Limp mode, warning light, failed regen
EGR, DPF and AdBlue faults diagnosed where your vehicle sits
- Limp mode, a new warning light, or a dealership quote with a comma in it.
- Dave drives to the vehicle, or you bring it to the Papamoa workshop.
- Full fault code scan and live data, then an honest answer on what is wrong.
- A straight explanation of what the New Zealand rules allow on your vehicle.
- Sometimes that answer costs the $195 call out and nothing else.
- 4.9 stars from 100+ Google reviews
- 17+ years' mechanical experience, and Dave does every job himself
- Mobile, or at the workshop at Unit 1, 2 Ashley Place, Papamoa
- Bay of Plenty and Waikato, travel inside the area included
- Diagnostic call out $195, credited back if you book a tune
- 4.9 from 100+ Google reviews
- 17+ years' mechanical experience
- Travel included
Get a price for your vehicle
Make, model, year and rego. Dave comes back with a price and a straight answer on whether it is worth doing.
4.9 stars
From 100+ Google reviews
17+ years
Mechanical experience, one man, every job
$195
Diagnostic call out, credited back
2 ways
Your place, or the Papamoa workshop
It never goes wrong on a quiet week
Most people ring on the day it finally stops being ignorable. The ute stops pulling mid job. A warning light you have not seen before is sitting there. A regen starts and never seems to finish. Then somebody quotes you for parts you did not know the vehicle had.
From there, everyone you ring has an opinion and a price. The useful first step is finding out what is genuinely wrong with your vehicle. That is the part Dave charges $195 for, and credits back against a tune if you go ahead.
Limp mode, mid job
An EGR or DPF fault that puts a vehicle into limp mode part way through a job costs more than the repair does. Dave can work at the vehicle, in the driveway, the yard, a farm race or on site, or you can bring it to the Papamoa workshop.
A light you have not seen before
The $195 diagnostic call out is a full fault code scan and live data taken at your address, then an honest answer on whether tuning is any part of the solution. It comes back off the price if you book a tune.
A quote that made you wince
Worth knowing what is actually wrong before you sign off on it. Dave talks people out of spending money, and several of his reviews are from people he told not to bother. If a vehicle is not a good candidate he says so before any money changes hands.
Read this before anybody quotes you
This sits above the prices on purpose. It decides which options are actually open to your vehicle, and it is the conversation Dave has with you on the phone before any work is booked.
The rule that applies. The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 says at clause 3.2 that a vehicle’s exhaust emissions system or exhaust control equipment must not be modified so as to prevent the vehicle passing the metered test in Schedule 2. That applies to most cars, utes, vans and trucks certified for entry into service in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2008. Removing a DPF, an EGR system or an AdBlue system on a vehicle in that group will normally prevent it passing that test, so the modification is not permitted whether or not anybody spots it. The Rule also defines emissions control equipment as including on-board diagnostics, so the software side is inside the same regime. Clause 5.1 puts a duty on the person doing the work as well as the owner.
A remap on its own. If the emissions hardware stays fitted and the vehicle still passes the visible smoke test, there is no exhaust emissions reason for rejection at WOF. This is the safest path and it is what Dave recommends for most road vehicles.
DPF removal and the WOF. For a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2010 and manufactured from 1 January 1990, removing the DPF is a named reason for rejection at WOF unless you hold written evidence from an entry certifier that it passed a prescribed metered emissions test in that condition. Vehicles first certified for entry before 1 May 2008 sit outside that reason for rejection.
EGR and AdBlue. Neither is named as a reason for rejection in the WOF inspection manual the way the DPF is. That is a point about the inspection, not about clause 3.2, which still applies to in-scope vehicles. The visible smoke test also still applies.
Insurance and certification. Tell your insurer. NZ insurers treat anything beyond factory spec as a modification, and an undeclared one is how claims get declined. Dave gives a written spec of what changed so it can be forwarded. LVV certification is a separate structural and safety regime and is not a route to legitimising emissions equipment removal.
