

Whether you live in the heartland, the deep south, Texas (they hate it when you call them the “deep south”) or the coasts, you can get a professional-grade ECU tune up for your vehicle at a reasonable price. In this article we’ll look at some of the best ECU tuning shops from around the country. ECU tuning allows you to optimize your vehicle’s performance in a number of different areas, from fuel efficiency to increased power output or even better emissions standards.Ī Fabspeed ECU upgrade chip for the Ferrari 488. You should also consult with your state’s motor vehicle authority, as more radical aspects of engine programming may not be street legal, which is the case in tough emissions states like California.ECU tuning, also known as “chip tuning,” refers to the process of reprogramming a vehicle’s electronic control unit or ECU. Consult sources such as for more specific information. Additional software for proper engine tuning may be necessary. Download the update into a flash programming device. Consult with your vehicle manufacturer’s website for software updates. What a DIY flasher would need to do the job It definitely isn’t something a car owner should pay for as part of routine vehicle maintenance. However, it’s typically only something that needs to be addressed on a need-to basis, unless a sweeping pronouncement is issued by the manufacturer as part of a recall movement. How often does the ECM need to be flashed?Īuto repair shops say flashing should be done once every few years, and this may be appropriate. The ECM is flashed with the new software direct from the manufacturer’s website.

It used to be that it was necessary to remove parts in order to complete the reprogramming process, but now all that’s necessary is a computer with an Internet connection, a USB cable and a scanning device that can connect with a car’s diagnostic port. Old programming is erased, then replaced with the most up-to-date software provided by the auto manufacturer. When reprogramming an engine computer, a scanner is attached to the diagnostic port in a car, which is typically inside the car, beneath the steering wheel. How reprogramming an engine computer works However, you can flash your car engine yourself – with the right tools. It’s a bountiful cash crop for repair shops, who tend to charge between $80 and $120 for the service, according to Underhood Service. If the programming is optimized, your car’s engine tends to run much more efficiently. This is done on nearly all vehicles 1996 and newer to ensure that the microprocessors in such areas as the power train and fuel injectors are regulating their systems properly. (Photo Credit: CC BY/Scott/Vag-Com Scanning)įlashing - or erasing and reprogramming - your engine’s computer is a legitimate way to keep a car’s engine control modules (ECMs) up to date. The plug-in port is typically under the dash.
