ECU remapping: a complete guide
Most vehicles (even high-end sports cars) don’t unleash their engine’s full performance potential straight from the factory. Power is typically limited to improve emissions, reliability and fuel consumption. A remap lifts some of these restrictions.
After all, any driver wants to get the most from their vehicle in terms of economy and performance, so that they enjoy a better overall driving experience and save on the cost of fuel in the long run.
Engine Control Unit (ECU) tuning or remapping can often be completed within just half an hour, and it can improve performance in a number of areas, from fuel injection to airflow and the sensors.
Essentially, it’s about altering the ECU and reprogramming the car to improve performance in a comparatively cost-effective way.
How does it work?
ECU remapping alters the default manufacturer’s settings and software on the Engine Control Unit. You can customise and tweak the new software to suit your own specifications. Essentially, the process overwrites the previous ECU software once the customised version is hooked up to the vehicle’s serial port (sometimes also called the On Board Diagnostics or OBD port; this is a universal connector mechanics use to access a vehicle’s computer to run all kinds of diagnostics and tests).
It’s something that has made the job of vehicle tuning significantly easier. A laptop is usually plugged into the car’s OBD port, replacing the older method of manually removing the ECU chip, retuning and soldering it before replacing it.
What does it actually do?
In a nutshell, remapping means you are changing your car’s performance by shifting the way the engine powers the car. However, the way the driver opts to use the tuned car is the ultimate decider of the results of the ECU tuning.
A car can experience a surge in power, which then may mean higher fuel consumption. You may even get somewhat carried away and drive rather more enthusiastically than previously, for example accelerating more rapidly. So this can have an impact on fuel consumption and the associated costs.
However, if the driver makes the most of the enhanced power and torque via the ‘rev range’ and gear shifts, then they can actively improve fuel economy. It’s really down to you and how you decide to drive your car.
The impact on power and speed can be instantaneous – some remappers claim they have boosted horsepower by up to 30 – 40bhp, and torque by as much as 80nm.
With a more responsive engine, you may also find yourself able to overtake with greater ease, thus enjoying a smoother, easier drive. This can also reduce how many gear shifts you need to make. So you may be able to up the torque where necessary, without using lower gears, which again can make a difference in terms of fuel economy.
If you regularly tow a caravan or heavy trailer, remapping will provide an extra surge of power. This means your engine won’t have to work so hard when it climbs or accelerates.
You won’t have to upgrade any physical aspects of your motor to enjoy the benefits of remapping. Additionally, if do decide you’ve changed your mind, remapping is typically a reversible business.
So is it worth doing?
The first thing to bear in mind is that it is not possible to remap all cars, typically because of their age. A vehicle predating 2000 is usually too old to have the right remapping software.
You will need to tell your insurer about any modifications you make. Otherwise, you may risk invalidating your policy if you end up needing to make a claim.
Equally, it could mean your car warranty may become invalid, while remapping can also put more pressure on your engine, potentially affecting reliability.
And unless you are an expert who’s skilled in the industry, it’s never a great idea to remap your own vehicle. Use a reputable firm for the job instead, to minimise the risk of problems.
What we offer
At The Automotive Expert, based in Basingstoke, we offer a number of ECU Repair and ECU remapping options, including economy and ultimate performance mapping, alongside mixed power and economy remapping, a popular choice offering a better drive alongside reduced fuel consumption.
We have the tools, skills and experience to reprogram your vehicle’s ECU safely. We work with petrol and diesel models, light commercial vehicles, vans and motorhomes.
Talk to us today about what our team of highly skilled technicians could do to enhance your motor’s performance and drive.