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OBD Remapping

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OBD Remapping: what is it and what does it do?

OBD (‘on-board diagnostics’) is a car’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability to help pinpoint any malfunctions to be resolved.

OBD is no longer simply a case of a malfunction light illuminating – without any information about the actual problem. Today, OBD implementations provide real time data and a standardised series of diagnostic trouble codes (referred to as DTCs) via a standardised digital communications port for the various sub-systems to be health-checked.

OBD: how does it act as a warning system?

OBD can prevent minor problems turning into major ones – and prevent hefty repair bills.

The OBD system always prepares to scan your vehicle for any malfunctions and alert you to problems when the ignition is turned on. Drivers receive an early warning if a malfunction light appears on the dashboard and stays on while driving, such as the Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon warning.

OBD scanning: what does it do?

OBD scanning is fast, effective and reliable, eliminating lengthy repairs and unnecessary bills for you.

Top Tuning’s specialist mobile service technicians use a hand-held OBD scanning tool to diagnose the cause of your vehicle’s problem. This is connected to the vehicle’s computer so that information can be downloaded to identify the exact problem. Repairs can then be carried out in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Professional OBD Tuning: what is it?

There are two ways to remap an engine to overwrite the original manufacturer’s map and optimise performance: OBD Tuning and Chip Tuning.

OBD is an efficient way to read software from the ECU (‘Engine Control Unit’) and overwrite it. The modified software is simply installed via the OBD using software on a laptop.

You may also have come across terms such as ‘OBD port tuning’ or ‘OBD port remap’ but essentially they stand for the same thing: engine remapping by using the OBD port.

White Audi Spyder recently tuned

Different engines & how remapping works

Turbocharged diesel engines: what are the advantages of OBD Remapping?

Looking for better power matched by better fuel economy for your turbocharged diesel engine?

There are many advantages to having your turbo-charged diesel engine remapped, and ensuring economy, reliability and longevity – especially given the way that fuel prices continue to rise.

With a cost-effective ECU upgrade by OBD to your turbocharged diesel engine by Top Tuning, you can look forward to:

  • Increased horsepower and torque

  • Sharpened throttle response

  • Smoother power delivery

  • Better fuel economy

  • Better acceleration and safer overtaking

Black BMW SUV

Turbocharged petrol engines: what are the advantages of OBD Remapping?

Need more torque for your turbocharged petrol engine?

Turbocharged petrol engines can achieve superior power and torque figures worthy of a sporty engine. Such gains are significantly higher than for a non-turbocharged power-plant with similar displacement. Parameters (for example, boost pressure, Ignition timing and fuel delivery rates) are carefully matched, and map adjustments (such as electronically limiting torque, throttle response and cam timing) are safely made.

What’s more, the ECU controls the wastegate (turbo boost pressure control) as well, making turbocharged petrol engines extremely suitable for programming.

With an optimised ECU upgrade to your turbocharged petrol engine by Top Tuning using OBD, you can look forward to:

  • Increased horsepower and torque

  • Sharpened throttle response

  • Smoother power delivery

  • Better fuel economy

  • Better acceleration and safer overtaking

Non-turbocharged petrol engines: what are the advantages of ECU remapping?

Yes, you can gain extra power from your non-turbocharged petrol engine.

Non-turbo cars benefit from an optimised fueling and ignition strategy matched to the quality of fuel in your tank. Any throttle restrictions are lifted to improve power and throttle response.

Although normally aspirated petrol engines can offer challenges in tuning, it is possible to gain a 10-15% increase in power with extra torque by reprogramming the various engine parameters safely and professionally.

At Top Tuning, we have the expertise to achieve this power uplift by fine tuning the fuel and ignition mapping. We may also be able to gently adjust the camshaft timing on some engines to further boost the power gain.

The possibilities for more power don’t end there … after the optimised ECU calibration has been undertaken, conventional tuning elements such as free-flowing exhausts, high-flow air filters, and reprofiled camshafts can be considered and ignition advance obtained by using high-octane fuel.

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Top Tuning Number plate on Mercedes

Are any vehicle modifications made when OBD port tuning?

No hardware is changed. Our technicians simply modify the operating parameters on your vehicle’s ECU programme/map.

The map stored on the ECU’s processor is accessed via the OBD port in your car, van, motorhome, truck or tractor. If your vehicle is a newish model, we may need to remove the ECU and open the casing to read the map from the processing chip. We use specialist tools to ensure complete accuracy.

The map’s parameters can be adjusted to optimise power, fuel saving – and even both – with the process usually taking less than an hour, subject to vehicle and ECU type.

At Top Tuning, we always keep a copy of the original software just in case you ever change your mind and wish to revert to the original car manufacturer settings. We want all our customers to be 100% happy and offer this service free of charge.

Can professional OBD Remapping save fuel?

Looking to save money every time you drive? Improve your fuel consumption by up to 20%.

At Top Tuning, our specialist mobile ECU Remapping/Programming service via OBD maximises power with noticeable results – especially if looking to save fuel.

We will improve low-end torque and widen power delivery to result in lower throttle openings at cruising speeds, with full loads or on a gradient. Your car or vehicle will be a more comfortable drive when in higher gears at slower speeds, with fewer gear changes needed.

With turbocharged diesel engines, the improvement in fuel consumption savings can reach up to 20%.

black Volkswagon having ODB remapped by top tuning

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