This is general information about New Zealand rules current at the time of writing, not legal advice, and the rules change. Sources: Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 clauses 3.2 and 5.1, and the NZTA in-service WOF inspection manual, exhaust emissions. Dave will walk through your specific vehicle and situation on the phone before any work is booked.
One man, your vehicle, its own data
Dave can drive to the vehicle, or you can bring it to the Papamoa workshop. Either way, the person who answers the phone is the person who does the work.
The second half matters more. No generic files, ever. A generic file was written for one example of your engine somewhere else in the world, in conditions that had nothing to do with yours. Every map here is written from that vehicle’s own live data.
Mobile or workshop
Driveway, yard, farm race or worksite, with travel inside the Bay of Plenty and Waikato already in the price. Or bring it to the Papamoa workshop for the same base price.
No generic files, ever
Every map is written from that vehicle's own live data. A file bought off a database was written for one example of the engine somewhere else in the world, in conditions that had nothing to do with yours.
Inspected before anything changes
A full inspection comes before anything is modified. Dave works inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take, and he will tell you what your vehicle can safely make before you commit a cent.
The software tune can be restored
The original ECU file is backed up and kept, per vehicle, so the software tune can be restored. You also get a written record of exactly what changed, for your own records and for your insurer.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
What it looks like on the day
On a mobile job there is no drop off, no courtesy car and no day off the tools. A laptop on the guard, the vehicle where it lives, and live data coming off it while Dave works.
The $195 call out. A full fault code scan and live data, taken at your address, before anyone talks about parts or prices.
The map written on site. Live data logging and road testing, with the original ECU file backed up first. A straightforward mobile remap typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
Factory maps leave headroom because manufacturers cover the worst fuel and the worst climate on the planet. Dave stays inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take.
Estimated gains, model by model
| Vehicle | Year | Estimated after tuning |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux 2.8 1GD | 2021 | 250 hp / 650 Nm |
| Toyota Fortuner 2.8 1GD | 2023 | 250 hp / 650 Nm |
| Toyota Hilux 3.0 1KD, turbo and injectors | 2010 | 260 hp / 610 Nm |
| VW Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI | 2022 | 320 hp / 680 Nm |
| Ford Ranger PX2 3.2 | 2018 | 240 hp / 580 Nm |
| Mazda BT-50 3.2 | 2014 | 240 hp / 580 Nm |
| Mazda BT-50 3.0 4JJ3 | 2021 | +60 hp / +140 Nm |
| Nissan Navara 2.3 bi-turbo | 2021 | 215 hp / 510 Nm |
| Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 | Not on record | 300 hp / 700 Nm |
| Hino Dutro 4.0 | 2012 | +30 percent torque |
These are estimated gains, not measured dyno results. Actual results depend on the vehicle and its engine condition, as well as fuel and what hardware is fitted. Dave will tell you what your specific vehicle can safely make before you commit a cent.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
What people said afterwards
Six of the published Google reviews behind the 4.9 star average.
Dave is awesome, extremely knowledgeable. I called on Monday with big issue with my px1 ranger, he was at my house within the hour to have a look and then came back first thing Tuesday morning ready to go and had everything sorted in a few hours! EGR delete and tune with a bunch of extras
Michael Vandervlerk, Ford Ranger PX1
Excellent service and results from Dave and the ute feels like it has a new lease on life, the upgrades have made a massive difference in power and the smoothness of gear changes
Jonathon Ogden, diesel ute
Dave recently did some work on my px3 ranger. An EGR delete, performance tune and transmission tune. It’s like a totally different vehicle. Definitely recommend if your thinking about getting it done give Dave a call. He will sort you out.
Tim Cooper, Ford Ranger PX3
Good knowledge and actually told me if there was any issues. Even better I didn’t have to leave home, he came to me and got a great combo deal for 2 trucks. All in all, great experience
Apiata Maaka, two work trucks
Dave tuned my 3.2 Ranger, made a massive improvement. I went for both engine and trans tune. Ute runs way way stronger up hills and towing. Fuel burn has reduced by approx 2 litre/100 k. Great bang for the $$ spent, highly recommend Dave
John Ryan, Ford Ranger 3.2
Dave came over to Gisborne and remap my Mazda bt50 2014. Mean power now, thanks for your mahi.
