A Quick Guide to Flash Tuning
One way to improve your car’s performance is through flash tuning. However, it is important that you choose the right tuner to prevent damaging the engine.
What is Flash Tuning?
Flash tuning is reprogramming the electronic control unit or ECU chip to change how the engine works. You can find the chip within the injection system. It controls the amount of fuel and air mixture taking place in the engine.
When you change the programming of the chip, you modify how air and fuel react with each other. The cost of the tuning depends on the method used.
The tuning chip is the most important part of the car’s computer and electrical systems. The ECU controls various systems and makes sure they receive proper power all the time.
Systems Controlled by the ECU
The electronic control unit is responsible for various systems. Some of the systems are:
- Automatic transmissions system
- Fuel injection
- Ignition and timing systems
- Valve support systems
- Speed governance system
- Vehicle stabilisation system.
The ECU responds to the car’s current conditions to improve pressure to the fuel injection systems and valves, acceleration, and control its top speed, just to name a few.
You can find the ECU within the dashboard controls of the car. You can access it through the diagnostic port. However, you should not tinker with the chip on your own. You should leave it to professional tuners.
Tampering the chip or changing the parameters on it without knowing what you are doing can result to performance loss. In some cases, the car might break down. You can permanently damage the engine.
Performance Tuning
Flash tuning can void the warranty on your car’s powertrain. Carmakers warn owners that changing parameters of the chip can lead to negative results. Leaner fuel maps provide more power but you risk having higher air temperatures or a bad fuel tank. When you make a mistake, it causes serious and immediate damage to the engine.
Changing the timing of the chip can increase the power of your car but you also increase the risks of detonation. If detonation happens, the knock sensor could not protect the engine.
With a higher redline you can achieve higher speeds. However, it also results in higher wear to the engine. You also risk damaging the engine permanently if you push it too far.
Professional Flash Tuning
Make sure you choose a professional tuner to install a new ECU chip for you. Hiring the wrong mechanic to do it for you can result in potential problems. Improper installation can damage the engine and lead to expensive repair bills.
After the installation of the new chip, the professional mechanic would tune the engine to provide optimal performance. Changing the chip would give you savings in fuel expenses and make the engine operate smoother.
If you want to improve the performance of your car in a safe manner, look for a Flash Diesel partner centre. Our partners have the knowledge, experience, and technology to do the job right the first time.
