Hi all.

I saw a post a couple of weeks ago about DIY remapping with KWP2000 and like the sound of it in terms of cost and having the flexibitiy of reverting to standard when needed. Has anyone any experience of doing this? If anyone has done it I have seen the kits for around

I`m in the process of doing this now after having purchased a KWP2000. Lot more complicated than you think. If you obtain one of these do NOT use the files from the DVD or you could be looking at a new ECU. The deal is that you can download your ECU to a file then send this file to a specialist ($) who will have to modify it, change immobiliser codes, amend the values ETC. It is a complicated job which is why mapping is expensive. Also the specialists use expensive equipment that monitors voltage ETC and have the ability to take the EEPROM off the ECU and reflash direct if the upload goes wrong. Your ECU code can be found on the ECU itself, under bonnet near windscreen, passenger side (BOSCH EDC15P for example). Me being a cheapskate i am going the DIY route.I`ll let you know how i go on.

i have done this twice now. i use a flash-booster which is esentially the same as the kwp2000. i would definatly recommend using a professional to the software modding tho.

it cost me

just make sure that there is no voltage drop during flashing - that you have a well-charged battery and no chance the radiator fan goes on. May need to disconnect insturment fuse (no.14 IIRC).

The maps should be done by a pro - many ebay CD maps are garbage that can mess up the engine - if things do go wrong then you will need to pull out the ECU and send it to one of the few people that can repair it. Will need to be opened, chip removed and reprogrammed - mondo dinero.

Bit risky - you may want to leave it to the pros, but then again you'd lose out on the 'fun factor/ risk thrill' involved. I'd bet that most tuners started out this way - the learning experience can be risky and expensive...

You pays your money and you takes your chance....

Cheers

Bas

One way to avoid complications with dropping battery voltage is to connect a decent charger to the battery.

Well map now uploaded and the car is much more oomphy. However on a negative note, there is a small technical hitch which i do not want to reveal on here and it appears i cannot upload the original file to revert to stock, guessing the map is encrypted from another device. Not really sure, but yes it is a thrill and i just want to save some money. If in the long run i am not happy then i will get it pro modded and use the KWP2000 as a backup device to return it back to standard. Thing is if you don`t try these things then you never know. With hindsight i should have spoke to a reputable map company and had them modify my file.

The KWP2000 interfaces on ebay are clones the original device, you wont find much help from the seller if anything goes wrong!

Dont start anything untill you are sure you can sort it if anything goes wrong, at the least you will need a hot air station and a programmer with an adaptor for a psop 44 chip. Oh and a very steady hand

As for battery charger thats a good idea but only a VERY good quality one, last thing you need during flash tuning is a power spike!

Maps are the most important part of any tuners toolbox, even most of the pro tuners buy these from someone else and i dont think they get the from a £5 cd on ebay.

Hope this helps

I think that some people have blown turbo's on the PD130's with poosly mapped cars you may well find it not to be the cheapest option.

That said - I can't fault you for trying but as has been stated you have to be prepared to foot the bill if it goes wrong.

Checked with VAG com and i have lots of error codes now. MMmm. Engine management system not happy, ABS, Glow plugs ETC. Will keep you updated as to how i go on. Guess there is a lesson to be learnt here.

remapping does leave a few fault codes to clear mainly "ECM communication errors"

They can be cleared safely anything else and it worth getting it checked

Which fuse do i pull to kill the ECU or is it fuses. I have got the fuse guide from VRS Stu`s webby Fabia-vrs.com - Fuse Panel Layout but still not sure. How long to leave out ETC.

The winning answer will encourage me to become a freedom member this week when my credit card has some dosh on it.

:-)

If you want to take the power off then the simplest way to ensure it is done is remove the battery -ve for 10 mins or so.

As YellowCupra says maping will leave some codes so clear them off and lets hope you aren't left with any.

Tis cold now. Will leave till tomorrow. Just wanted the easy way out. Will do the Freedom membership anyway as i have had lots of free advice and gained lots of knowledge from this community.

Have you solved your problems?

Nope. Not yet. Car runs great. Even the blxxdy stutter has gone.

I`m going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark and as it is raining all the time haven`t bothered tinkering. Will leave it till the weekend when i`ll post back and start panicking if no joy.

Just thought i`d update you all. Looks like i updated the ECU with one from a Skoda Superb. At least it started, but the engine management lights were flashing and this was picked up on when i had my service done. Anyway James @ An introduction to Chip tuning and remapping has saved the day and flashed my ECU with the correct file for my car. This wasn`t the easiest of jobs without the right kit, which James has. So to conclude it takes a brave man to try this and you better have money to spare should it go horribly wrong. My lesson has been learnt >

Take it to the Pro`s.

Cheers James

Good to see you've managed to sort it out James.

Pleased i could help mate, for those interested the car ran well but the interface would not let you overwrite the software with a correctly modified file. Also VAGCOM would not let you turn off the list of fault codes.

To get this sorted ECU was removed and flashed with original software (from my own fabia vrs) on the bench once this was in the ECU it could then be flashed as normal with the mod file and fault codes removed with VAGCOM.