If you are wondering whether you should get ECU tuning or remapping in NZ then we invite you to read our overview of remapping in our article How Car ECU Remapping In NZ Meets Your Needs [hyperlink to this article]. It explains the outcomes of remapping and tuning.
In today’s article, we explain the process that we would follow to professionally tune an ECU in a company that is properly equipped to offer this service.
So, let’s lift the bonnet on this now.
How Is The ECU Tuning Done?
Diagnostics And Inspection
We physically inspect your vehicle and useing a professional scan tool, runing dataloging on factory protocols.. Dataloging via factory protocols is extremely important as generic OBD does not allow logging of all important ECU variables that are needed to ensure everything is running safely.
This will pick up defects prior to the tuning process starting. If defects are identified, we will then stop the work at this stage and will propose solutions to the problem(s) or allow you to do this if you prefer. These need to be addressed before we can proceed further with the ECU tuning.
Identification Stage
When we move onto the identification stage, we first ascertain which ECU is installed in your car by using professional ECU flash tools. Generally, these tools may be connected to the ECU using the OBD port or via debug port methods. The identification data looks like this:
- Vehicle: 2016 AUDI R8 R8 COUPE 5.2 FSI
- Engine No: CSP003372
- SW 4S0907552 0004
- VIN: WUAZZZFXXXXXXXXXXX
- System: MED17 CB.06.02.01 C62.00
- Engine: 5.2l V10HDZ / 4V CSPA
Reading Stage
We then read ECU contents via the safest possible method, we use only master versions the latest and best professional tuning tools . Our professional, high-end flash tools have advanced protocols that facilitate reading the ECU on the bench without opening the case in most cases.
Editing And Tuning
We now have a full unencrypted read of the ECU contents that is exactly the same as the HEX files that development engineers at the OEMs use. The data is generally between 1MB and 16MB in the newest ECUs and these can contain many thousands of 3D maps. The data of the maps, for different ECU sub-systems, are then recalibrated from data that we have from very precisely developed and tested and proven test data.:
- Limiters such as speed, rpm, load, torque, fuel quantity and others
- Torque Monitoring
- Load, Torque, Boost and AFR Requests
- Throttle Maps e.g. allowing the throttle to open more fully
- Intake temperature compensations
- Rail Pressures
- Overrun fueling delays
- Variable Vavle timing and lift
- Variable geometry turbo control targets
- Boost pressure control
Typically 200 - 250 Maps need to be worked through.
We always recalibibate the read taken from your car to ensure all of the vehicles systems continue to work correctly and models based on the hardware configuration of the ECU and sensors remains 100% accurate.
Flashing A.K.A. Writing
With the extensively detailed tuning now done, we prepare the car to be reprogrammed. If we are working through the onboard diagnostic port, we will connect a voltage-stabilised battery charger to avoid any problems that could arrise due to voltage drops, it is not uncommon that current draw of around 100A is needed to ensure this is achieved. After that, we clear all the faults created by communications to other vehicle systems being temporarily interupted
Data Logging
Although the tuning we apply is proven cars often have hardware modifications done throughout their lifespan and some components might experience slightly higher loads e.g. the fule pump. We, therefore, verify the suitability of our tuning by using data logging and then make adjustments if needed until each change is 100% suitable.
Finishing The Tuning
Once we are satisfied that the car is running faultlessly and will exceed your expectations we will return your vehicle to you.
ECU TUNING FINAL COMMENT
No tuning is the same. We believe that we are abe to provide the best quality tuning available and invest heavily in having the absolute best tools for the job as well as the most qualified and educated staff in the industry. Tuning is an extremely complicated task and we believe that through rigorous procedures and dedication to everything being done 100% correctly with only the very best tools that we can deliver a truely world class product.
Choose your tuning and remapping professionals carefully and always use specialists for any work being done on your automobile. This will extend the lifespan of your car and give you a far more enjoyable driving experience!