Services Index
- Tuning
- DPF/EGR Solutions
- NOx/AdBlue/DTC Removal
- Swirl Flap Delete
- Inlet Manifold Flap Delete
- Dyno Testing
- ECU Diagnostics/Cloning/Repair
- Airbag Module/Crash Data Reset
- Diagnostics
- Retrofit/OEM Coding
Tuning
This section briefly explains a little about Tuning. Here we’re focusing on perfomance, and offer our advice and services to help you achieve the results you want from your vehicle.
To see what we can do for your car, use our new configurator and make an enquiry today.
This page is exclusively for our own in-house tuning. To see what other brands of software we offer – click here.
ECU Tuning
At Auto-Tune we can tune ECU (Engine Control Unit) Software on almost all vehicles on the current market – petrol and diesel. This is commonly called “Remapping”, since the ECU Software is laid out in a variety of different “Maps” which we modify.
In most cases this is done by reading the map from the car via the OBD2 Diagnostic Port, altering the Map Structure, then reprogramming it. Some cars have some levels of OBD2 protection, and the ECU has to removed to reprogram them. Make sure to check this if you think it may cause any issues.
We can tailor our ECU maps for better fuel economy, or for optimal performance as our maps are custom to each vehicle, not ‘generic’ or ‘flash’ type maps. Needless to say, the assurance of this method may come at higher cost than others – but you get what you pay for in terms of quality, experience and reliability.
Each car responds differently to being tuned, and +/- 10bhp is completely normal for cars with identical setups and parameters. Further variations can depend on many factors, from the health of the engine (not necessarily current health, but as far back as the initial run-in period), to the quality of the fuel being used. We recommend a Dyno run for any keen performance enthusiasts so the results can clearly be seen.
We are pleased to announce further development of additional software features. This is make and model dependant, so just contact us for more details on these items:-
- Exhaust Flap Control – (eg always open, or open/closed depending on driving modes)
- Driving Mode Remapping /Map Switching – (eg lower/normal power on normal driving modes, full power on sport etc)
- StartStop Deactivation
- Launch Control/No Lift Shift (eg Set Launch RPM with Clutch Hold and Boost Hold Between Gears)
- Pops and Bangs Activation (…don’t think this one needs explaination!)
- Hardcut Rev Limiter
TCU Tuning
VAG Group DSG
We are pleased to now offer DSG tuning on VAG group cars for those who which to get that little bit more out of VW’s astonishing Direct Shift Gearbox. Our DSG Software includes tweaks such as:-
- Increased Maximum Torque Handling
- Automatic Shift-Point Increased (Sport Mode only if Preferred)
- Disable Kick-Down/Upshift in Manual
- Launch Control Enabling – Specific to User Requirements.
BMW ZF 6HP
We are now an official retailer of xHP software for the BMW 6 Speed Gearboxes. Their innovative software is more customizable than any other market brand, because their development is solely from the aspect of performance enthusiasts. You can see this from the (non-exclusive) list of fantastic features they offer:-
- Max RPM Shiftpoints – Enables User Specific Upper Shift Points, Set Differently for D, S and M Modes.
- Kickdown Override – Overrides Maximum Speed for Downshift.
- Gear Display – Displays “Actual Gear” in all Modes or Optional “Target Gear” for Current Driving.
- 2nd Gear at Standstill – Allows Taking Off in Second Gear in M Mode.
- Throttle Blips – Alter the Aggressive-ness of Throttle Blips during Rev-matching.
- Shiftpoint Changes – Edit all Shiftpoints for each Gear across all Modes.
Shiftpoint Speed – Increase or Decrease Shift Speed in M Mode
Hardware
In addition to remapping, the next stage for more BHP for your vehicle may require some hardware upgrades. We offer upgrades on most performance parts, from turbo to injectors, intercoolers to exhausts, brakes to suspension – get in touch to discuss your specific requirements. We support some of the biggest brands, as well as local businesses to help us achieve your tuning goals.
If you have a question, check out our FAQ section, if you can’t find the answer Contact Us Here.
DPF/EGR Solutions
This section briefly explains a cars DPF/EGR System, and how we can help if yours is giving issues. Click the below tabs for some basic background, or use the table further down to find out how we can help if you’re having issues.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas on a modern diesel engine. After the accumulation of a minimum level of soot, a regeration process will inject diesel (or another fluid) in attempt to increase exhaust temperature to a level high enough to combust the soot particles, resulting in an ash deposit from the exhaust.
The only issue posed by a working DPF is an increased backpressure. This results in a lowered perfomance and fuel economy from the engine. The main issues with DPF filters are when they aren’t functioning as they should. There are many factors which play a role here. Here are our most common three:-
–System Faults. The regeneration will only occur if there are no engine system faults. Due to the fact there is a combustion process happening in the exhaust, everything must be closely controlled and monitored by the ECU. Any engine fault will cause the vehicle not to regenerate.
–Vehicle Driving. For regeration to occur minimum engine running factors must be met. (eg minimum driving speed, engine temperature, length of drive) Taking this into account we find that vehicles which are driven daily on longer commutes give less issues, the opposite is true for short journeys. It is worth bearing this in mind when looking at which solution is best for you.
-DPF Aging. In most vehicles the DPF is a servicable item. In the service manual you may find details of the frequency of checks, and when replacement is expected. Cleaning or Forcing a regeneration on a DPF which is overdue a replacement may not have a positive outcome.
Advanced Diagnostics
Here at AutoTune we believe that the key to a successful DPF Solution is Diagnostics. This doesn’t only come from the data from the Vehicle, but talking to the customer is essential. During our advanced diagnostics, we will be looking for:-
-Engine DTC’s or Fault Codes
This will tell us why the DPF is giving issues. This may immediately pinpoint the problem, or indicate the need for further diagnostics.
