Diesel remapping has gained popularity and momentum in recent times due to its endless benefits and efficiency-boosting capabilities. However, many people find it confusing whether you opt for it or not. Read this blog to get an in-depth understanding of diesel engine remapping, its stages, its pros, and cons that will help you decide whether to invest in it or not!

Understanding the Core Idea of Remapping Diesel Engine

In the world of engine tuning, the term “map” means the catalogue of instructions directed to the vehicle’s Electric Control Unit (ECU) to control various aspects like turbocharger boost pressure, fuel injection duration, and ignition timing. Manufacturers generally restrict some aspects of the cars during their production; however, they can be modified or “remapped” to enhance the output and efficiency of the car later.

Diesel Engine Remapping simply means modifying or tempering the ECU of a diesel engine vehicle using specialised hardware and software to boost its efficiency and operating parameters. It allows customisation of the car’s performance, increased power and torque. Remapping can be done on both gasoline and diesel engines; however, they are more popular with diesel engines due to their enhanced efficiency and potential. 

In this article, we have covered information about mobile remapping, how it is carried out, its cost, and options. Moreover, this guide includes the advantages and disadvantages of mobile remapping and the importance of an insured mobile remap provider.

Understanding Mobile Remapping

Mobile remapping is the procedure of tuning the ECU (Engine Control Unit) at your home or workplace to get more engine power and torque. The ECU helps to control the overall functioning of a car’s engine, and its tuning helps to enhance the engine’s performance. This process does not involve making any physical or hardware changes in the car and can be completed within 1 to 2 hours, reducing the downtime.

There can be different reasons why people undertake mobile remapping, such as they might not feel comfortable taking their car to a workshop or they cannot wait for a prolonged time till the completion of car service. Moreover, some people do not trust garage business services and doubt their work quality. Thus, they prefer mobile remapping over other options.

How Mobile Remapping Is Carried Out?

The software-only remapping technicians perform the mobile remapping using a laptop and tuning equipment. During the process, the tuning files are directly imported from online calibration tools and uploaded to your car’s ECU. It is done to change the default settings and software of the ECU as built by the manufacturer with new software, which can be altered based on your specific requirements, following the legal limitations.

To overwrite the old ECU software, the tuning tool is connected to the vehicle via the OBD port, located under the car’s dashboard on the driver’s side. It is then linked to a master tuner to get a remap file for the vehicle, enabling the operative to upload it directly to the vehicle’s ECU through the OBD port. The master ECU technician then calibrates the file uploaded to the car’s ECU based on the displayed figures’ performance on the rolling road. It thus helps to ensure the quality of your car’s engine.

Files, however, are tested in a controlled environment at a facility on a dynamometer or rolling road before they are given to the remapping agents. After receiving the file, the master technicians make necessary adjustments to the tuning file to improve the engine performance and ensure fuel economy by altering the operational aspects of a vehicle. Thus, they ensure to limit the hardware modifications by maintaining the safety parameters of the vehicle to allow safe driving.

What Is Chip Tunning?

Chip tuning may seem complicated, but it becomes very easy to understand for a layman. Simply put, it is all about making technical improvements to enhance your engine’s efficiency. It includes optimising various maps like boost map, fuel amp, and ignition map.

History of Chip Tuning

Giving a look at the origin of chip tuning brings us back to 1968 when Volkswagen introduced the first ever computer-controlled engine and laid the basis of chip tuning.

The term “chip tuning” became more common in the 90’s. At that time, chip tuners meddled with the EPROMs to desolder and rewrite. Well, things have changed over time, and now chip tuners use various methods to boost the efficiency of your engine.

Methods for Chip Tuning

Let’s look at some of the key ways that can help enhance your engine’s performance.

Ignition Timing

Generally, the piston in the compression stroke goes upward before moving, and the cylinder contains a mixture of compressed air and fuel. The sparkplug ignites this mixture when the piston is in the upward position.

Here, one thing is very noteworthy: the timing of the ignition that will make your car dash. Ideally, the spark should ignite the mixture when the piston is upward. This is the right condition that produces maximum force for the engine to move on.

A tuner understands both things clearly and adjusts the ignition of the timing light so that it aptly aligns with the piston movement to give a quick thrust.

Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR)

Another key point in chip tuning is AFR. According to stoichiometric calculations, the accurate air/fuel ratio for gasoline composed entirely of octane is 14.7:1. This is the exact ratio of air and fuel that gives maximum power to the engine. However, it varies from engine to engine. Tuners ensure this ratio is kept at its optimum level to give ultimate power to the engine.

AdBlue, also known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), is a diluted solution of urea and deionised water with a composition of 32.5% and 67.5%, respectively. AdBlue is used in diesel engines to reduce the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx). Drivers fill their AdBlue systems with AdBlue to ensure an eco-friendly and lawful drive.

