FAQs

Manufacturers keep engine software conservative because it is cheaper to produce. Creating multiple optimized versions would increase development, testing, and certification costs.

With Schaknat, you get the optimization the factory won’t provide – delivering better performance and efficiency without the compromises of mass production.

Yes, anytime. With the Schaknat app you can switch between your truck’s original software and tuning within minutes – simple and flexible.

Basically, the TAN is a code. With this code, you can log in to your account.

In the Schaknat app, the TAN serves as your login credentials — similar to an email and password.

You simply request the code in the app using the email address you used to place your order with us.

A code (TAN) will then be sent to this email address, which you can use to log in to your account.

In your account, you will find all registered vehicles and all purchased licenses.

You can always request a new TAN if you want to access your account on another device or after logging out.

The optimal setup is:

• Engine → Power
  
• Transmission → ECO
  

Why this works best:
With the engine in Power mode, you get maximum pulling power right from low RPM.
This reduces unnecessary downshifts and allows the truck to run more efficiently. Combined with the ECO transmission mode, which shifts at the lowest possible RPM, this setup provides the best balance of performance and fuel savings.

Why an ECO engine option also exists:
In Power mode, the engine delivers maximum torque very quickly. This can tempt some drivers to accelerate harder than necessary, which increases fuel consumption.

The ECO engine mode adjusts the power delivery so that torque builds more smoothly, while still providing enough in the lower RPM range. This helps save fuel by preventing unnecessary throttle use.

For a disciplined driver, the Engine Power + Transmission ECO combination will usually deliver the best overall results.
Still, test yourself and choose whatever works best for you!

After a manufacturer software update, simply connect the dongle, open the Schaknat app and use the read function to capture the new software version.

We accept all common payment methods, from credit card to PayPal.

You can return your order within 30 days of delivery.

The 30-day period begins once the package has been delivered.

The 30-day money-back guarantee applies only to your first order.

Return Deadlines

• All control units must be reset:
  
  30 days after delivery or 50 days after order date – whichever comes first.

• Notification about return:
  
  No later than 51 days after order date via our contact form.

• Return of hardware:
  
  No later than 60 days after delivery – the dongle must have arrived back with us.

Before returning, all control units must be reset to their original state.

We verify this.

If the dongle is returned without resetting the control units, the 30-day money-back guarantee does not apply.

The dongle does not need to arrive back with us within the 30-day period.
However, it must arrive no later than 60 days after delivery.

However, the reset and the request for return must still be made within the deadlines explained below.

In the case of longer delivery times, the money-back guarantee period may be shortened:

The vehicle must be reset no later than 50 days after the order date in order to remain eligible for the money-back guarantee.

For example: If your package takes 25 days to arrive, you will not have the full 30 days for returns. Instead, you must complete the reset and request the return within 50 days of the original order date. If for example the reset happens on day 55, the money-back guarantee will no longer apply.

By the 51st day at the latest, you must notify us (via our contact form) if you wish to request a return and refund.

At this point, all control units must already have been reset to their original state — otherwise the request cannot be accepted.

The costs for return shipping are not covered by us.

Standard shipping of your order is free of charge, but if you booked express shipping, the additional express fee will not be refunded.

Apart from the money-back guarantee,
All other rights are excluded.

Sure, just contact us.

If you selected the wrong vehicle or engine, this is not a problem. The hardware (dongle) is universal, the price for all optimizations is the same, and you cannot accidentally get the wrong software.

The app will automatically detect the exact specifications of your vehicle.

We ship to the US, EU, and UK.

For all other regions, please contact us directly via the contact form on our contact page.

After placing your order, you will receive an email notification.

This email contains your tracking number and also includes a button or link such as “Track Shipment”, which will take you directly to the tracking page.

We optimize the calibration maps inside the truck’s ECU using the Schaknat OBD dongle. The original software is always read and securely backed up first. Then, a verified and tested tuning file – developed specifically for your ECU version – is safely written with checksum correction. This guarantees maximum reliability, and you can switch back to stock software at any time.

What is optimized in the engine software

• Torque maps and limiters: The torque curve is reshaped for stronger pulling power, especially in the low-range, while keeping all drivetrain protection limits intact.
  
• Boost control and turbo maps: Turbocharger management is refined so boost builds earlier and more efficiently. Exhaust gas temperatures and turbo speeds always remain within safe limits.
  
• Fuel injection strategy: Injection timing, rail pressure, and injection quantity are precisely calibrated for better combustion efficiency. This means reduced fuel consumption and maximum performance.
  
• Safety systems remain active: All OEM protection thresholds for coolant and oil temperature, exhaust gas temperature, and torque monitoring are preserved. Where factory values are already at their safe maximum, they are maintained – ensuring long-term durability.

We optimize the transmission software to perfectly match the improved engine characteristics. The Schaknat dongle allows safe calibration via OBD – without hardware changes and always reversible.

What is optimized in the transmission software

• Shift strategy: Gear changes are adapted to the optimized torque curve. This means smoother acceleration, less frequent shifting, and better use of available power.
  
• Shift points: RPM thresholds for upshifts and downshifts are fine-tuned for more efficient driving and improved responsiveness under load.
  
• Torque management: Coordination between engine and gearbox is refined so that torque delivery is both stronger and safer for the drivetrain.
  
• Fuel efficiency: In ECO setups, the gearbox shifts earlier to keep revs low, helping to reduce fuel consumption across long distances.
  
• Performance response: In Power mode, gears are held longer to provide more pulling power when overtaking or climbing.
  

All OEM protection systems remain active, including clutch pressure limits, temperature monitoring, and torque restrictions. This ensures durability and reliability are maintained.

In short: Transmission optimization with Schaknat means smoother shifting, better drivability, and improved efficiency – fully aligned with the tuned engine.

The CPC (Central Powertrain Controller) is a key control unit in newer Mercedes trucks. It manages the interaction between engine, transmission, and other drivetrain systems. With Schaknat, CPC optimization is always included if the unit is installed.

What is optimized in the CPC

• Torque coordination: The CPC acts as a gateway between ECU and transmission. By aligning torque requests and limits, power delivery becomes smoother and more efficient.
  
• Communication with ECU and gearbox: Optimized parameters ensure that the engine’s improved torque curve and the gearbox shift strategy work together without delays or mismatches.
  
• Driving dynamics: The truck reacts more precisely to throttle input, resulting in improved drivability, especially under load or in demanding terrain.
  
• Fuel efficiency and performance balance: Depending on the chosen mode (ECO or Power), the CPC calibration supports either reduced fuel use or maximum pulling performance.
  

All OEM safeguards remain active. Safety thresholds for temperature, torque, and drivetrain protection are preserved to ensure reliability and compliance.

In short: CPC optimization ensures that all drivetrain components work together seamlessly – unlocking the full potential of the tuning while keeping safety intact.

We provide a warranty on the quality, reliability, and safety of our software. Every Schaknat optimization is developed, tested, and validated on real vehicles and dynos before release. Our process ensures that each tuning file matches the exact ECU version of your truck, with checksum correction and complete reversibility.

Unlike many tuning solutions, we do not remove or bypass protective functions. All factory safety systems remain active: temperature limits, torque monitoring, turbo protection, injection safeguards, and more. These parameters are carefully respected, so your engine and transmission always operate within the safe limits.

Our philosophy is clear: performance and efficiency should never come at the expense of reliability. That’s why long-term durability is at the core of our software design. In fact, by optimizing torque delivery, combustion efficiency, and load distribution, wear and tear can even be reduced – helping extend the service life of your truck.

With Schaknat, you can be confident that your tuning is safe, tested, and built for long-term reliability.

However, we cannot provide a warranty on your engine or transmission. Here’s why:

• We did not build the vehicle itself.
  
• Manufacturer "FULL" warranties are usually limited to 12 months. For vehicles aged 2–5 years, extended coverage can sometimes be purchased as an insurance add-on. We generally cannot offer a longer warranty than the manufacturer does, and insurance contributions are not included in our license pricing.
  
• We do not know how and where the vehicle is operated. Usage conditions vary greatly and influence wear.
  
• We have no verified record of the service history or maintenance quality. Trucks are serviced externally, and we cannot control or guarantee maintenance standards.
  
• Existing engine or transmission issues may already be present. To avoid false blame, we cannot provide warranty on components beyond our control.
  

In short: With Schaknat you get a safe and proven software optimization – but the responsibility for the vehicle’s hardware lies with the manufacturer, the workshop that performs maintenance, and the operator who drives and uses the truck.

In theory, any ECU modification can affect the manufacturer’s warranty.

In practice, such cases are extremely rare. To our knowledge, truck, bus, and motorhome manufacturers do not perform software verification checks at all during warranty claims. This is very different from passenger cars, where such checks are common. Serious engine failures in heavy-duty vehicles are also exceptionally unlikely.

With Schaknat you remain fully in control: the original software can be restored within minutes via the app, so your vehicle is always ready for service or inspection whenever needed.

And most importantly: we do not only focus on fuel savings and performance gains. Our top priority is the long-term durability and reliability of your vehicle. In fact, through precise ECU optimization, wear can be reduced and service life can even be extended.

Summary: While the theoretical risk exists, in real-world trucking it is practically irrelevant – and with Schaknat you benefit from more efficiency, performance, and even greater durability.

Legal requirements differ from country to country, so every vehicle owner should check the specific rules that apply in their region.

Currently, chiptuning is usually not approved for public road use, as the impact on emissions behavior is not officially certified.

At the same time, we are already working on approvals and certifications that will allow our optimizations to be used legally on public roads in the future.

Bottom line: Our software is safe, reversible, and developed to the highest standards – but for road use, compliance always depends on local regulations.

On this website you will find video content that has been translated from German into other languages and lip-synced using AI.

Please understand that not everything may always be perfect.


You can find our original channels here:

• YouTube: @schaknatelektronikgmbh2831
  
• Instagram: @schaknat_elektronik
  
• Facebook: Schaknat Elektronik
  
• TikTok: @peterschaknat

Our website is translated into 30 languages using AI.

If something is unclear or you don’t fully understand the content, please feel free to contact us.

You can use the contact form to request a call or to receive a reply via email.

We speak both English and German.