Performance Parts 101: ECU Flashes

What do Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche all have in common? They are designed with optimal performance front of mind. Understanding and caring for these performance parts are important to keep your vehicle running at optimal level. The engine control unit (ECU) is one of these vital elements that contribute to the running of the vehicle, and understanding an ECU flash is key to maintaining performance.

Understanding the ECU

The fuel, ignition advance and other internal combustion elements are controlled by the ECU. The role of the ECU is to monitor the inputs of these operations such as gear position, throttle position and rpm. The ECU flash is the internal storage area where the data required for ECU functioning is stored.

The ECU flash can be switched on or off without erasing data. In order to reset the memory, it will need to be reprogrammed and tuned. The ECU flash can be segmented into two main areas:

1. Program flash where the entire software code resides, and is responsible for controlling logic.
2. Data flash which is the area where the variables (such as constants, maps and curves) reside and are referred to by the software when needed.

ECU flashing, also referred to as tuning, updates the software that runs your vehicle by changing or modifying the vehicle’s memory chip in the ECU. These changes can notably improve your engine performance by improving power, producing cleaner emissions and bettering fuel efficiency.

Benefits of ECU Flashing

When manufactured, a vehicle’s ECU will usually be programmed with standard settings and certain safeguards in mind. In some cases, the performance of a car may be restricted in order to fit certain class criteria, or protect the engine from potential damaging effects and neglect.

Optimising your vehicle’s ECU settings can massively improve power and fuel efficiency, while still keeping the durability and longevity of your vehicle as a priority.

Different types of ECU Flashing

ECUs can be calibrated in several different ways, depending on the purpose of the ECU flash.

• Economy

  Remapping a vehicle’s ECU can reduce the cost of running a vehicle. This purpose of tuning is particularly attractive for businesses that prioritize fuel economy and keeping costs to a minimum. Remapping for economic reasons has been known to demonstrate a fuel efficiency increase of 10%.

• Performance

  Other drivers seek a drive that is more riveting. A remapping for performance will allow drivers to maximize on the driveability and responsiveness of their vehicles, particularly regarding the vehicle’s brake horsepower (bhp), acceleration and top speed.

  In many instances, drivers seek an ECU flashing for the sake of both economy and performance. This can easily be done by professional mechanics.

Be Aware of

When choosing to tune your ECU, be sure to approach a premier auto repair shop. An aggressive ECU tune can add to the wear and tear of the vehicle and jeopardize a valid warranty if not done properly. An expert at performance tuning will be able to advise on future care tips for a vehicle that has had its ECU tuned.

ECU tuning should be done in combination with healthy driving habits. For example, tuning your ECU to improve power does not mean that you should put more strain on your gas pedal otherwise the benefits of efficiency are lost.

ECU tuning is both a cost-efficient and an effective way to enhance the performance of your vehicle and make the most of its capabilities. The benefits are many, so next time you book your vehicle in for a service or maintenance check, ask about the advantages of ECU tuning and give your engine the love that it deserves.