However, after a typical range like 2400 km, all the AdBlue gets consumed, indicated by a warning light. This warning light indicates that you should refill and adjust the system counters, which we generally call Ad Blue reset.

Let’s have a detailed overview of the Ad Blue reset and why it’s important. Lastly, we will address some general queries related to AdBlue Reset:

What is AdBlue Reset?

The adBlue system works in collaboration with the exhaust system of the vehicle. It consists of a tank, pump, and other sensors that monitor the pressure, volume, and temperature of the AdBlue while it is working in the system.

Once we refill the AdBlue in the system, its settings are adjusted so that the system can detect the parameters, like the amount volume for the newly filled amount. This adjustment process is called AdBlue Reset.

Tips for AdBlue Resetting

1. Locate the AdBlue tank in the vehicle that can be under the hood or in the vehicle’s trunk.
2. Keep filling the tank with AdBlue until the warning light goes off.
3. Ignite the engine and keep it running for a few minutes to detect the new level of AdBlue.
4. Now, switch off the engine and restart to verify if the system has recognised the new volume of AdBlue.
5. In case of any issue, contact a professional technician to check and resolve the issue.

Why is AdBlue Reset necessary?

When there is insufficient AdBlue in the system, the system turns on a warning light. After refilling, it is mandatory to reset the system as this resetting enables the system to know about the new level of refilled AdBlue.

• If the system is not reset, it keeps the warning light on permanently, which annoys the driver and sends a message to the engine to slow down. This limits the engine’s power and efficiency.
• Additionally, ignoring the warning light may lead to further damage as well as a fine from vehicle regulatory authorities.

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is a colourless and non-toxic solution of water and urea. However, it is important to note that the urea that is used in the making of AdBlue is of the highest grade and exceptionally pure, even more than the urea used in fertilisers and cosmetic products. Furthermore, the water used for AdBlue is also distilled and demineralised in order to make a pure solution.

How Does AdBlue Work in the Diesel Car?

The purpose of AdBlue in a diesel engine car is to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxide gas into the atmosphere. It uses a technology known as SCR or selective catalytic reduction to break down and neutralise toxic nitrogen oxides in the exhaust system.

This SCR technology has been in use for a long time. However, it was incorporated into diesel engine cars in 2016 due to environmental concerns.

Why It is Used in Diesel Engine Cars

We all know that car manufacturers have to follow strict rules to keep environmental concerns to a minimum. The latest set of rules, known as Euro 6, is particularly important and created some of the biggest challenges for car manufacturers because they have to minimise nitrogen oxide emissions.

That is why tiny amounts of AdBlue are injected into the exhaust system, which can neutralise the toxic emissions through SCR.

What Are the Benefits of AdBlue?

Emissions Reduction: AdBlue helps reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions in SCR-equipped diesel vehicles, promoting cleaner air and environmental sustainability.

Compliance with Emission Standards: AdBlue enables diesel vehicles to meet stringent emission regulations by effectively reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, ensuring legal compliance.

Improved Fuel Efficiency: AdBlue, when used with SCR systems, enhances fuel efficiency in diesel engines by optimising the combustion process and reducing the need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

Engine Longevity: AdBlue protects engine components by preventing deposits, corrosion, and damage to catalysts, leading to longer engine life.

Cost Savings: Despite being an additional expense, the improved fuel efficiency achieved with AdBlue can result in long-term cost savings for diesel vehicle owners.

Availability and Accessibility: AdBlue is widely available at fuel stations and automotive stores, making it easily accessible for refilling the AdBlue tank in vehicles.

An EGR valve, or exhaust gas recirculation valve, is an essential component in many internal combustion engines that helps to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx is a particular air pollutant that can put up with smog and respiratory problems.

But what happens if the EGR valve fails? How do you comprehend your vehicle’s EGR valve is faulty or failing? What are the signs? What is the fix? Be with me throughout this detailed guide to know the explanations for all these questions. Read on to learn more!

How Does an EGR Valve Work?

You might know that your car’s engine needs air from outside to run properly, mostly containing 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. When fuel and air mix and burn inside the engine, it gets hot, reaching extremely high temperatures.

At these high temperatures, nitrogen in the air combines with other elements to form harmful pollutants called oxides of nitrogen (NOx). NOx can cause respiratory problems in humans.

To reduce the amount of NOx your car emits, exhaust gases must be cooled down before they are released into the air. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve comes in at this exact spot.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve allows some of the exhaust gases to be redirected back into the combustion chamber of the car’s engine. This lowers the temperature inside the engine, which helps prevent the formation of NOx emissions.

