Kess 2.90

Pros:

Cons:

Recommendation: If you own a Kess V2 running 2.90, it remains a workhorse tool for older diesel tuning (EDC15/EDC16/EDC17). It is a "keep it in the toolbox" tool. However, it cannot be your primary tool if you are working on 2020+ vehicles. If you are looking to buy one now, the value proposition is low unless purchased cheaply, as the Kess 3 has superseded it completely.

KESS 2.90 is the latest firmware and software update for the widely used KESS V2 ECU programmer. It is a popular tool among automotive enthusiasts and professional tuners for reading and writing Engine Control Units (ECUs) and Transmission Control Units (TCUs) via the OBDII port. Key Features and Improvements

Expanded Vehicle Coverage: Version 2.90 adds support for many new car models, trucks, tractors, and bikes, including newer protocols that were unavailable in older versions like 2.80 or 2.70.

Enhanced Stability: The software provides more stable communication with the ECU, reducing the risk of "bricking" (rendering unusable) an ECU during the flash process.

Checksum Correction: It includes automated checksum correction for many protocols, ensuring the modified file is valid before it is written back to the vehicle. Kess 2.90

Faster Read/Write Speeds: Optimization in the software code allows for quicker data transfer between the computer and the vehicle's diagnostic port. Hardware Compatibility

KESS 2.90 is typically designed to work with the KESS V2 Master hardware.

Online/Offline Use: Depending on the specific version (original Alientech vs. aftermarket), some versions allow for "Online" functionality where tokens are not required, allowing for unlimited resets.

V5.017 Compatibility: Most aftermarket KESS 2.90 software packages are tailored to work with the stable V5.017 hardware firmware. Common Use Cases

Chiptuning/Remapping: Modifying fuel maps, ignition timing, and boost pressure to increase horsepower and torque.

DPF/EGR/AdBlue Solutions: Disabling or adjusting emission control systems for off-road use or diagnostic testing. Recommendation: If you own a Kess V2 running 2

Speed Limiter Removal: Adjusting or removing the factory-set top speed of a vehicle.

DTC Removal: Permanently clearing specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes that are no longer relevant after mechanical modifications. Installation Notes

System Requirements: Usually requires Windows 7, 10, or 11 (64-bit).

Security: Because many versions of 2.90 found online are modified, it is often necessary to disable antivirus software during installation to prevent the "loader" from being flagged.

Internet Connection: While original Alientech tools require an internet connection, many aftermarket versions should be used offline to prevent the hardware from being locked by the manufacturer’s servers. Comparison: KESS V2 vs. K-TAG

While KESS 2.90 is for OBDII (in-car) programming, its sister tool, K-TAG, is used for "on-the-bench" programming. If an ECU cannot be read via the diagnostic port, a tuner would typically use K-TAG to connect directly to the ECU pins. including Bosch MG1

Avoid Amazon and eBay. Purchase from:

Expect to pay between $2,800 and $3,500 USD for the full master kit with a 1-year software subscription. After the subscription expires, you can still use the unit, but you cannot download protocol updates for new car models.

When you use the Kess V2 interface with firmware 2.90, you unlock a suite of professional tuning functions:

The Kess V2 2.90 represents the final "Golden Era" firmware for the Alientech Kess V2 hardware before the industry transitioned to the Kess 3 platform. It is widely considered one of the most stable and reliable releases for the V2 hardware. However, as of 2024, this tool is strictly considered Legacy Hardware. While highly capable for older vehicle protocols, it lacks the support infrastructure for modern ECU architectures (UDS, MDG1, MG1).

Kess 2.90 is a next-generation OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) and Bench tuning interface. Unlike older handheld programmers that only overwrite existing maps with pre-set files, Kess 2.90 allows full read and write capabilities for the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and TCU (Transmission Control Unit). The "2.90" designation typically refers to a specific hardware revision or firmware cluster that supports many of the latest ECUs from 2020 to 2025 models, including Bosch MG1, Delphi DCM, and Continental SIM2K.

The device operates in three primary modes:

To understand the hype around 2.90, one must understand the tool. Kess (specifically the Kess V2) is a hardware interface used for ECU tuning. Produced by the Italian company Alientech, it allows users to read and write data to a vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) via the OBD port. This process, known as "remapping" or "chipping," alters parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and boost pressure to increase horsepower or fuel efficiency.

Officially, users must buy the hardware and pay for software updates and "tokens" (credits used to unlock ECUs). However, the high cost of official tools birthed a massive grey market for "cloned" hardware—Chinese replicas of the Kess interface that run cracked software.