The program for flashing a car via a laptop should be chosen carefully. Fortunately, today there are so many of them that, literally, one’s eyes run wide. However, we recommend approaching this issue carefully, because manual optimization of the control unit is a serious matter.
What is chip tuning anyway? This is re-flashing the electronic control unit (ECU) of a car in order to increase the potential of the engine. The ECU is the electronic brain of the machine; it reads information from several dozen sensors and transmits commands to the actuators. The unit regulates the operation of the gearbox, engine, cooling and other systems within the established factory settings.
It is known that manufacturers, by setting the basic unit settings, average its capabilities, which prevents the vehicle from being used at full capacity. That's why many drivers seek to reprogram their car's ECU using chip tuning programs on a laptop or PC.
Correction of factory settings
The injection engine is equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU). It is often called differently: electronic engine control system (ECM), controller, “brains”, firmware. All this is the main processor of the car. It is he who manages the processes in the engine, forming commands for various systems. And the formation of the commands themselves occurs on the basis of sensor readings.
The factory version of the ECU microprocessor smoothes out the engine's capabilities due to the mandatory adherence to strict environmental standards. Also, factory settings can compensate for a decrease in power due to low-quality fuel, which is still typical for our country.
Diagnostic equipment
Equipment for car chip tuning includes professional diagnostic tools: scanning devices, motor testers and oscilloscopes, devices for testing certain systems. Using an integrated approach allows us to obtain the most complete information about the operation of all components of the car, identify errors and make a decision on the possibility and methods of chipping behavior. It’s no secret that you can only reflash the ECU on fully functional machines, otherwise there will be no effect from the work.
Scanner
A diagnostic scanner is a piece of equipment that plays a vital role in car chip tuning. This device allows you to “communicate” with the control unit, receiving the necessary information:
- information about the engine system, VIN chassis number and other identification data;
- data flow of power unit parameters: temperature, injection time, ignition timing, etc.;
- error codes;
- engine parameters at the time of the malfunction.
The capabilities of the diagnostic scanner also include: controlling injectors, ignition modules and other actuators, performing adaptations and erasing fault codes. The technical means we have allow us to connect the device to the control unit in two ways: through the OBDII diagnostic connector or directly to the board. The choice of work method is carried out individually depending on the car model.
Additional equipment for car chip tuning
Additional equipment for car chip tuning includes a whole range of technical means. An oscilloscope is used to read the parameters of control signals going to various actuators from the electronic control unit. It allows you to display the received information in graphical or numerical form in order to analyze it thoroughly.
You can compare engine system performance with nominal values using a motor tester. Such a device is equipped with its own sensors that allow you to obtain data not from the control unit, but directly.
Additional equipment used for car chip tuning also includes:
- fuel pressure gauges with adapters for different systems and different car models;
- arresters;
- leak testers;
- adapters, etc.
ECU reconfiguration
Car owners who value their car and use high-quality fuel often turn to service centers to carry out work to increase engine power while maintaining, or even reducing, gasoline consumption. This achieves powerful, well-coordinated engine operation that is pleasant for the driver.
The commonly used term “flashing” means reconfiguring the ECU program to improve certain parameters of the car. For such reconfiguration, you need software, and properly selected one. When selecting a suitable chiptuning program, you need to take into account the car model, since the type of ECU depends on the year of manufacture.
The firmware defines the sequence of operation of the systems. In the engine operating mode - economical or power - different settings are used. That is, when the block receives signals from numerous sensors, the exergy of the actuators is regulated. This ensures efficient operation of the power unit.
The parameters of the actuators will be recorded in the data of the read-only memory device (RSD), which will no longer be changed. The PZ contains a control algorithm and calibration information for controlling injection, ignition, idle speed and others. The storage device does not require a power connection.
Random access memory (RAM) is a kind of notebook of the controller, where intermediate information about diagnostic trouble codes and calculation data is placed. RAM operates only when power is connected, and if power is removed, the information will be erased.
ECU chiptuning: Instructions, programs and firmware
Works exclusively with the firmware of the January 7 block. Allows you to configure the ignition using the acceleration method. The program is simple, but it has no analogues! Works according to the high-speed protocol of the j7esa sports firmware.
Using it you can very accurately, in fact, adjust the ignition. Find the desired angle at which the motor develops maximum power. It can be online on a regular January 7. It works with both throttle and pressure. Correction of ignition according to detonation in two ways, setting of emergency ignition for J5LS firmware.