Simply put, an EGR valve is a simple device to control the flow of exhaust gases. The moment it is open, exhaust gases can pass via the EGR system, which helps reduce emissions. When it is closed, exhaust gases cannot pass through the EGR system.

The EGR valve remains closed when you turn on the car’s engine. As you drive and the engine warms up, the valve gradually opens to allow some exhaust gases to recirculate. But when you stop or slow down, the valve gradually closes again.

And this happens continuously throughout your journey to ensure that exhaust gases are only recirculated when the engine is at the right temperature. This allows your car to maintain fuel efficiency and emit fewer pollutants.

What Are the Types of EGR Valves?

There are primarily main types of EGR valves: vacuum-operated and electronically controlled EGR valves.

Vacuum-Operated EGR Valve

Commonly found in older vehicles, it is a simple system that relies on a vacuum to operate the valve. When the engine conditions are appropriate for EGR operation, the vacuum-operated EGR valve opens to permit the flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold.

A computer-controlled solenoid usually regulates the vacuum that controls the valve, which helps determine when the valve should open and close.

Electronically Controlled EGR Valve

Most current-era cars use an electronically controlled EGR valve. It is managed by the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM), a computer that controls various aspects of the engine’s operation.

The ECM receives inputs from different sensors located across the vehicle to specify the optimal position of the EGR valve during your drive. These sensors provide information about engine speed, load, temperature, and other factors that affect the performance of the EGR system.

Based on this information, the ECM adjusts the position of the EGR valve to ensure the right amount of exhaust gases is recirculated at any given time.

Why Faulty EGR Valve Is an Issue?

A faulty EGR valve can create various problems with the functioning of the EGR system, which can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance and produce excessive pollutants.

It can lead to issues with the flow and operation of the EGR system, causing many performance-related problems, such as lower fuel efficiency, reduced acceleration, and decreased power.

Simply put, a faulty EGR valve can cause your car to produce higher levels of pollutants and may feel sluggish, need help to pick up speed and consume more fuel than usual.

What is Remapping?

Remapping is an ideal way to increase and boost the car’s engine and performance. And since everyone wants better fuel consumption and performance for their vehicle, car remapping is the ideal way to achieve this; but what exactly is remap?

Remapping, also known as chipping, means altering the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is responsible for numerous functions such as sensors, fuel injection or airflow. A car can function to its full potential by reprogramming and adjusting its system.

Car remapping is carried out in a number of stages, each providing greater benefits.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Remapping:

Advantages

Mainly, people opt for car remapping to enhance their speed and power, but it does bring other benefits:

• It increases overall fuel economy and car’s mile per gallon, which helps in reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
• The car feels smoother and faster when pressing the accelerator.
• Your vehicle will easily tow a vehicle as remapping gives extra power.

Disadvantages

• If your car is a non-turbo petrol model, your vehicle will not fully benefit from remapping.
• After remapping, the car’s clutch can suffer from greater depreciation; therefore, it needs to be serviced more frequently.
• After remapping, you may require higher octane fuel which is quite expensive.
• If an authorised dealer does not carry out car remapping, it will compromise the car’s warranty and insurance.

Stages of Car Remapping

Car remapping is mentioned in 3 simplified different stages below:

Stage 1:

• Stage 1 refers to vehicle performance and fuel economy.
• It is done to gain and enhance more mpg to maximise the car’s performance.
• It is achieved by file mapping and the upgradation of the induction kit or filter panel.
• This file mapping is designed to enhance the vehicle’s performance without major mechanical alteration done to the vehicle.

Stage 2:

• Stage 2 yields further and increases the vehicle’s power and performance via certain modifications.
• These modifications may include a bigger intercooler, induction kits, turbos and a better exhaust system.
• During this process, a sports car or a cat back is fitted while the original exhaust is also changed.
• In doing so, the power limit will nearly reach the manufacturer’s power limit.

Stage 3:

• In stage 3, the engine’s vital parts are changed and modified.
• Extra time and a lot of customisation and extra time required, such as running the vehicle to check the health and existing power.
• After this, the custom package is required; for instance, parts from stages 1 and 2 may need to be fitted, which is entirely up to the customer.

After considering the customer’s needs and requirements, further hardware is discussed to gain more vehicle power;

• Supercharger and turbo pullies
• Fuel pumps and injectors featuring up-to-date regulators.
• Camshafts
• Catch cans
• Oil coolers
• Nitrous or water meth injection

After stage 2, everything becomes much more personalised and depends on what the owner wants from the car and how much money he is willing to put into the car.

How Much Does It Cost to Car Remap?

The cost of remapping depends on the make and model of the car. However, you may need to spend around £150 – £400.

