This post walks through diesel DPF and EGR removal. It explains how to edit ECU binaries using tools like DaVinci, ADS remover, Volta and Swiftec. It aims to stay clear, honest and easy to read. It avoids fluff and talks like real people do.

Why remove DPF and EGR

DPF traps soot from exhaust and gets clogged over time. That can hurt fuel economy and performance. EGR loops exhaust gas back to intake to reduce NOx emissions. Over time it causes soot in intake, hot spots and rough running.

Removing these systems requires editing the ECU code. The car stops managing or checking those devices.

Without editing, the ECU will often go into limp mode when it sees no DPF or a blocked EGR flow. Software removal tricks the ECU into thinking those systems are fine or never existed.

What you need

First you need hardware to read and write ECU binary files. Tools include Kess V2, Ktag, MPPS, FGTECH Galletto, CMD, Byteshoter needed by ADS software.

Second, you need editing software that handles DPF and EGR logic. We focus on DaVinci, Swiftec, ADS remover and Volta where possible.

Backup your original ECU file every time. Always run tests on a bench image before writing to a live ECU.

Keep an eye on actuator plugs. For EGR modules in Swiftec the actuator must  be unplugged during writing.

DaVinci DPF EGR remover

DaVinci is an ECU file editor to clear out DPF, EGR, AdBlue, MAF and Lambda logic.

Install on Windows and register with email. It works instantly. Choose car brand and ECU model. Load the binary file. Click OFF next to DPF and EGR. Save and write back using your programmer.

It runs on Bosch, Delphi, Siemens, Marelli across many models like VAG, Mercedes, Fiat, Peugeot, BMW. The free versions give limited tokens per day. Cracked versions exist online but lack support.

Feedback from tuners says the tool works reliably. A user said DaVinci handles VaG, Peugeot, Mercedes with ease. Genuine license costs a few hundred euros but cracked versions work similarly.

Swiftec ECU editing platform

Swiftec is a full ECU tool with DPF Removal 2.0 and EGR Removal modules.

The EGR Removal module forces the valve closed all the time to avoid soot build up in the intake.

Many ECU firmwares are supported. Swiftec covers Bosch EDC16, EDC17 variants for VAG, Mercedes, Ford, Renault, Citroen, Hyundai, Kia, Opel, PSA brands.

For EGR removal the hardware actuator plug must be disconnected during writing. Failure to do so may lock or damage the module.

Swiftec updates frequently. As of version 1.9.9.8 it added hundreds of new ECU variants across multiple modules including DPF and EGR removal.

They often improve recognition, messages and support tickets to speed troubleshooting.

ADS DPF EGR Lambda Remover

This software sells for about 20 euros and adds DPF, EGR and Lambda deletion via simple interface.

It works with common programmers like FGTECH Galletto, Kess V2, KTag, MPPS, CMD and Byteshoter Master. Supported ECUs include Bosch, Siemens, Delphi, Marelli, Denso and Visteon.

It is user friendly. Select vehicle and ECU type. The app removes logic automatically. Save and write back the edited file.

It’s cheap and straightforward. But documentation is thin. Compatibility with newer firmware is unclear. No guarantee for updates, support or safety features.

Volta tool (and clones)

Volta often appears in forums as low cost solution for DPF and EGR removal. It may be marketed under different names like Volta EGR delete tool. Support is less documented. It may be part of DaVinci or separate clone. Always verify compatibility with specific ECU model.

Don't assume full coverage. Test on bench first.

Using WinOLS and advanced tuning

WinOLS is the advanced map editing software used by professionals. It requires knowledge of map addresses, scaling and tuning logic.

License costs around 800 to 900 euros with annual fees. This is overkill for simple DPF and EGR removal but is used when custom remaps are needed.

This guide focuses on turnkey tools where tuning is pre‑built or automated.

Why remap ECU when deleting DPF

After removing the DPF physically or using a racing pipe, pressure sensors before and after DPF will read no difference. The ECU sees that as a fault and enters limp mode unless you remove logic in software.

Removing DPF without remap may trigger fault codes or shut the car down.

Also, EGR delete changes combustion and soot. The ECU must adjust injection timing or check logic. Tools like DaVinci or Swiftec handle that.

Without good tuning sometimes turbos suffer or fuel economy drops. Several users report turbo failure after poor tunes or deletion without proper editing.

Mechanical side of delete

Many users do DPF physically by removing the filter and replacing with straight pipe. EGR cooler and valve are either unplugged or removed. Use block‑off plates or rubbers to seal passage.

On one user report they spent around 4 hours on DPF delete and 3 hours on EGR delete on their driveway. Removing turbo and downpipe was the hardest part.

Users advise keeping the anti‑shutter valve while deleting EGR to reduce runaway risk.

Step by step guide

Read the ECU file with your hardware tool like Kess V2 or FGTECH.

Open binary in DaVinci or Swiftec.

