Audible Engine Alarm Feature
(VCMTUNER II)
🛑 STOP AND READ: Risk of Unit Damage
Attempting the manual ground-touch procedure below too many times, or doing it too rapidly, will trigger a deep factory recalibration sequence. We use this specific mechanism in our lab to input raw code into the microcontroller.
If you trigger this accidentally, the unit will fail to operate properly (causing difficult vehicle starting) and will require you to ship the unit back to our headquarters for repair. Please follow the exact timing instructions below.
If you trigger this accidentally, the unit will fail to operate properly (causing difficult vehicle starting) and will require you to ship the unit back to our headquarters for repair. Please follow the exact timing instructions below.
Feature Overview
The Audible Engine Alarm feature on the VCMTUNER II is disabled by default.
This feature is generally only necessary for older vehicles (pre-2011). Most 2011 and newer models already feature a factory dashboard warning that alerts the driver if the coolant hits 240°F. (Note: On these newer vehicles, the temperature gauge will automatically peg to "HOT" and a P0118 code will trigger until the car is pulled over and the key is turned off.)
🛡️ Standard Over-Temp Protection is Automatic
You do not need to enable the Audible Alarm to be protected. Standard over-temp protection is always active out of the box. If your engine reaches 212°F, the VCMTUNER II will automatically restore the real factory ECT temperature to your dashboard gauge without any configuration required.
How to Enable the Audible Alarm
If you have a pre-2011 vehicle and wish to manually enable this specific feature, follow this exact sequence carefully. You do not need to disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Turn Ignition On: Turn the key to the "Accessory/ON" position so the dashboard lights turn on, but do not start the engine. The ECU must be sending 5v power to the unit.
- Prep the Wire: Extend the green wire (with the spade terminal) from the VCMTUNER II so it can reach a solid metal ground point on the vehicle.
- The Touch Sequence: Touch the green wire to the metal ground and hold it for exactly 2 seconds, then release. This equals one (1) count.
- Repeat: Perform this exact 2-second touch-and-release sequence exactly 10 times. Do not rush or spam the connection.
- Verify the Code: When the process completes successfully, a Check Engine Light (CEL) will illuminate and throw a P0118 code. This confirms the alarm has been activated. The code will automatically clear itself after two normal drive cycles.
- Power Cycle the Unit: Finally, reboot the VCMTUNER II by simply pulling its 12v connection fuse and immediately re-installing it.