What to Choose
Stop derate/limp mode fast—whether it’s AdBlue/SCR, EGR, EKAS, or a DPF restriction. This manual shows the best option for your case so you can avoid the costly “repair loop,” cut downtime, and get back on the road with confidence.
Table of Contents
It breaks down four options—two Package Deals (keep DPF active vs. DPF Delete with required exhaust hardware removal) plus two targeted choices (SCR AdBlue / DEF Delete or a temporary AdBlue (DEF) Counter Reset).
You’ll also see what stays active, what gets disabled, what to expect after installation, and why the Package Deal is often the most reliable long-term path.
Package Deal With DPF Active
What will be fixed?
Solution removes limitation/derate behavior triggered by SCR/EGR/EKAS faults.
And reduces repeat “repair loop” cases where these systems keep coming back after parts replacement.
Why doesn't this solution disable DPF?
We recommend keeping the DPF active until it becomes a real drivability issue (frequent regens/DPF Full). Because deleting the DPF “in advance”:
- Typically adds downsides: exhaust hardware work is required, exhaust sound changes, and exhaust odor can be more noticeable (especially with long idle time: RV/motorhome use, warm-up, waiting on jobs).
- Requires physical hardware changes: the DPF and the SCR catalyst must be removed from the exhaust system.
How does the vehicle behave after?
No typical SCR/EGR/EKAS-driven limitation scenarios.
No need for ongoing repairs/maintenance of these systems as the cause of limitations, if those systems were the root cause.
DPF continues normal operation (regen scheduling/monitoring remains OEM) if the DPF system is healthy.
In sum, this is the best choice for the following cases
- Your main issues are connected to one or a couple of SCR/DEF, EGR, EKAS:
Even if only one system is failing right now, it’s usually best to address all systems that can be handled without mechanical work to reduce future failures and repeat limitation events.This will significantly reduce the cost of repairing these systems.
- If there are no clear signs of DPF restriction:
It’s typically better to keep the DPF active until it actually becomes a problem (as we already mentioned above).
Package Deal With DPF Delete
What will be fixed?
DPF-driven problems: frequent regen cycles, DPF Full, and restriction/soot-load scenarios that lead to derate/limp behavior.
Also removes limitation logic tied to SCR/EGR/EKAS, which often appears alongside DPF issues. And prevent “repair loop” cases where these systems keep coming back after parts replacement.
How does the vehicle behave after?
The vehicle operates without DPF-driven and DEF/EGR/EKAS-driven scenarios that typically lead to limitations and recurring faults.
No need for ongoing repairs/maintenance of these systems as the cause of limitations — as long as those systems were the root cause.
Expect possible changes in exhaust sound and more noticeable exhaust odor, especially during extended idling (because DPF Strategy is disabled).
Best choice for the following cases
- You have clear DPF restriction symptoms (frequent regens, DPF Full, repeated power loss/derate events driven by DPF).
- You have issues with one or a couple of SCR/DEF, EGR, EKAS, and your DPF is already close to restriction — so you want to “solve it all together” to avoid coming back to the DPF problem later.
- You understand and accept the required exhaust modifications and trade-offs of DPF removal (i.e. possible changes in exhaust sound and more noticeable exhaust odor, especially during extended idling).
- The vehicle is out of warranty (DPF removal is not warranty-safe and can affect warranty coverage).
- You understand the vehicle maynot pass emissions testing/inspection in regions where emissions checks are required.
SCR AdBlue / DEF Delete
What will be fixed?
SCR/AdBlue warnings and limitations, including start countdown behavior and messages like “X Starts Remaining” or “Check DEF” (and similar SCR-related alerts).
Recurring SCR failure patterns that often return after repairs (NOx sensors, DEF components, SCR-related hardware).
How does the vehicle behave after?
SCR/AdBlue no longer drives limitation scenarios.
But EGR, EKAS, and DPF remain unchanged. This means that any existing or future hardware failures related to these components may still occur and could result in performance limitations.
Best choice for the following cases
- Your problem is clearly SCR/DEF/NOx, and you want the simplest targeted ECU solution.
- You do not have ongoing DPF symptoms (DPF Full/frequent regens) or multi-system issues that point to a Package Deal.
AdBlue (DEF) Counter Reset
What will be fixed?
Vehicles restricted specifically by the start counter: “X starts remaining”, active countdown.
This is a rapid mobility tool: restore 10 new starts each time the OBD module is used — so you can finish a trip/job or drive to service without a tow (as long as the SCR module is communicating).
How does the vehicle behave after?
Mobility is restored by resetting the start counter (when applicable to the current vehicle state).
SCR/DEF, EGR, EKAS, and DPF remain active and unchanged. Any existing or future failures related to the Emission Control System may still occur, could result in performance limitations and will require mechanical repair.
Best choice for the following cases
- You need temporary mobility and want to avoid being stranded far from service with “0 starts remaining” (without an opportunity to drive without a tow).
Stage 1 Note (Part of Package Deals ONLY)
Both Package Deals include a complimentary Stage 1 calibration. You may opt out of this feature if you wish (however, please note that this will not reduce the total price).
Feature intent: reliability-first drivability optimization — improved pedal response, smoother torque delivery, and more predictable pull under load.
Stage 1+ (instead Stage 1) can be discussed case-by-case (typically we suggest it for well-maintained vans under ~100,000 miles).
We do not provide fixed performance figures. Our priority is a balanced power and torque increase, specifically engineered to ensure the long-term reliability and safety of your vehicle’s systems.
Fuel economy may improve during steady cruising and light-throttle conditions. Naturally, efficiency gains depend on driving style and will vary under more aggressive use.
That means you’re less likely to fix one issue today and get stranded by another emissions-related fault later. In many cases, it’s also more cost-effective than dealing with repeated repairs and downtime across multiple systems.
Keep in mind: upgrading later is typically noticeably more expensive than choosing a Package Deal from the start, so if your goal is long-term stability, starting with a Package is usually the better value.
If needed, we can provide two calibrations for the same module: “Leave DPF Active” and “DPF Delete”. The second calibration (“DPF Delete”) can be added for an additional $200 (so you have no need to buy both Package Deals to take advantage of this approach).
If starts are already at 0, or there is a no-communication condition with the SCR module, the situation may require a different approach and is handled case-by-case. Feel free to send a request, we will discuss your case and find out the best solution.
Stage 1+ is discussed case-by-case and is typically recommended only for well-maintained vans under roughly 70,000-100,000 miles.