Select proper ECU profile matching your firmware and ECU type.

In DaVinci click OFF next to DPF then OFF next to EGR. In Swiftec run DPF Removal module then EGR Removal module .

Unplug EGR actuator during EGR reoval step.

Save modified file.

Write back using your programmer.

Clear fault codes and restart engine. Monitor live data to confirm zero DPF pressure readings and closed EGR.

Ensure there is no limp or missing performance. Run a test drive.

Keep backups and repeat for other ECUs if needed.

Legal and risk warning

Removing emission systems is illegal in many places. It breaks emission laws, may void warranty and fail inspection checks.

Some regions allow removal for off‑road or racing only. Kn ow your local laws. You may face fines or restrictions during roadside checks.

There may be added soot or imbalance. If the tune is poor it may shorten turbo life. Use tools that properly adjust logic to reduce risk.

Cheap options and risk management

Cracked or cheap versions of DaVinci appear online for around 10 to 20 euros. They lack support and updates. Use with caution.

ADS remover costs under 20 euros, but may not support latest firmware. Volta and clones are unverified, test on bench setups.

Swiftec costs more but has better coverage and support options. DaVinci genuine license is a few hundred euros and regularly updated.

Hardware like Kess V2 or FGTCH is reliable but costs more than cheap clone programmers. But they support more tools and logic safely.

Always back up files, test on bench, disconnect EGR actuator when needed, monitor engine after writing edits. Know the legal risks and possible inspection issues.

DPF and EGR off on SIMOS PCR 2.1 ECU

Simos PCR 2.1 is a common ECU in VAG diesel engines, especially in 1.6 TDI models like Audi A3, VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and Seat Ibiza. It’s used from around 2009 to 2015. It controls injection, boost, DPF and EGR functions.

This ECU is protected. You can’t write to it by OBD until it’s unlocked in boot mode. After that, you can read and write via tools like Kess V2 or MPPS.

What makes it tricky

PCR 2.1 uses a software lock called OTP (one-time programmable area). You have to unlock it in boot mode using a proper tool. Without that step, most tools will give error on writing. Be aware this is not guide for immo off, this is dpf and egr remap guide. For immo visit this immo off guide.

Once unlocked, you can flash modified binaries through OBD like any other ECU.

Tools that work

For hardware you can use:

• Kess V2 with boot mode cable
  
  

• MPPS v18 or v21 (with Tricore plugin)
  
  

• Ktag or FGTech (for boot mode only)
  
  

For software:

• DaVinci works with PCR 2.1 binaries
  
  

• Swiftec also supports it if you select correct file version
  
  

• WinOLS is possible if you have proper damos or map pack
  
  

• ADS and Volta have limited or mixed success on this ECU
  
  

How to unlock PCR 2.1

1. Open ECU and connect in boot mode (boot pin and resistors needed)
   
   

2. Use Ktag, MPPS or FGTech to read full backup and unlock OTP area
   
   

3. Save original file and full EEPROM
   
   

4. Now it’s unlocked and future writes can be done over OBD
   
   

ECU editing steps

1. Read file using MPPS or Kess (after unlock)
   
   

2. Open file in DaVinci
   
   

3. Select VAG PCR 2.1 if it’s listed. If not, load file manually
   
   

4. Turn OFF DPF and EGR using checkboxes
   
   

5. Save modified file
   
   

6. Write file back via OBD or boot mode
   
   

If you use Swiftec:

1. Load file and detect driver
   
   

2. Apply DPF off module
   
   

3. Apply EGR off module
   
   

4. Unplug EGR connector if software requires it
   
   

5. Save and flash
   
   

Extra notes for PCR 2.1

• Some models require MAF off when doing EGR delete to avoid air flow errors
  
  

• Always block off EGR pipe physically if doing full EGR delete
  
  

• Swiftec and DaVinci usually auto-patch DTCs but check them manually if needed
  
  

Common issues

• Writing fails if ECU is not unlocked first
  
  

• Incomplete deletes may still throw DTCs like P0401, P2458, or regen errors
  
  

• EGR unplugged without software delete causes limp mode
  
  

• Bad checksum handling leads to no start or stuck fan after flash
  
  

Checksum handling

PCR 2.1 needs proper checksum correction. DaVinci usually fixes it on save. Swiftec does the same. WinOLS requires plugin or external checksum tool.

Avoid flashing a file without checksum fix. That can brick ECU or prevent engine start.

Restoring original

Always save:

• Original read file
  
  

• EEPROM full backup
  
  

• Modified file
  
  

If needed, write original via boot mode to restore ECU. This is useful if emission checks or sale return is needed.

Summary

Simos PCR 2.1 needs unlock first. Then you can remove DPF and EGR using DaVinci or Swiftec. Hardware tools like Kess, MPPS or Ktag work fine. Just make sure checksums are fixed and file is tested. Don’t skip backup or physical EGR blocking.