Italiano
EnglishWhat is ECU remapping?
The ECU
The engine control unit (ECU) is essentially a computer that controls how the engine runs, a bit like a brain.
But the default settings, or maps, are not always the best ones: manufacturers that sell their cars all over the world have to allow for different climates, fuel quality and laws when they program the software.
Car makers also tend to hold back the performance of their cars through the ECU, so they can release faster models later on with only minor software changes and a much higher price.
Better performance
Remapping aims to get the most out of your car by overwriting the ECU’s default settings with new software that can be programmed to improve the car’s overall performance.
Reading and writing the new file usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and with modern technology the process is fairly straightforward.
In the past the process was called “chipping” and involved removing the main microchip from the ECU and replacing it with a modified one. A lot of time spent just soldering and desoldering.
Speed, power and fuel consumption
If the remap has been done properly, you should notice an immediate improvement in your car’s speed and power.
Some remappers claim a power increase of between 30 and 40 hp and up to 80 Nm of extra torque.
The engine will also be more responsive, so overtaking, for example, becomes easier. You may also notice that you do not need to change gear as often, which improves fuel economy.
Lifetime warranty
Engine failure is rare, but you should always choose a reliable company to carry out the remap.
Bear in mind, however, that some cars cannot be remapped, usually because they are too old. If your car was built before 2000 you may run into difficulties, but it all depends on the condition of the vehicle.
Using official “Dimsport” equipment, from a world-leading company in the sector, MasterTuning‘s technicians study, research, develop and finally test calibrations and ECU maps for a wide range of injection systems fitted to petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG engines. Our technicians and engineers are recognised among the best in the field of software development for the tuning and remapping of automotive ECUs.
Continuous research allows us to offer our customers the very best in technology and innovation applied to engines.
We have been operating in Italy for 11 years, with our head office in Foggia, Apulia.
The service
Customers can book the work on their car at our centre or by phone. For most vehicles the job takes around 2–3 hours and includes:
- a diagnostic check of the car as it is
- the ECU work itself, using the map we have previously developed for that specific vehicle (which can also be customised on request)
- finally, a test to verify the gains obtained.
At the end of the job a self-diagnosis of the injection system is run to check that everything is working perfectly, and the car’s original memory files (or, for serial programming, the original software on a mini-CD) are handed over to the customer for safekeeping. In the future, when the car is sold, the original ECU program can be restored
at our centre in a few minutes, completely free of charge.
Here is the article I wrote for Debitoor 
What is ECU remapping: the expert’s view.
Read our interview on ProntoPro
https://www.prontopro.it/blog/che-cose-la-rimappatura-della-centralina-la-parola-allesperto/
WHAT WE DO
Further reading
Before remapping it is worth knowing what to expect and checking that the engine is in good order. These are the questions we are asked most often:
- How much a remap costs and what results to expect
- Sudden loss of power: the most common causes
- Limp mode: what it is and how to get out of it
- Clogged DPF/FAP: symptoms, causes and solutions
- Dirty EGR valve: symptoms and cleaning
- AdBlue error and power reduction
- Turbo failure: symptoms and causes
- Engine warning light on: causes and what to do
Want to know how many hp and Nm your model gains? Check the power gains database, see the remapping prices and find your nearest centre in the list of installers.