Software
The programs are used to adjust calibration parameters in the firmware of injection control systems of any cars, including VAZ. Flashing programs are divided into functionalities:
- Firmware programs that change factory settings. Through them, the characteristics of the car are optimized;
- loader programs that ensure that the corrected data enters the ECU memory. In it, the bootloader records the firmware information.
The ChipTuningPRO program works in conjunction with the CombiLoader loader program from SMS-Software. In total, this software is a solution to the problem of changing firmware characteristics and fixing them in the controller. The program functions as a visual editor and interacts with firmware files copied by the programmer from the ECU. Changes the mixture composition, injection phase, ignition timing, fuel supply at intake and much more.
Technical support allows you to regularly receive updates and advisory remote assistance. The help system describes operating methods and key algorithms. The modular design is formed into a convenient configuration for the user.
Read about what virtual tuning and car styling provides here. See how to do interior tuning with your own hands here.
Working with a USB key, which is provided by the VAZ tuning program, makes it possible to install on several computers, as well as download program updates directly from the manufacturer’s website. The user receives a basic configuration, additional modules for which can be purchased separately.
ChipExplorer provides:
- viewing calibration values;
- editing calibration graphs;
- comparison of several firmware variations;
- parallel work with a number of projects;
- translation of calibration values;
- transformation of the firmware into graphic mode;
- search for available values in display mode;
- auto-search for parameters for high-quality calibration;
- reliable protection from use by other users.
This program for chip tuning VAZ is suitable for flashing ECUs of January and Mikas of various versions, VS, Bosch.
The MasterEditPro editor is gaining popularity among chiptuning programs. The reason is the functionality and simplicity of the editor. It has a convenient interface, edits calibrations, searches for a map, and has a lot of parameters for settings. It can be easily purchased in its original form, since it has not yet been massively counterfeited. In order to reconfigure the computer, editors must include a USB dongle, without which it is impossible to use the program.
A practical utility is the Scan Tool Pro scanner, which performs vehicle diagnostics via a smartphone, tablet or iPhone. If the Check Engine malfunction signal lights up on the road, using this scanner and a smartphone you can immediately determine the severity of the malfunction and make the right decision.
In addition to the main editors, there is currently a wide selection of programs for diagnosing engine parameters, for adjusting firmware, as well as many utilities that perform local reconfigurations.
How to use?
We will briefly tell you how to use these programs and how the hacking procedure goes.
- The program must be downloaded, activated and installed on the laptop;
- Rent a programmer (or buy, but the device is not cheap);
- Prepare the cords to connect to the car;
- Connect the programmer to the laptop;
- Next, connect it to the car (OBD 2 diagnostic connector);
- Turn on the ignition;
- Run the program to diagnose the car for errors;
- If the latter come out, remove them;
- Next, run the firmware file;
- At the end of the process, turn off the ignition and wait 5 minutes;
- Start the car and repeat the diagnostics until it shows no errors;
- Ready.
This is roughly how the procedure for flashing a car via a laptop is carried out using special utilities. Is it even worth doing this? Think about it, it’s not for nothing that the manufacturer sets the average parameters in the ECU. This is the ideal ratio of the power it produces and the consumption of its resources. It turns out that by hacking the factory settings and installing your own, you are breaking this balance, the consequences of which will only appear in the foreseeable future. In short, we advise you to carefully evaluate all the pros and cons. And yes, before starting the procedure, carefully study the stages of the process, choose which program can change the firmware (do chip tuning yourself) of your car, download the software from trusted sites and take care of high-quality equipment. Good luck to you and have a great ride in a powerful car!
The feasibility of chip tuning
It should be borne in mind that reflashing the electronic unit to the economy mode should be done by drivers with nerves of steel who do not see any problems in being overtaken by other motorists. Here it is also possible to create dual-mode firmware for the controller through a modifier program. This will make it possible to program switch without stopping the engine.
Using untested free chip tuning programs, the car owner may experience engine settings failures. This is the best case scenario, but serious vehicle failure is possible. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase licensed products. In addition to guaranteed software quality, the car owner receives software updates and the possibility of remote consulting.
When purchasing software for your car, you should remember that the firmware cannot change the laws of physics. The expected sharp reduction in fuel consumption without loss of dynamics will not happen. You'll have to pay for the dynamics with gasoline. Or modify the engine to increase its efficiency - and that’s money. There are no miracles!
