sorento, Stinger and Tasman.

Land Rover

Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar.

Landini Tractors

5-Series and 6 Series.

Massey Ferguson

MF 3xx.

McCormick

X5.085, X5.100, X5.110, X5.120, X6.125 and X6.135.

New Holland

T4 Powerstar Series, T4 Series, T5 90, T5 100, T5 110, T5 120 and T5 Series.

Opel

Astra, Combo, Corsa, Crossland X, Grandland X, Mokka, Vivaro and Zafira Life.

Peugeot

2008, 208, 3008, 308, 5008, 508, Expert, Partner and Rifter.

Porsche

Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, Cayenne S, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Macan, Macan GTS, Macan S, Macan Turbo, Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S and Panamera 4S E-Hybrid.

Seat

Ateca, Leon and Tarraco.

Secma

F16 Turbo.

Skoda

Karoq, Kodiaq, Octavia, Superb and Yeti.

Steyr

Kompakt.

Toyota

Proace City.

Vauxhall

Astra, Combo, Corsa, Crossland X, Grandland X, Mokka, Vivaro and Zafira Life.

Volkswagen

Arteon, Caddy, Golf, Passat, Polo, Talagon, Tiguan, Touareg and T-Roc.

Important Checks Before Performing the Unlock Procedure

Not every vehicle in the list necessarily uses the same ECU version. A single vehicle model may be equipped with different engines, ECU models, hardware versions and software versions.

Before starting the procedure, technicians should:

Identify the exact ECU installed in the vehicle.
Check the ECU model and hardware version.
Verify the vehicle and ECU in the KESS3 supported vehicle list.
Check the protocol and connection instructions in Alientech Suite.
Ensure that KESS3 has the required activation.
Confirm that the KESS3 subscription is active.
Prepare the KESS3 Unlock Module and all required connection accessories.
Follow the official BOOT connection diagram and Alientech instructions.

For trucks, tractors and agricultural machinery, users should also verify the required vehicle-category activation in the Alientech Dashboard before starting the operation.

New Opportunities for Workshops

Bosch MD1 and MG1 ECUs are increasingly common on newer vehicles. However, the protection systems used on certain versions can prevent workshops from accessing and programming them through a standard BOOT procedure.

The KESS3 Unlock Module manages this initial protection stage, allowing technicians to unlock supported ECUs directly in the workshop. KESS3 can then be used to read, write and create a complete backup of the ECU memories in BOOT mode.

This solution expands workshop opportunities across numerous vehicle categories and brands, from Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and Land Rover to Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Iveco, John Deere and New Holland.

For ECU specialists, the update provides access to more recent vehicles and creates additional opportunities for advanced ECU programming, repair and recalibration services.

Conclusion

The introduction of the KESS3 Unlock Module represents an important expansion of the KESS3 ecosystem. Workshops can now manage the complete process for supported protected Bosch MDG1 ECUs directly in-house—from the initial Unlock procedure to memory access, reading, writing and complete backup in BOOT mode.

For workshops working on vehicles manufactured from 2021 onwards, this solution provides greater independence, wider vehicle coverage and new opportunities to develop advanced ECU programming, repair and recalibration services.

Contact ECUTools Vietnam to check compatibility for a specific ECU, receive advice on KESS3 activations and choose the appropriate KESS3 Unlock Module solution.

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