Engine tuning chip involves flash reprogramming a car computer (PKM). Car companies are increasingly relying on flash transmission to correct the problems of handling related to emissions in new cars. This procedure is usually carried out in a dealer center, in repair workshops and even private individuals can reprogram the control module (PKM) and other side electronics.
EPA Rules require automakers to place all their updates on the Internet, so everyone can access it, and at a reasonable price.
What is the reprogramming for.
Engine tuning chip may be needed for various reasons. One of them when the computer gives false fault codes. Factory programming may be too sensitive or not take into account wear or other factors that may affect the work of some sensors.
In addition, reprogramming is necessary in order to change the speed of the idle of the engine, the ignition angle, the fuel mixture or other emissions control functions.
Reprogramming may be required to solve problems on the hot or cold start of the engine, detonation, engine failures and a number of other malfunctions. Reprogramming is often used to change the emissions, so they affect the handling of control.
Reprogramming (engine tuning chip) may be necessary to change the characteristics of the automatic gearbox. It can also be used to change the operation of ABS, control of traction or control system control, changing control on cars with a variable steering wheel amplifier, and change the characteristics of electronic control cars.
If PCM, TCM, BCM or other control unit changes by car, it may be necessary to reprogram to calibrate the new module. In addition, additional training procedures may be required to “initialize” the module.
With the help of reprogramming, you will not be able to correct mechanical problems, such as vacuum leaks, dirty fuel injectors, worn spark plugs, piston rings and bearings. If the engine or other component has mechanical problems, they must be diagnosed to repair until reprogramming.
Engine tuning chip.
Reprogramming is also used by many tuners to improve engine operation and increase horsepower. Reprogramming can change the ignition, fuel enrichment and boost pressure (on engines with turbocharged and boost) to increase power. Reprogramming is usually required after increasing the volume of the engine, installing another intake manifold or changing the fuel system to compensate for changes in the air flow.
Reprogramming can also change the automatic transmission algorithm, turn off the speed limiter and the vehicle speed limiter, calibrate ABS and traction control system for various dimensions of tires and discs. This type of reprogramming requires a special scanning tool, as well as software, which is not provided for by the manufacturer.
How and what controllers can be reprogrammed.
On cars until 1996, on most PKM and other modules, a “program only for reading” (ROM) chips was installed. These integrated chips were connected to the main board, and could be programmed only once. If you need changes or updates for any reason, the chip of the ROM must be removed from the module and replaced by a new. This led to the spread of numerous OEM Prom numbers, and also introduced a lot of confusion. To increase productivity, the original ROM chip can be replaced by a ROM of higher performance, which provides more than earlier ignition and enrichment of fuel under certain driving conditions. But on cars in which there is no chip of ROM, it is impossible.
Attention: Prom chips can be easily damaged. Static electricity can harm the memory of the chip, and small contacts that are connected to the board can be easily bent or broken. When replacing the chip of ROM, you must wear an antistatic grounding bracelet and take precautions to minimize the risk of static discharge.
In the early 1990s, some manufacturers began to use a new type of memory, the chip is called EPROM (erased program only for reading). This chip can be reprogrammed when it was in contact with a bright ultraviolet (UV) lamp.
Since the technology continues to develop, the next generation was an EEPROM chip (an electronically erased program for reading). They began to appear on cars in 1996 and soon became widespread, because EEPROM chips can be reprogrammed without removing the chip or exposing its exposure to an ultraviolet lamp. It can be reprogrammed using increased voltage.
In the latest version of this technology, Flash Eeprom, which is essentially an EEPROM chip of larger capacity, which may contain additional information (usually 512 MB or more) and can be rewritten more quickly and easily.
The tool required for reprogramming.
In order to reprogram PCM or other car modules, you need to scan tools with reprogramming capabilities or J-2534 compatible PASSTHRU (or J-2534-1 on 2004 cars and newer) that can be connected to a computer or to a diagnostic connector of a car or a car or a car connector or module.
Updating software for reprogramming a car comes from the car manufacturer. The software can be loaded from a website (it requires a broadband, DSL or faster connection, and not a simple modem connection), or it can be filed through a CD or DVD by paying a monthly fee. With a little exceptions, software is not free. Subscriber fee or access fee must be paid until the software is obtained. And to install it, you need a diagnostic device with the possibility of reprogramming, or J-2534 and J-2534-1 Passthru tool.
How to reprogram PCM or other module.
The first step is to determine the fact that updates are available for a particular car, and if so, are such updates are needed to solve a specific problem.
Note: Despite the updates that are available for cars, this does not mean that the car should be updated. As long as the car works fine and does not experience problems, there is no need to update it. On the other hand, if the vehicle has a problem that can be solved by installing updates, then updating will be a good idea.
The next step is to use a scanning device to determine which software version is currently loaded into the car. If this is not the latest version, and the vehicle with the problem (or benefit from the update), reprogramming will be the next step.
After loading or receiving the latest version of the software from OEM, the information must be transmitted to the scanning tool or J-2534 Passthru device, which is inserted into the diagnostic connector of the car. The modules can also be reprogrammed by connecting a diagnostic device or Passthru with a tool directly to the module, but it is easier to reprogram it by car.
Attention: during the recogramming procedure, the power of the modules and the reprogramming tool should not be de -energized. The charger must be connected to the battery to ensure a permanent flow of voltage during the procedure. In addition, the scanning tool or J-2534 Passthru should not be disconnected immediately after the installation of the installation.
Important: reprogramming is not reversible. After that, the latest version of the software was installed, you cannot return to the old version. You can also install the same version of software over the same version.
Next begins data transfer. The process of reprogramming takes about three minutes.
When the program is loading, the message “Complete programming” will appear.
Diagnostic device can now be disconnected from the car.