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WHAT IS OBD?

On-board diagnostics, or OBD, is an automotive term referring to a vehicle’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician access to state of health information for various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since the introduction in the early 1980s of on-board vehicle computers, which made OBD possible. Early instances of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light, or MIL, if a problem was detected—but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized digital communications port to provide real-time data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow one to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle.

The OBD system provides owners with an early warning of malfunctions by way of a dashboard “Check Engine” light (also known as a Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL, for short). By giving vehicle owners this early warning, OBD protects not only the environment but also consumers, identifying minor problems before they become major repair bills.

WHAT IS OBD TUNING?

In the engine tuning industry, three phrases are often used interchangeably. These are: ‘OBD Tuning’, ‘Chip Tuning‘ and ‘ECU Remapping’. OBD stands for On Board Diagnostic. To make sense of this the word port is important because without the port, on board diagnostics would not actually exist; just as it didn’t exist in the 1980’s. So any ‘OBD port tuning’ or ‘obd port remap’ is just engine tuning or engine remapping completed via the use of the car’s obd port.

HOW DO I KNOW THE OBD SYSTEM IS WORKING CORRECTLY?

When you turn on the ignition, the “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light should flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for any malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no problems are detected. If so, you’ll be glad to know that your vehicle is equipped with an early warning system that could save you time, money, and fuel in addition to helping protect the environment!

WHAT IS THE OBD PORT?

The OBD port (On-Board Diagnostics) is basically a plug in the vehicle which can be connected to which has a self-diagnostic and reporting ability. The OBD port enables the vehicle’s owner or vehicle’s technician to access information relating to the health state of various vehicle sub-systems.

OBD REMAPPING BENEFITS FOR TURBOCHARGED DIESEL ENGINES

Many see the modern crop of Turbocharged diesels as the future of road car tuning. Even in North America, a nation famed for its love of the petrol engine is starting to come around to the benefits of turbo diesel passenger cars in particular. These engines offer fantastic potential for reliable low cost tuning without removing any of the appeal of buying and running a turbo diesel powered vehicle, such as economy, reliability and longevity.

After your ECU upgrade via OBD to your turbocharged diesel engine, you will enjoy:

• Increased horsepower
• Increased torque
• Better throttle response
• Smoother power delivery
• Improved fuel economy
• Safer overtaking

OBD REMAPPING BENEFITS FOR TURBOCHARGED PETROL ENGINES

Turbocharged petrol engines have always been regarded as the sports flagship engine for good reason. They boast far higher power & torque figures than a non-turbocharged power-plant with similar displacement and are usually fitted to the manufacturer’s flagship models. They are also ideal candidates for remapping as the ECU also controls the wastegate (turbo boost pressure control).

After your ECU upgrade via OBD to your turbocharged petrol engine, you will enjoy:

• Increased horsepower
• Increased torque
• Better throttle response
• Smoother power delivery
• Safer overtaking

WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY MODIFY IN MY VEHICLE?

We do not change any hardware in your vehicle, we just modify the operating parameters in the ECU’s program or ‘map’. In many cases the map stored on the ECU’s processor can be accessed via the on-board diagnostics port (OBD) in the vehicle, normally found under the dashboard. In some newer models the ECU will have to be removed from the vehicle and the casing opened, our technicians will then use specialist tools to read the original map straight from the processing chip.

The technician will then upload the original map to our map writing team who will adjust the parameters to maximise the performance, fuel economy or a clever blend of both. Depending on the vehicle and ECU type the chip tuning process can take under an hour and if at any time you wish to return your vehicles ECU to its original default settings, this can be done easily and free of charge as we always keep a copy of the original software as a backup.

SAVING FUEL WITH OBD REMAP?

When we remap a vehicle, especially when fuel saving is the priority we focus on improving the low end torque in particular and widening the power-band as far as we can.

This increase in low end torque will mean less throttle pedal input is required to maintain cruising speeds, when fully laden or when on a gradient. It will also mean that the vehicle will be more comfortable in higher gears at slower speeds as well requiring fewer gear changes overall.

If you combine these factors with adjusting your driving style to make the most of the extra low end torque you will see an improvement in fuel consumption. This is most effective on turbo-diesel engines where the savings could be as much as 20%!