As above really would like to learn a bit, who on here knows what websites there are out there re mapping?

Whats the basics you can use with a windows PC? 

 

Ive already got an ODB2 faullt code tablet for diag, but it doesnt allow access to check if ECU has been previously mapped.

Also have VCDS full version, but havent played with it much since I got it.

 

Believe that you cant do owt with VCDS either re the ECU??

 

And whilst We are on the subject of VCDS, is there a good guide on here or elsewhere on how to use it to get the best/most out of it?

 

Thanks In advance

Paul B

VCDS is a diagnostic tool, not a mapping/re-programming tool.

 

There is a decent online user manual and videos on the Ross-Tech website for VCDS.

I know that, hence why i said as much in the original post. (re VCDS and not being any use for mapping/ecu reads) Will have to have a look again at ross tech site tho for more info on using VCDS.

 

I wonder if they use a special OBD2 lead to hook up to a laptop for doing maps or just a generic one, and its the software package that does most of the stuff?

Im going to have to get googling, doesnt look like many people on here are doing much in the way of mapping.

Yes, you would use a bespoke tool designed for flashing, for example KESS or KTAG. For very old cars you can use a very cheap Galletto cable.
 

Reading the map is only the first stage, the second question is how to actually access and change the map - this is the incredibly difficult part

 

Maps are literally just hexadecimal - the numbers 0 to 9 and A to F. To be able to take nothing more than this and turn into something understandable you need software for remapping, I.e Winols. For the old diesels that had a EDC15 ECU, there was a free tuning program, that in combination with a free 1.9PD tuning guide online, would quite easily let you experiment with tuning at home. I had a Fabia vRS that I would constantly tune and then log and then tune. using a website like ecuconnections you can have other people review your map and give an opinion

 

pretty much all ECU programming software is expensive and even then you are not done, you need a DAMOS to be able to identify all of the maps on the ECU and adjust the values. 
 

sure, you can purchase cheap maps online, but most of them are more of a decalibration rather than a performance remap. A lot of people think they are getting something decent when they go to a place with a dyno, but most of the time they take a generic map, make very minor changes and then call it a custom map, a proper custom map takes hours of work

 

if you are only interested in improving your car rather than getting into tuning, then the best option would be to go to someone like Celtic tuning that can come to a home address or work and flash a map. REVO are absolutely brilliant so if you have a local dealer, they are the best option.

Edited 21 April, 20242 yr by sakta

thanks for the reply sakta!