-Engine Electrical Live Data
This allows us to read the live data fed back to the engine ECU. We know that EVERYTHING must read correctly for the DPF to fully function, and we can see these readings using our Diagnostic Computers.
-Vehicle Daily Driving
At this stage we will speak to the customer to see what the every-day driving the vehicle is like. This can be a prominent factor in the diagnostic process since if the vehicle is not being driven long distance regularly, it simply will not regenerate correctly.
Forced Regeneration
This is the primary step to removing a high Soot Accumulation if the DPF has not regenerated by itself. This step involves using Diagnostic equipment to force the vehicle to enter a regeneration, either while driving or static. We advise this option following an Advanced Diagnostic to ensure that once the DPF has successfully regenerated that it will continue to do so. This will ONLY be the case if:-
– NO ENGINE FAULTS are present and all sensor live data is reading within parameters
– LONG JOURNEYS make up the majority of the regular driving of the vehicle.
Some of the examples of where this will work would be:-
– A sensor replacement, where the DPF was not regenerating previously and now the fault is rectified.
– The DPF was not regenerating due to lack of driving due to a change in circumstances but will no be driven on regular longer journeys.
-A component failure has resulted in the DPF problem, which has now been fixed (eg exhaust gasket leak, injector or turbocharger failure.)
Chemical Cleaning
This is the second step to removing a high Soot Accumulation if the DPF has not regenerated by itself, and a Forced Regeneration cannot be completed. Cleaning involves removing the sensors from the DPF, and spraying cleaning fluid into the DPF via specialist equipement. Since the basis is is the same as a Forced Regeneration the similar rules apply:-
We advise this option following an Advanced Diagnostic to ensure that once the DPF has successfully regenerated that it will continue to do so. This will ONLY be the case if:-
– NO ENGINE FAULTS are present and all sensor live data is reading within parameters
– LONG JOURNEYS make up the majority of the regular driving of the vehicle.
Some of the examples of where this will work would be:-
– A sensor replacement, where the DPF was not regenerating previously and now the fault is rectified.
– The DPF was not regenerating due to lack of driving due to a change in circumstances but will no be driven on regular longer journeys.
-A component failure has resulted in the DPF problem, which has now been fixed (eg exhaust gasket, injector or turbocharger failure.)
DPF Removal
This should be treated as a last resort for DPF issues, or as a performance modification for Stage 1+ vehicles. This process generally takes a full day, due to the amount of work involved. To carry this out, we remove as much of the exhaust system in one piece as possible.
Once this is done we open the DPF Canister and remove the actual DPF Filter from inside. We leave the Catalytic Converter in place, these rarely cause any restriction and prevent excess smoke from the exhaust.
Once this has been professionally removed and re-installed we can then do DPF Software. This is essential to remove faults from the car having now no DPF fitted, as well as to prevent the injection of diesel or additive and cause the car to plume white smoke once the engine is warm.
A DPF Removal is completely garaunteed while you own the vehicle. For more details see our T&C’s here.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a process which works by recirculating a portion of an engine’s Exhaust Gas back into the Engine. The EGR Valve controls the volume of air which can pass through this process.
EGR systems are designed solely to provide a reduction in vehicle emissons, often at the compromise of longeivity and reliability. Unlike a DPF system, even when working correctly the EGR process has negative effects.
- Carbon rich Exhaust Gas recirculated back into the cylinder can increase engine wear, as Carbon particles can wash past the rings and into the oil. This creates abrasive properties in the oil as well as increasing acidity, reducing engine longevity.
- Exhaust Gas has a higher specific heat than air, so during combustion it lowers the combustion temperature in the cylinders. This reduces the amount of power produced by the engine during each combustion cycle.
- The benefit of lowering the combustion temperature (as above) is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are fractionally reduced. However, this has a negative effect on vehicles with a DPF filter, as NOx is the primary oxidiser of soot caught in the DPF. As a result, diesel (or another fluid) has to be used in the active cleaning of a DPF.
- During the EGR process the otherwise dry intake system is subject to soot, unburned fuel and oil in the Exhaust Gas. This condenses with cold air and oil vapour and can cause buildup of sticky tar in the intake manifold and valves. It can also cause problems with components such as the EGR Valve itself, Manifold Flaps, Anti-Shudder Valves etc.
As above, the actual operation of the EGR can cause them to foul with soot from the exhaust. The main issues we see result from the sticky tar deposit sticking the mechanical parts of the valve, or damaging the electrical components of modern electronic EGR valves. This is worsened in cars which are driven shorter, stop/start journeys or the whole of the RPM range is not used during each drive cycle.
EGR Removal
Due to the problems of the EGR system, and the minimal effect it has on vehicle emissions we believe removal is the best method for dealing with any issues. It is possible to Clean and also Replace an EGR Valve but since no level of diagnostics beforehand can confirm if either of these will work on a longer term, we prefer to use this garaunteed method.
EGR removal is often also called “bypass” or “blanking” and describes the process where we remove the EGR as a process rather than the valve itself. This process is vehicle dependant and involves 3 steps:-
- Advanced Diagnostics – confirm the exact fault in the EGR system.
- Software – remapping the vehicle to remove the EGR software from the ECU.
- Hardware – how we stop the EGR. This is vehicle and fault dependant. Sometimes the software is enough to stop the gases, or a vacuum/electrical plug removed, or a blanking plate can also be used.
Your EGR Removal is completely garaunteed while you own the vehicle. For more details see our T&C’s here.
If you have a question, check out our FAQ section, if you can’t find the answer Contact Us Here.