Herbert Osborn, Mazda BT-50, Gisborne
Compared with the usual way it gets done
| What you are choosing | A generic file | Dave's custom map |
|---|---|---|
| Where the map comes from | A file written for one example of the engine somewhere else in the world | Your vehicle's own live data, logged and road tested |
| Before anything is modified | Flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle | A full inspection, and he says so if the vehicle is not a good candidate |
| When it goes wrong | Failed injectors, cooked turbos, transmission problems, work Dave has been paid to repair | Inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take |
| Restoring the software tune | Only if somebody kept your original file | Original ECU file backed up and kept, per vehicle |
A cheap tune is usually a generic file bought off a database and flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle. The diagnosis is the part that gets skipped. Here it is $195, and it comes back off the price if you book a tune.
Tell Dave what you are driving and he will give you a straight answer, including if the answer is that it is not worth doing.
How a job runs
1. The call
Ring 021 656 416 with the make, model, year, what the vehicle is doing and which lights are showing. Dave walks through your specific vehicle and situation before any work is booked.
2. The diagnostic
$195, at your address. A full fault code scan and live data, then an honest answer on whether tuning helps. Credited back if you book a tune.
3. The decision
The final quote is confirmed once Dave knows the make, model, year and what is already fitted. A $200 deposit secures the booking and comes off the final price.
4. The work
A straightforward mobile remap typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Fault and emissions work can take longer. Factory file backed up and kept safe, live data logging and road testing, then a written report of exactly what changed.
What is included
Every price on this page covers travel inside the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and it is the same at the Papamoa workshop. Named towns are Te Puke, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata, and Dave has travelled to Gisborne.
- Mobile to where the vehicle sits, or at the Papamoa workshop
- A full fault code scan and live data on the diagnostic call out
- A full inspection before anything is modified
- A custom map written for your vehicle from its own live data
- Live data logging and road testing
- A straight answer on the WOF position before any emissions work is booked
- The factory file backed up and kept safe, per vehicle
- A written report of exactly what changed, for you and for your insurer
- Travel inside the Bay of Plenty and Waikato
Emissions work, what it costs
Every figure covers travel within the standard service area and is the same at the workshop. Which of these is actually open to your vehicle depends on the section further up this page, which is why that conversation comes first.
Diagnostic call out
$195
Including GST. Dave comes to you. Full fault code scan and live data, then an honest answer on whether tuning helps. Credited back if you book a tune.
ECU remap
What Dave recommends for most road vehicles
from $1,299
Including GST. A custom map written for your vehicle. Live data logging and road testing, the original ECU file backed up and kept safe, and a written report of exactly what changed. The same price mobile or at the workshop. A straightforward mobile remap typically takes three to four hours.
Emissions solution
Software only
$450 each
Including GST. ECU software for one emissions system. Software only: not a diagnosis, removal or parts package. Which options are open to your vehicle depends on the WOF and emissions section on this page, so this always starts with that conversation.
Remap plus emissions solution
$1,590
Including GST. A custom remap and one emissions software solution, booked together. Software only. Read the WOF and emissions section on this page first.
Hourly rate
$140 an hour
Including GST. Workshop time, modifications and anything a fixed price does not cover.
Fleet, 3 or more
Call
The per vehicle rate drops with volume. Done on site. One invoice, one visit.
A $200 deposit secures a booking and comes off the final price. The final quote is confirmed once Dave knows make, model, year and what is already fitted. If a vehicle is not a good candidate he says so before any money changes hands.
Prices cover travel within the standard service area and are the same mobile or at the workshop. Performance figures vary by vehicle, condition and fuel. Emissions system modifications may affect WOF compliance and it is the owner’s responsibility to declare modifications to their insurer.
