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S4 ECU tune

Your S4

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers US S4s only. The S5 has its own page.

+30–90 whp (est.)
Easy$500–$80030–60 min
All S4 mods

Why do it

New software is the biggest gain you can make on these cars, especially the turbo and supercharged ones.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Connect a battery charger if you can.
  • This tune is done by swapping the ECU.
  • Connect a battery charger. A low battery during a flash can cause real problems.
  • Never turn off the car or unplug the cable during a flash.
  • Connect a battery charger. A low battery during a flash can cause real problems.
  • Never turn off the car or unplug the cable during a flash.

Steps

  1. Remove the factory ECU

    • Take off the cover and pull the ECU out.
    Watch this step (Jackal on a B6/B7 S4) (21:27–28:05)

  2. First start

    • Fit the new ECU and start the car.
    Watch this step (28:05–29:33)

  3. Connect a battery tender

    • Hook up the tender.
    Watch this step (Jackal on a B8 S4) (0:50–1:05)

  4. Open the software

    • Open the Jackal tuning suite.
    Watch this step (1:05–1:29)

  5. Plug in the cable

    • Connect the cable to the OBD port and the computer.
    Watch this step (1:29–2:06)

  6. Program the car

    • Follow the screen and let it finish.
    Watch this step (2:06–6:33)

  7. Install the software

    • Install the IE app.
    Watch this step (Integrated Engineering's guide) (0:09–0:21)

  8. Prepare the car

    • Connect your battery charger.
    Watch this step (0:21–0:35)

  9. Connect to the car

    • Plug the POWERlink into the OBD port.
    Watch this step (0:35–0:54)

  10. Pick and buy the tune

    • Choose the tune for your car.
    Watch this step (0:54–1:33)

  11. Flash the car

    • Follow the screen until it's done.
    Watch this step (1:33–2:22)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.