Whatever tool a shop uses, each OE has a recommended target system voltage that varies from make to make. Here’s a chart for recommended voltages.
Overland Park, Kan.—When it comes to vehicle reprogramming, there is one constant, and that is the need for a stable voltage environment to ensure a successful reprogramming event.
Whether shops use an OE tool, aftermarket tool or pass-through device, each OE has a recommended target system voltage in which the event should take place. Not surprisingly, they tend to vary from make to make, and even can vary from model to model within one manufacturer.
Below is an updated table from Clore Automotive of OE-specified voltage environments for module reprogramming, developed and updated in partnership with Clore colleague Tanner Brandt, Diagnostic Technician, Technical Trainer, and Founder of Auto Diag Clinic.
| Manufacturer | Recommended Voltage | Comment |
| Acura | above 12V | Ideal target is 13.5V |
| Alfa Romeo | 13.2V-13.5V | Not above 13.5V |
| Audi | 12.8V-14.2V | Must remain >12.5V; ideal target is 13.5V |
| BMW | 14.2V | 13.8V for lithium batteries |
| Buick | 13.4V | |
| Cadillac | 13.4V | |
| Chevrolet | 13.4V | |
| Chrysler | 13.2V-13.5V | Not above 13.5V |
| Dodge | 13.2V-13.5V | Not above 13.5V |
| Fiat | 13.2V-13.5V | Not above 13.5V |
| Ford | 12.6V-13.6V | ** See note. |
| GMC | 13.4V | |
| Honda | above 12V | Ideal target is 13.5V |
| Hyundai | 13.5V | |
| Infiniti | 13.5V | |
| Jaguar | 13.4V | |
| Jeep | 13.2V-13.5V | Not above 13.5V |
| Kia | 13.5V | |
| Land Rover | 13.4V | |
| Lexus | 13.5V | |
| Lincoln | 12.6V-13.5V | **See Note. |
| Mazda | 13.5V | |
| Mercedes | 12.5V-14.5V | |
| Mini | 14.2V | 13.8V for lithium batteries |
| Mitsubishi | 13.5V | |
| Nissan | 13.5V | |
| Porsche | 13.5V-14.5V | Ideal target is 14.2V |
| Smart | above 12.5V | |
| Sprinter | 12.5V-14.5V | |
| Subaru | 13.5V | Not above 14.0V |
| Toyota (except Supra) | 13.5V | Supra 14.2V |
| Volkswagen | 12.8V-14.2V | Must remain >12.5V; ideal target is 13.5V |
| Volvo | 13.4V |
To download the chart below click here.
Data provided is current as of March 2025
*Note: Most OEM’s also now have a recommendation that the vehicle module temperature must be no higher than 68F. It may be necessary to cool the vehicle down prior to programming.
**Note: Ford designates negative cable to be connected to engine or chassis ground. If both negative and positive battery cables are connected to the battery post, the battery monitoring system must go through a recalibration (the system calibrates the battery state of charge after about 8 hours of sleep time).
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