What you are not risking
The software side is not a one way door. The original ECU file stays saved, the change is written down, and the diagnostic is money you get back if you go ahead.
And Dave talks people out of spending money. Several of his reviews are from people he told not to bother, which is a strange way to run a business until you notice the rating.
- The original ECU file is backed up and kept, per vehicle, so the software tune can be restored
- Restoring the software tune is straightforward. Small charge for time and travel if it is done later
- The $195 diagnostic is credited back against a booked tune
- A written record of exactly what changed, for your records and your insurer
- A full inspection before anything is modified
- If a vehicle is not a good candidate, he says so before any money changes hands
- He talks people out of spending money. Several reviews are from people he told not to bother
The questions that come before a booking
For a vehicle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2010 and manufactured from 1 January 1990, it is a named reason for rejection at WOF unless you hold written evidence from an entry certifier that it passed a prescribed metered emissions test in that condition. Vehicles first certified for entry before 1 May 2008 sit outside that reason for rejection. Read the section higher up this page, then ring with your vehicle details.
If the emissions hardware stays fitted and the vehicle still passes the visible smoke test, there is no exhaust emissions reason for rejection at WOF. This is the safest path and it is what Dave recommends for most road vehicles.
Factory maps leave headroom because manufacturers cover the worst fuel and the worst climate on the planet. Dave works inside what the engine, turbo and transmission can safely take, and checks the vehicle before touching the map. The damage stories come from generic files flashed in blind.
A dealer can detect a remap on their diagnostic gear. In practice manufacturers decline the affected components rather than the whole warranty. The original ECU file is backed up, so the software tune can be restored before a dealer service.
Usually, but only if your right foot behaves the same. More torque low down means fewer downshifts and lower revs at cruise. Savings of around 15 to 20 percent are possible, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. One customer reported about two litres per 100 km less on a 3.2 Ranger after an engine and transmission tune, which is one customer’s result, not a typical one. If you use the extra power you will not save fuel.
A cheap tune is usually a generic file bought off a database and flashed in without anyone driving the vehicle. Dave has been paid to repair the results: failed injectors, cooked turbos, transmission problems.
The software tune can. The original ECU file is kept, so the software can be restored to factory. Physical upgrades are a separate job. There is a small charge for time and travel if it is done later.
A straightforward mobile remap typically takes 3 to 4 hours, done at your location. Fault diagnosis, emissions work and workshop dyno bookings can take longer. You can also bring the vehicle to the workshop at Unit 1, 2 Ashley Place, Papamoa.
Yes. New Zealand insurers treat anything beyond factory spec as a modification, and an undeclared one is how claims get declined. Dave gives a written spec of what changed so it can be forwarded. LVV certification is a separate structural and safety regime and is not a route to legitimising emissions equipment removal.
The per vehicle rate drops with volume, and the work is done on site, one visit and one invoice. Fuel is usually a fleet’s second biggest cost after wages and it is the largest line an operator can still do something about. Savings of around 15 to 20 percent are possible, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven.
Find out what is actually wrong
Have the make, model, year and the lights that are showing to hand. Dave will walk through your specific vehicle and situation on the phone before any work is booked, and he is the one who answers.
Prefer to talk it through? Ring Dave on 021 656 416. He answers his own phone.
Advanced Tuning Solutions
Unit 1, 2 Ashley Place, Papamoa, Bay of Plenty
Phone 021 656 416
Email bookings@advancedtuningsolutions.co.nz
WhatsApp 021 656 416
Serving Te Puke, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata.
Family owned, registered in New Zealand since 2023. Dave Seuser trained first as an electrician in Germany and has 17+ years’ mechanical experience. Every call is answered by the person who does the work.
Prices cover travel within the standard service area and are the same mobile or at the workshop. Performance figures vary by vehicle, condition and fuel. Emissions system modifications may affect WOF compliance and it is the owner’s responsibility to declare modifications to their insurer.