#Ecu tune meaning software

Manufacturers design for a specific timing and this may limit performance accordingly. However, to cope with advanced timing, one must run high-octane gasoline to avoid pre-ignition detonation or pinging. Different timing may result in better performance. Performance gains are realized by adjusting the ignition timing advance. The electronic control unit may also control electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), poppet valve timing, boost control (in turbocharged engines), Anti-lock braking system, the automatic transmission, speed governor (if equipped), and the Electronic Stability Control system. The electronic control unit in a modern automobile, together with advanced engine technology, makes it possible to control many aspects of the engine's operation, such as spark timing and fuel injection. Electronic control units are a relatively recent addition to the automobile, having first appeared in the late 1970s.Īs technology advanced, so did the electronics that go into cars. This procedure is commonly referred to as engine or electronic control unit tuning.

#Ecu tune meaning software

Modern electronic control units can be tuned by simply updating their software through a standard interface, such as On Board Diagnostics. Today, the term chip tuning can be misleading, as people will often use it to describe ECU tuning that does not involve swapping the chip. This was done with early engine computers in the 1980s and 1990s. Vehicles with a remapped electronic control unit may be more sensitive to fuel quality and service schedules. Engine manufacturers generally use a conservative electronic control unit map to allow for individual engine variations, as well as infrequent servicing and poor-quality fuel. JSTOR ( September 2014) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)ġ995 Oldsmobile 88 Royal control chip moduleĬhip tuning is changing or modifying an erasable programmable read only memory chip in an automobile's or other vehicles electronic control unit to achieve superior performance, whether it be more power, cleaner emissions, or better fuel efficiency.Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.