2.90 - Kess

When searching for "Kess 2.90," you will likely find two price categories: the genuine Alientech unit ($1,500+) and the clone/Chinese unit ($100-$200). The vast majority of online tutorials referencing 2.90 are aimed at clone users.

Why users buy clones with 2.90:

The risks:

Pro Tip: If using a clone, buy a "Power Supply Stabilizer" to sit between the tool and the ECU during boot mode.

Even with stable Kess 2.90 firmware, errors occur. Kess 2.90

  • Error 2: "Checksum error during writing"
  • Error 3: "Interface not found"
  • Kess 2.90 is an incremental but worthwhile update that addresses real-world pain points for tuners: better stability, wider ECU coverage, and safer flashing routines. Whether you’re a pro shop or a serious hobbyist, installing 2.90 should make many ECU tuning jobs faster and more reliable.

    As of 2025, Alientech (now Magicmotorsport) has superseded Kess V2 with: When searching for "Kess 2

    However, Kess 2.90 remains legendary because:

    | Use Case | How Kess 2.90 Helps | |----------|----------------------| | Stage 1/2 tuning | OBD read/write without opening ECU. | | ECU cloning (spare) | Read donor car, write to replacement ECU (identical HW). | | Immobilizer off | After file mod, Kess writes back. | | DPF/EGR removal software | Writes modified calibration (legal only for off-road). | | Speed limiter removal | Simple map edit, Kess reflashes. | The risks: