ZFG Racing FAQ Categories

Before You Buy
Is a break-in period required before tuning?
No. Your tune works the same no matter how many miles are on the vehicle.
That said, it's important to make sure everything works the way it should before you tune or add aftermarket parts. Starting from a verified baseline means fewer things to rule out if a problem comes up later.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Many owners wait until 1,000 miles or the first oil change (around 2,500 miles), but it's up to you. There's no deadline to start tuning and we're happy to work at your pace.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
New Customers, Modifications, Tuning Process
Does ZFG offer a warranty?
No, ZFG Racing does NOT offer any warranty for tuning services or products. Any modifications, including tuning, are performed at the user's own risk.
Troubleshooting Tips:
N/A
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Warranty, Modifications, Coverage, Performance Tuning, Vehicle Warranty
What is a "GPF" (Gasoline Particulate Filter)?
GPF stands for Gasoline Particulate Filter. This is a an emissions control device present on some 2026 model year Ford Explorers.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Please note that ZFG Racing does not provide guidance, support, tuning, calibration changes, or assistance related to the modification, removal, alteration, circumvention, or suppression of OEM-equipped GPF systems or any other emissions-related equipment.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
2026 Explorer, Ford Explorer, GPF, Gasoline Particulate Filter
How can I tell if my Explorer has GPF?
To determine whether your vehicle is equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), please reference the emissions sticker under the hood (example below). If "GPF" is listed on the sticker, then there is a GPF on your vehicle.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• The GPF has NOT been seen on any 2020-2024 model year Explorers to date.
• The GPF is not currently known to be installed on any 2025 model year Explorers.
• At this time, *some* 2026 model year Explorers are GPF-equipped.
• It is important to confirm whether your vehicle is equipped by checking the emissions label and/or physical inspection before ordering parts as GPF-equipped vehicles may not be compatible with all aftermarket exhaust upgrades (downpipes & cat-backs)


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
2 Minutes
Tags:
2026 Explorer, GPF, Gasoline Particulate Filter, Ford Explorer, Cat-Back Exhaust
Does my Explorer have a GPF?
Certain 2025+ Explorer ST vehicles may be equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF). While this seems to be present on *most* 2026 models, we have seen some 2026 Explorers that are NOT GPF-equipped.
To determine whether your vehicle has a GPF, please review the emissions sticker located under the hood. If "GPF" is listed on the emissions label, certain exhaust components or systems may not be compatible with your vehicle. Please see the photo below for reference.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Please note that ZFG Racing does not provide guidance, support, tuning, calibration changes, or assistance related to the modification, removal, alteration, circumvention, or suppression of OEM-equipped GPF systems or any other emissions-related equipment.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
2 Minutes
Tags:
2026 Explorer, Cat-Back Exhaust, Compatibility, Gasoline Particulate Filter, GPF, New Customers
Can I Change Fuel Types Later?
Generally, no.
Once a Tune Request has been submitted, the fuel type of your tune cannot be changed.
However, you can purchase an Additional Tune to cover a different fuel type.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Please contact us and include the order number if you have not yet submitted a Tune Request and would like to change the fuel type of your tune.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Fuel Types, Tune Support, Vehicle Change, Tuning Options
Which Fuel Type Should I Choose?
The ideal fuel type depends on your driving goals, local fuel availability, budget, and willingness to manage fuel quality.
For customers seeking maximum flexibility, Auto-Octane allows operation across a wider range of fuel grades. Customers seeking maximum performance from pump gas often prefer a dedicated 91+ or 93-octane calibration. Ethanol-based calibrations such as E50 and E85 typically provide the highest performance potential but require ethanol availability and proper fuel management.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• Choose a fuel type that is consistently available in your area.
• Higher-performance fuel options are not always the best fit for every customer.
• Consider future goals before selecting a fuel type.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
91 Octane, 93 Octane, Auto-Octane, Gasoline, Ethanol, Fuel Types, E50, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
What Is Included With My Tune Purchase?
Every ZFG Tune is built specifically for your vehicle, modifications, fuel type, and tuning goals.
Your purchase includes:
• Custom ECM calibration
• Custom TCM calibration (where supported)
• Data log review
• Revision support required to complete the tune
• Tune delivery through HP Tuners and TDN
Additional refinements can also be requested after completion if needed.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• There is no set revision limit, or specific number required to complete the tune.
• ECM and TCM tuning are included together.
• Data logging is a normal part of the process.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning Device, Tune Revisions, Data Logs, Tuning Package, Custom Tuning, Purchasing, Tuning Options, Pre-Purchase, New Customers
What Is Auto-Octane?
Auto-Octane is a fuel type we offer for tunes. Auto-Octane tunes are designed to accommodate a broader range of pump-gas fuel octanes than a dedicated premium-fuel tune, such as 91+ Octane or 93 Octane.
While Auto-Octane provides excellent flexibility, dedicated premium-fuel calibrations generally offer greater performance potential.
Auto-Octane is often a good choice for customers who travel frequently or live in areas where premium fuel availability varies. This fuel type is also well-suited for use as a tow and travel tune.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• Flexibility is the primary advantage of Auto-Octane.
• Dedicated 91+ / 93 octane fuel types offer higher peak performance.
• Fuel quality still matters.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Fuel Types, Gasoline, Tuning Options, Auto-Octane, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
Which GPF-compatible exhaust components are available for my 2025+ Explorer ST?
Certain 2025+ Explorer ST vehicles may be equipped with a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF). To determine whether your vehicle has a GPF, please review the emissions sticker located under the hood. If "GPF" is listed on the emissions label, certain exhaust components or systems may not be compatible with your vehicle.
At this time, ZFG Racing is not aware of any GPF-compatible aftermarket downpipes available for the 2025+ Explorer ST. If compatible options become available in the future, we will update our catalog accordingly.
However, some cat-back exhaust options are now becoming available for GPF-equipped vehicles. Most notably, Thermal R&D has recently released GPF-compatible exhaust systems for applicable Explorer ST models.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Please note that ZFG Racing does not provide guidance, support, tuning, calibration changes, or assistance related to the modification, removal, alteration, circumvention, or suppression of OEM-equipped GPF systems or any other emissions-related equipment. If you have questions regarding compatibility, we recommend contacting the product manufacturer and providing a photo of your vehicle's emissions sticker for review. Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
GPF, Gasoline Particulate Filter, Thermal R&D, Ford Explorer, 2026 Explorer, Exhaust System, Downpipes, Cat-Back Exhaust, Modifications, Compatibility, Lincoln Aviator
Can I return my order or get a refund?
Custom tuning files, calibration services, software credits, and other digital products are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Most new, unopened merchandise may be eligible for return within 30 days of delivery provided an RMA has been issued by ZFG Racing. Special-order items, electronics, and opened products are generally not eligible for return.
Restocking fees of up to 25% may apply and are determined during the RMA review process.
Order cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee.
For complete details, please review our Return & Refund Policy or contact Sales before requesting a return.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Most return and cancellation requests are reviewed during normal business hours after submission. Refunds and returns may take up to 3-6 business days or more, depending on the item and shipping timelines, bank processing times, etc.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Return Policy, RMA, Cancellation, Purchasing, Pre-Purchase, New Customers, Orders
What is ZFG Racing's return, refund, and cancellation policy?
Custom tuning files, calibration services, and software-related purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tune files may only be used on the vehicle for which they were originally created and cannot be transferred or reassigned to another vehicle or customer.
Physical merchandise may be eligible for return within 30 days of delivery, provided a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) has been issued by ZFG Racing before the item is shipped back. Returned products must be brand new, unused, and in their original unopened packaging.
Please note:
• RMA requests must be submitted to sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com before returning any merchandise.
• Restocking fees of up to 25% may apply and will be disclosed during the RMA approval process.
• Special-order items, electronics, software products, and custom tuning services are not eligible for return.
• Customers are responsible for any carrier address correction or rerouting fees resulting from an incorrect shipping address provided at checkout.
Order cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee. Cancellation requests must be submitted by email to sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com prior to shipment or fulfillment.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Most return and cancellation requests are reviewed during normal business hours after submission. Refunds and returns may take up to 3-6 business days or more, depending on the item and shipping timelines, bank processing times, etc.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Orders, Support, Return Policy, Cancellation, RMA, Purchasing, Pre-Purchase
Which tuning option should I purchase?
The correct option depends on your situation:
Tune Only:
• You already own a compatible device.
• You only need calibration files.
Tuning Package:
• You need both a tuning device and custom calibrations.
• Recommended for most first-time customers.
Additional Tune:
• You already have an active ZFG calibration and need an additional fuel, performance, or other option added to your setup.
If you're unsure which option is right for your vehicle, contact our Sales team before ordering.
Troubleshooting Tips:
A Tune Update is available separately for things like new modifications or refinements for existing calibrations.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tune Only, Tuning Package, Additional Tune, Tuning Options, Custom Tuning, Purchasing, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
How do I tune my vehicle with ZFG Racing once I receive my device?
Getting started is simple.
To ensure no steps are missed, please follow our TDN Quick Start Guide in Tuning Central (linked below).
Once your tuning device arrives, you'll:
1. Install the TDN App and set up your tuning device
2. Connect the device and read your vehicle's factory calibration.
3. Submit the required vehicle information through our calibration portal (Tuning Central).
4. Our calibration team will review your submission and build your custom tune.
Once complete, you'll receive tune files through the TDN App along with instructions for data logging the latest revision.
Additional revisions may be provided as needed based on datalog review and vehicle modifications.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If you encounter a read vehicle error, follow the steps under "Additional Steps for Read Vehicle Errors." This is normal in some cases and just means we need additional data.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
15-30 minutes
Tags:
Custom Tuning, Process, Tuning Process, RTD4, nGauge, New Customers, Pre-Purchase, Order Numbers
Can I use my tuning device on more than one vehicle?
In many cases, an HP Tuners device can be used with multiple vehicles. Generally, these devices can be used to tune multiple vehicles either simultaneously or over the lifetime of the device. However, compatibility depends on the specific device, device generation, vehicle platform, tuner preferences, and licensing requirements.
Most supported vehicles require HP Tuners credits (licenses) before tuning can be performed. The number of credits required varies by vehicle and application. Additional credits may need to be purchased when tuning another vehicle.
Compatibility may also vary based on the model and generation of tuning device being used. Not all devices support all vehicles or vehicle generations, and not all devices support the same tuning methods (e.g., TDN App and/or VCM Suite).
If you are considering using a tuning device on a different vehicle, or using an existing device on your vehicle, please contact us with the device model and vehicle information. We will be happy to help determine compatibility and any licensing requirements before purchase.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Licensing between a specific vehicle and device requires credits. Each vehicle requires a specific number of credits for licensing. Most modern Ford vehicles require 4 Credits.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
HP Tuners, RTD4, MPVI4, TDN, VCM Suite, HP Tuners Credits, Licensing, Device Compatibility, Tuning Device, Vehicle Support, Custom Tuning
Will tuning affect my warranty?
Warranty decisions are ultimately made by the vehicle manufacturer and dealership, not ZFG Racing, and we cannot guarantee outcomes. Any modifications, including tuning, are performed at your own risk.
Customers should consider potential warranty implications before modifying their vehicles.
Troubleshooting Tips:
We suggest consulting directly with your warranty provider or a trusted service advisor to understand their specific stance on performance software.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
Tags:
Warranty, Manufacturer Warranty, Dealership, Modifications, Coverage, Performance Tuning, Vehicle Warranty
What tuning devices work with your tunes?
We only support HP Tuners devices.
Compatibility of each HP Tuners device varies by vehicle year/make/model, device type & generation, and your mobile phone's operating system (iOS or Android).
All Tuning Packages include the latest-generation RTD (Remote Tuning Device) from HP Tuners.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If HP Tuners recently released support for your vehicle
(e.g., 2025 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Raptor, Ranger, Ranger Raptor, 2023+ F150, etc.):
- MPVI3, MPVI4, or RTD4 are the only compatible devices, regardless of your mobile phone.
- RTD4 supports reading & flashing via TDN only; Data logging is supported via TDN App or laptop.
MPVI3 supports reading & flashing via laptop only;
- Data logging is supported via TDN App or laptop.
- MPVI4 support for reading, flashing & data logging is expected for TDN App & Laptop.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
RTD4, MPVI4, HP Tuners, Tuning, Devices
How many tune revisions and data log reviews are included with my tune?
There's no limit. However many are needed to complete your tune are included with purchase.
You can also request refinement post-completion if needed.
When we say "complete," it means our tuner has determined there are no opportunities for further improvements based on your data logs, tuning goal, fuel type, etc.
What this does not mean: No further changes can be made.
You can request refinements anytime, including adjustments based on your experience over time.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning, Data Logs, Tune Revisions, Order Numbers
How long until I have my tune?
It depends, but most customers complete the tuning process within approximately two weeks of submitting their stock file.
The largest factor is turnaround time between revisions. Customers who submit logs and feedback promptly typically complete the process faster, while delays in log submission will naturally extend the overall timeline.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Make sure your stock file has been synced and a Tune Request has been submitted through Tuning Central. We cannot begin writing your tune until both steps have been completed.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
~1-2 Weeks
Tags:
Tuning, Process, Timelines

