ECU Remapping and the Inadequate Preparation

by Andy Published on Thursday, April 30th, 2015

There is now a multitude of companies that will remap the ECU on your vehicle. In most cases, this entails plugging a computer into the diagnostics port on your vehicle that directly communicates with the ECU. A technician reads the existing file on the ECU and overrides it with a new file. The new file has on it adjusted parameters that alter several characteristics of the engine. These include the amount of turbo boost pressure (if applicable), the fueling and ignition timing (if on a gasoline vehicle), and other such parameters.

After remapping a diesel engine, the exhaust’s smoke increases, particularly on heavy acceleration. Where you once had a small amount of smoke from your exhaust, you now have a problem with a severe amount of smoke. Any underlying running issues can be exacerbated with an engine remap. One thing that surprises me tremendously is that many companies do not carry out a health check. Many remap servicers are mobile; they do not have the necessary tools, equipment, or expertise to precheck the vehicle. As far as I have researched, barely any of them ensure that the fuel system is running correctly and that there isn’t an excess of carbon buildup.

If you push the engine by asking it to work harder and produce more power, you must ensure that you have the best platform to remap and gain that additional performance. To guarantee this, the first thing we advise is to carry out a health check. Make sure there are no error codes. Then combine the remap with a professional fuel system cleaner and carbon remover. The fuel system must be running efficiently before you remap your vehicle. On a petrol engine, it is essential that the ignition components, the ignition system, and the fuel system are performing optimally to maximize the benefits gained from a remap.

Wherever you go to have your vehicle remapped or chipped, ensure the service includes the necessary checks. Also, ensure you use a high-quality fuel system cleaner, particularly if your exhaust has any excess smoke. If you have extra smoke, I strongly advise resolving or checking the issue before performing a remap as it is likely to make it worse.

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2 thoughts on “ECU Remapping and the Inadequate Preparation”

Bill Martin says:

May 2, 2015 at 1:04 pm

My 2002 2.2 litre petrol Vauxhall Omega is a cherished vehicle in superb condition and runs very well. Care for this car included fuel system cleaning with AR6400 and this is supplemented with AR6200 for subsequent fueling. From the MPG point of view I am convinced the car would perform even more frugally with the ECU re-mapped to allow for slightly lower engine revolutions in all gears. I am convinced I can get better than 40mpg distance mileage if this were undertaken. I base this observation on the lower engine revolutions of my other car (Mercedes C180 petrol auto) with which I can attain 50mpg on distance motoring. If I am already getting what many would judge as good MPGs with the Omega, would you consider ECU re-mapping worth doing?

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1. Andy Archer says:
  
  May 6, 2015 at 10:02 am
  
  Hi Bill, I have updated the article to include info on how MPG is increased through engine maps. From my experience the MPG gains on that engine would be too low to justify the cost of a remap.
  
  Reply

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