Definition file

Definition files allow raw binary data to be represented logically. They are the critical link between programmers and tuners - neither is much use without the other.

"Because there's money in selling these codes (sometimes upwards of $50,000), the industry has little incentive to embrace the community" Malicious actors have damped public and community progress for decades and "...wont be motivated to share their findings" (p.64-65, Smith)

Two Main forms:

*.kp - WinOLS

- Rare in public.

- Purchased or leaked files

- Linked to expensive software

*.xdf - TunerView

- Common in public

- Can be created from *.kp files via scripts

- Freeware and community driven

---

Others

*.ols - WinOLS project

- contains definitions, original bin, and project bin packaged together

- *.bin data can be extracted via hex editor

*.a2l aka Damos - includes definitions of all values

- Ideally a leak from Mfg service department, or OE tuner.

- Rarely does it contain every map or byte/bit value.

- marketing/slang term based off ASAM MCD-2 MC standard

See: https://www.asam.net/standards/detail/mcd-2-mc/wiki/

---

Source(s): The Car Hacker's Handbook - A Guide for the Penetration Tester (Craig Smith)