​Audi 
ecu tuning 
in Espoo

​Huomio! Yrityksemme ei tarjoa ECU-ohjelmointipalveluita toukokuusta 2024 eteenpäin!!

​What is the ECU?

​Everything you need to know about Audi ECU tuning

The ECU (Engine Control Unit) in a car engine controls many aspects related to ignition.The combustion in the engine needs to be continually adjusted to account for engine load, temperatures, and fuel burn efficiency.

Different fuels and varying ambient temperatures can also affect the combustion process, requiring adjustments to fuel quantity and spark timing.

Audi, like most manufacturers, incorporates flexibility in the ignition, air, and fuel tables to accommodate different climates and fuel qualities.

If a driver maintains the car meticulously, eliminating wear and tear and its impact on performance, the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) in the ECU can be significantly tightened to extract more power.

Expected power gains from Audi remapping

Turbocharged engines generally achieve the best gains, and remapping is one of the easiest modifications. You can expect a power gain of around 20-35% in turbo engines.

Naturally aspirated (NA) engines have more modest gains, around 14%, but if you have made other modifications, it can be the best way to fully utilize their potential power.

A computer is connected to the Audi's OBDII port to download the existing ECU data, which can then be modified, verified, and uploaded back into the car.

Bosch and Siemens ECUs have been used in Audi models over the years.

Bosch ECUs are quite effective in protecting the engine and trigger a limp home safety mode if any harmful events occur, long before engine damage occurs.Generally, cars equipped with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) filters and meeting stricter emission regulations will have Siemens units.

Comparing ECU tunes from different providers

Don't solely focus on the headline power figure, as it often represents a peak value. It may appear better to claim a 40 hp power increase.In reality, a competing map that offers only a 30 hp power increase can provide more power throughout the rev range, especially in the low to mid RPM region where it is most needed.

To make a meaningful comparison, it is essential to compare dyno printouts and assess the power gains across the RPM range, finding the tune that best suits your driving style.

Having a lot of power at low RPMs can cause traction issues and additional wear on the turbocharger, as it won't have time to spool down after spirited driving.

The best ECU mapping option

If you have made other modifications to your Audi and want to fully exploit the potential power while minimizing the safety margin built-in, nothing beats a custom map.

This is usually done on a rolling road, where data can be analyzed on the fly, and adjustments made to maximize power gains.

It takes into account the precise setup of your car and can even restrict you to using premium fuels, offering higher knock resistance and greater potential power. A rolling road tune/remap takes longer and is more expensive, but our members who have had it done highly recommend it, even after using standard off-the-shelf tunes or remaps.

Adding unusual injector capacities or turbos will typically require this custom approach, especially if you want to fully unlock the potential power gains.

DIY Audi remaps

We do not recommend attempting this unless you have knowledge of spark advance, how engines work, and the ability to fully edit the map and create a valid file for flashing back.

It is possible to brick your ECU, which would require bench flashing or replacement.

We are aware of some companies selling downloadable maps, and their quality may vary but should generally be as good as a franchised "off-the-shelf" map, yet cheaper.

Problems after Audi remaps

The most common issue is a slipping clutch, which is not surprising as the clutch has generally covered many miles and suddenly experiences 40% more power.

Upgraded clutches are a good option after remapping.

Other potential issues include flat spots, limp home mode, engine warning lights, and erratic idling. A remap can often expose weaknesses in your car, so if, for example, the injectors are not performing as well as they should, you may experience issues.

This is not a problem with the map itself but rather a weak area in your car that needs to be addressed. A reputable remapper will provide diagnostics and check that sensors, valves, and injectors are operating within expected parameters.

The concept of a remap is to remove the wide safety margin built-in by manufacturers, which implies that as the owner, you need to maintain the car meticulously. Volkkarihuolto recommends shortening service intervals to reflect this and using only the highest quality oils and components.

You can always inquire about the cost and feasibility of tuning your car by calling our managers at 0103380980.