Can Renolink Clone ECUs? What You Need to Know
Need to replace or clone a Renault or Dacia ECU? You’ve probably heard that Renolink can help. But what exactly does it mean to clone an ECU, and more importantly — can Renolink do it?
The short answer is yes, Renolink does support ECU cloning in many cases, but there are important limitations and requirements you should be aware of before getting started.
This guide explains what ECU cloning is, how Renolink supports it, the benefits, legal considerations, and when to use it.
What is ECU Cloning? 🧠
ECU cloning is the process of copying the full data from one Engine Control Unit to another. This includes:
- EEPROM data
- Immobilizer/anti-theft info
- VIN number
- Injector coding
- Configuration settings
The goal is to make the replacement (donor) ECU behave exactly like the original, so there’s no need for reprogramming or re-coding keys.
ECU cloning is commonly used when:
- The original ECU is damaged or bricked
- A replacement ECU has a different VIN
- You need to preserve immobilizer sync without key re-coding
- You’re repairing vehicles with hard-to-find or expensive ECUs
Can Renolink Clone ECUs? ✅
Yes — Renolink 2.12 can read and write many Renault and Dacia ECUs, allowing cloning in compatible modules.
Here’s what Renolink helps you do when cloning:
- Read EEPROM data from original ECU
- Save the configuration file
- Write saved data to a compatible donor ECU
- Adjust VIN or immobilizer data if needed
- Match coding and options to the donor car
Not all ECUs can be cloned with simple read/write functions. Compatibility depends on ECU type, generation, and security level.
Which ECUs Can Be Cloned with Renolink? 🔍
Renolink supports cloning for a wide variety of ECUs from models between 2005 to around 2020, particularly:
| ECU Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Siemens Sirius 32 | ✅ Fully supported | Cloning + VIN change options |
| Delphi DCM1.2, DCM3.2 | ✅ Supported | EEPROM and config copy possible |
| Valeo V40 | ✅ Supported | Common in Dacia vehicles |
| Bosch EDC15C2, EDC16 | ⚠️ Limited support | Requires external EEPROM read/write below Renolink capabilities |
| Continental SID301 | ⚠️ Partial | Immobilizer sync may be needed |
| UCH/BSI modules | ✅ Read/write support | VIN & config cloning possible |
You can review compatible vehicles and modules here:
👉 Renolink vehicle + ECU compatibility list
Step-by-Step: Cloning an ECU with Renolink 🛠️
- Connect the original ECU to the vehicle or bench setup
- Launch Renolink and select the ECU model
- Use the EEPROM read or Read Config function
- Save the file to your computer
- Connect the donor ECU
- Perform Write EEPROM or Write Configuration
- Match or rewrite VIN, if necessary
- Test vehicle startup and function
Legal and Ethical Use ⚠️
ECU cloning can be helpful — but it must be used responsibly and legally.
It is legal to clone ECUs when:
- Replacing a faulty ECU in your own vehicle
- Performing repairs as a certified technician or shop
- Maintaining immobilizer integrity in module transfers
It is not legal to:
- Change VIN or ECU identity to disguise a vehicle
- Clone ECUs with malicious intent (e.g. avoiding immobilizers for theft)
- Sell cloned ECUs with falsified info
Tampering with VINs or ECU integrity beyond legal ownership can carry serious consequences in many countries.
Limitations of ECU Cloning with Renolink 💡
While Renolink is powerful, it does not support advanced chip-programming or boot-mode flashing. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
- Some ECUs (e.g., Bosch EDC17, SID305) require external programmers
- Cloning may not work if the donor ECU has locked firmware
- Immobilizers must sometimes be reset separately if VIN mismatch remains
- Cloning does not fix hardware-level faults (burnt microcontrollers, etc.)
👉 For inaccessible ECUs, external tools like KESS, KTAG, or Autel may be needed in addition to Renolink.
Cloning vs. VIN Change — What’s the Difference? 🤔
Many users confuse ECU cloning with a simple VIN rewrite. They are not the same.
| Process | Description | Tool Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| VIN Change | Replaces vehicle ID only in ECU or UCH | Renolink ✅ |
| Cloning | Copies full ECU data, incl. EEPROM | Renolink (partial support) ✅ |
If you’re just replacing the VIN in a donor ECU, that’s a straightforward Renolink task
👉 Here’s how to do it properly
When Should You Clone an ECU?
Cloning is ideal for:
- Swapping a used ECU into another vehicle
- Keeping immobilizer and keys working without recoding
- Preventing dashboard warnings due to module mismatch
- Fast repairs when paired ECUs or original tools are unavailable
Avoid cloning if you:
- Don’t have solid backups of both ECUs
- Are unsure of your hardware compatibility
- Do not understand the impact on immobilizer systems
Final Thoughts
Renolink is a highly capable tool that can support ECU cloning for a wide range of Renault and Dacia vehicles — but you’ll need to understand the limits.
It’s perfect for cloning simpler ECUs like Sirius and DCM units, reprogramming VINs, and syncing configurations during module swaps. For more advanced ECUs, pairing Renolink with other tools may be necessary.
As always, use it responsibly, protect customer data, and keep backups before writing changes.
Need help getting started?
👉 Get your genuine Renolink with activation
👉 Check our tutorials for step-by-step help
👉 Read more advanced ECU tips on our blog
Clone smart. Drive safe. 🔧🚗