Is it worthwhile to have an ECU ‘re-map’ carried out on a diesel car?
The mechanic says...
The potential benefits of having an E.C.U. ‘re-mapped’ on a diesel engine vary according to the make and model of vehicle, and the extent to which the manufacturer’s pre-set operating parameters are varied. Essentially, re-mapping changes the characteristics of the engine’s performance, by adjusting ignition and fuel system settings – usually to improve performance or fuel consumption, and sometimes both at the same time (as, in theory, an engine which is running more efficiently should give gains in both power and mpg figures). The potential improvements can be very impressive for some models.
Many firms offer re-mapping services these days, and it is worth enquiring of several different operators the expected gains you might see as a result of using their services.
Fellow owners might also be able to tell you their experiences (website forums relating to specific makes and models can be very useful for this).
Bear in mind that in some cases, amending the E.C.U.’s standard settings can result in excessive emissions, which will give you a problem with regard to MoT test requirements, also roadside emissions assessments.
If your vehicle is still under warranty, find out whether re-mapping will affect the warranty. If a problem subsequently occurs with your engine, you might find that your vehicle is no longer covered.