The cost may vary depending on the remapping and whether the customer opts for a car map switch. Moreover, the cost of car remapping is never paid upfront, it’s what you get in the longer term.

What is AdBlue?

All modern diesel cars adhere to the latest emission standards and use a liquid called AdBlue. The liquid helps in removing toxic substances from the car’s exhaust gases. But what exactly is it?

AdBlue is a brand name technically known as diesel exhaust fluid, a mixture of urea and distilled water. AdBlue is a colourless and nontoxic fluid that feels sticky but washes off easily. However, it corrodes metallic surfaces.

What is Adblue Made From?

It is made from 2/3 deionised water and 1/3 high-purity urea. The high-purity urea contains ammonia which helps in reducing the NOx gases before they emit from your car.

How Does AdBlue Work?

AdBlue is automatically pumped into your car’s exhaust system, mixing with the exhaust gases, including the NOx, as part of the Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR, system. With the help of AdBlue, the NOx is converted into inert oxygen and nitrogen that are released into the atmosphere together with the exhaust pipe.

Although AdBlue doesn’t altogether remove your car’s NOx emissions, it significantly lowers them.

Understanding Selective Catalytic Reduction

Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR, is a high-tech emission control system that helps reduce NOx emission. When your car engine runs, a small amount of AdBlue particles is added to the exhaust. Then the liquid’s ammonia combines with the hazardous NOx gases to produce nitrogen and water.

Why Does Your Diesel Car Need AdBlue?

AdBlue is required to clean the exhaust gases of diesel cars. Since 2015, according to Euro 6 emissions standards, only a limited amount of NOx can be emitted legally from your car as these gases are toxic waste products of the combustion process.

These emissions have been connected to respiratory illnesses that can have a negative impact on people’s health. Even though a single automobile only generates relatively small levels of NOx, when thousands of diesel vehicles combine their emissions, the air quality in your town or city can get noticeably worse. And that could be harmful to your family’s and your own health.

How Much AdBlue will be Used by Your Car?

AdBlue consumption depends on the vehicle’s model you drive. However, the faster you drive, the more AdBlue your car will consume. For instance, for every 620 miles, a Volkswagen Passat uses approximately 1.5 litres.

Can Issues Arise from Lack of AdBlue?

A lack of AdBlue can create significant issues, one of them being that the car won’t start. The reason is that the system has a great impact on the emission performance of the engine. The vehicles are designed to run with an AdBlue; therefore, they cannot be driven like old-fashioned cars. If no AdBlue is added to your car, it will most likely go into limp mode.

A limp mode can be described as when ECU (Engine Control Unit) reduces the engine power and locks out the gears. Meaning you will literally crawl along at low speeds.

Moreover, if you have stored your AdBlue in your garage, ensure you put it into an expandable container because, in cool weather, it can freeze and expand at least by 7%. In such a case, it can burst and cause a mess and an unpleasant smell.

Additionally, running out of AdBlue is not the only reason your car will go into limp mode. If there is an issue with your gearbox or engine, in these cases, your car will also activate the limp mode.

Can You Refill AdBlue Yourself?

You don’t have to refill AdBlue tank yourself as it is recommended to always refill by technicians. However, if you choose to refill, ensure your skin does not come in contact with the liquid and avoid any spillage, as it can damage your car’s paint. In case of a spill, whether on your hands or clothes, you can just wash the area thoroughly.

To refill AdBlue, you can see a blue cap for the AdBlue right behind the fuel filler cap. You can easily find a container of AdBlue at filling stations for around £15 to £20. Other than containers, some fuel stations have AdBlue pumps, so you may quickly fill your car.

You have to ensure you don’t accidentally pour AdBlue into the diesel tank; otherwise, your tank will need cleaning and draining. Fortunately, now that cars are designed with the latest technology, you cannot accidentally put AdBlue in the diesel tank because the pump nozzle is comparatively big.

Which of the Cars Use AdBlue?

Many diesel cars that are manufactured according to Euro 6 emission use AdBlue. However, not all cars use AdBlue, as other systems can be used instead to reduce NOx emissions.

Here are some tips to check whether your car requires AdBlue or not.

• You can check by locating the “blue” or letters “SCR” are part of the car’s name.
• For instance, Citroen and Peugeot are bagged BlueHDi.
• Fords are bagged Eco Blue.
• Volkswagens are badged IDI SCR.
• Or you can check the fuel filler flap to see whether a blue-capped AdBlue filler is mentioned.
• If you are still unsure, you can ask your dealer or the manufacturer.

How to Check How Much AdBlue is Left in Your Car?

The cars that use AdBlue have a gauge on the dashboard, showing how much AdBlue is left in your car. A warning light will turn on the dashboard; ask your dealer if you still cannot find it.