What is ECU Remapping

What is ECU Remapping?

To answer the question "What is ECU Remapping?" we need to break it into two parts:

What is an ECU?

The term ECU stands for Engine Control Unit ( ECU ) sometimes referred to as the Power train Control Module ( PCM ) is an electronic device, normally incorporating a single chip computer / micro processor that is tasked with controlling the operation of your vehicles engine in terms of:

Air / Fuel mixture ratio
Ignition timing
Idle revs / speed
Variable cylinder valve timing
and many other engine operating factors

The general operation of all engines ECU's is to monitor input signals provided to it from various sensors located within and attached to the engine.

Software embedded within the ECU takes these signal input levels and compares them to values stored within a data table within the ECU and decides what, if any actions / adjustments need to be carried out to maintain the performance of the engine.

This data table is often referred to as theÂ map.

What is Remapping

As we have seen above the map of an ECU is generally a data table of parameters that the ECU uses to compare against its sensor inputs prior to making decisions on making real time adjustments of the engine.

ECU Remapping,

In general terms is the process of modifying the data held within the ECU's lookup data table ( the ECU map ) so as to adjust when the ECU makes engine adjustments.

Practical ECU Remapping

Our technicians link to the vehicles ECU or brain with our Specailist remapping equipment, through the vehicles diagnostic socket and read the current engine management software which is then sent to our files office and custom optimised for your vehicle. The technician programs the new PAS optimised file into your vehicle and you then have opportunity for yourself to experience the amazing results.

On some vehicles it is not possible to carry-out this function via the diagnostic socket so in this case the ECU is removed and either a chip change or boot loading function is carried out direct into the ECU. The final effect is exactly the same, only the process is different. Depending on the vehicle, the remap normally takes about 1 & 1/2 hours to complete the re-map. You can choose to visit our head office in Exeter or, dependent on area we can visit you at your home, office or anywhere of your choice.