Chip tuning - what is it and why is it needed

We are talking about changing the operating mode of the ECU - an electronic control unit, which, (by analogy with reinstalling the OS on a computer) can be "reflashed". Chip tuning is performed to correct any errors, increase the efficiency of the engine or change its power (more often - increase). Then there is a logical question - why not program the motor for high dynamism right at the factory? But everything is not so simple here - everywhere there are nuances.

Why manufacturers reduce engine power

In mass-produced cars, it is very rare that the power unit is boosted to “one hundred percent” of its capabilities. The reasons are very different. For example, in Russia there is a stepped taxation system for vehicles, when the rate level depends on the power range of the car. So, Ssang Yong Actyon can be equipped with a two-liter diesel engine with 175 “horses” or its derated version, which produces 149 hp. s., which just fits the tax bracket “up to 150 liters. With.".

Why reflash a conveyor motor

Chip tuners are well aware of the powertrains, on which the factory settings do not allow to use all the dynamic capabilities of the machine. Therefore, the first reason they are tuned is to increase power. On atmospheric engines, it can be raised relatively slightly - 10-15%. Another thing is a turbocharged unit. Here, this figure reaches 30-40% (boost pressure rises). Of course, fuel consumption will increase. Chip tuning is also needed when switching the engine to gasoline with a lower octane rating. Why else reprogram the ECU?

Elimination of the catalytic converter

Some motorists reflash their engine in order to switch to a lower standard of harmful emissions: for example, from Euro 4 to Euro 2. This is done in order to exclude the second lambda probe circuit in order to remove a worn out expensive catalyst (not to buy a new one) and not to knock down the main settings ECU. In this case, fuel consumption remains the same, power increases slightly due to a decrease in exhaust gas resistance, thanks to the eliminated converter.

HBO

If gas equipment is installed on the machine, it is possible to reprogram the motor for forced operation in certain modes. This is done by additional injection of gasoline into the combustion chamber. Together with gas, this accelerates the spin-up of the engine. Such modernization is often carried out with turbocharged power units.

Transmission control

Modern automatic transmissions are equipped with their own electronic "brain" ECU. It affects the speed, smoothness of the transition from one gear to another, "tells you" at what speed to switch. Why do you need a flashing? Changing the program will help if the gearbox is "stupid", the range of shifting of a particular gear is not to the liking of the car owner. Simply put, the box can be customized for a specific driver. It is worth noting: any actions with the "machine" require professional intervention. Independent inept attempts can easily “forever” put the automatic transmission into emergency mode.

Other reasons

Appeal to chip tuners is associated with improvements in the secondary characteristics of the engine. For example, you need to remove dips in specific modes, increase "responsiveness" when you press the gas pedal. Sometimes it is necessary to fix factory blunders that are typical for budget models: unstable idling, jerks when changing gears.

Risks and prices for engine chipping

The first will be serious if you turn to non-professionals. In a good service, they will ask for at least 3-4 thousand rubles for actions with the computer. In dealerships, the operation will cost about ten. You may also be offered programs specifically designed for the make and model of your car. Then you have to pay from 7 to 12 thousand rubles. for a one and a half liter atmospheric engine and 20-30 thousand rubles. for a turbocharged engine of 3-5 liters. Self-taught can take up to two thousand rubles. What can change after chipping with the engine?

Fuel consumption

It won't always be higher. There are special programs that, with a slight increase in power, almost do not raise fuel consumption. It's another matter if the purpose of flashing is to reveal the capabilities of the engine by 100%. Then the increase in fuel consumption is inevitable. If the actions are performed with an atmospheric engine, everything will be limited to an increase of a maximum of a liter per 100 km. In turbocharged units, fuel consumption can increase by 10-30%.

Engine service life

If the car is new or with low mileage, the owner, who decides to tune the engine, pays little attention to its service life. When flashing, it all depends on the program used. If the goal was only to "smother" the engine so that the engine becomes more responsive, the resource will decrease slightly. If the program squeezes "all the juice" out of the motor, the service life will be reduced significantly. But the gradual wear of the power unit is not so bad. When driving at constantly high speeds, there is a risk of a sudden breakdown - if the engine fails at speed, it can even lead to a serious accident.

Factory warranty

Unprofessional work on flashing can result in a breakdown of the engine, and in this case the dealer is unlikely to want to restore it at his own expense. Chip tuners assure that everything will be done imperceptibly, since new programs are being developed on the basis of factory ones. But competent craftsmen sit in dealerships and, if desired, they will probably “calculate” the modified version of the software. Of course, if you come to the center about the suspension, it is unlikely that you will have the engine checked. But if the problems are with him, intervention in the computer is likely to be determined.

How do chip tuning in a professional service

At the initial stage, the car engine is subjected to diagnostics: malfunctions can interfere with work. In the course of work, the old program is preserved: if the customer is dissatisfied with the firmware, the original software is “uploaded” back. In this case, the money is returned. Only serious companies guarantee such an approach.

After diagnostics, the characteristics of the power unit are determined and transferred to specialists who draw up a new program, taking into account the features of a particular model. After that, the car is tested at the stand: if nuances are found, the software is being finalized. Sometimes this procedure is repeated several times.

Is it possible to do chip tuning without getting into the ECU?

Oddly enough, yes. To do this, use the so-called. boxes that change the signal on the way from the controller to the actuators (for example, it can be injectors). The engine itself remains unchanged, and the module can always be removed. Typically, such "additions" are installed on diesel cars. According to users, "economical" boxes reduce fuel consumption by 10-12%, and "power" ones increase this parameter by 20-30%. Some module models can be controlled from a mobile phone application.

Is chip tuning worth it?

If independently and in the absence of experience, the answer is unequivocal - no. Of course, you can study the theory, practice somewhere, but it will take more than one month. It is better to trust professionals: spend more money, but save the ECU: incorrect programming can disable the unit, and a new one today costs much more than a flashing service.