Questions and Answers about the myths of engine remapping.


What is remapping?
ECU remapping is the term used to describe the process of re-programming the ECU (Engine Control Unit) via the OBD port. All modern vehicles are fitted with an ECU. Remapping your ECU can give you increased performance and greater fuel economy. Here at Eco Power Map we tailor our remapping service to optimise your engine fuel economy.

What is the difference between remapping and a tuning box?
The majority of tuning boxes on the market today will only increase the fuel pressure and injection periods. You will not get an even spread of power due to the delay in the tuning box circuitry processing sensor signals. This results in spikes in the power. With re-mapping, these problems are eliminated as the ECU processes everything along with adjusting the torque limiters and turbo limiters, which a tuning box cannot access.

What is the OBD port?
The OBD port (On-Board Diagnostics) is essentially an access point in the vehicle which is plugged into which has a self-diagnostic and reporting capability. The OBD port enables the vehicle owner or vehicle technician to access information relating to the health state of the many vehicle sub-systems which collectively which collectively is sometimes described as the Canbus system (Central Area Network Bus)

Is ‘chipping’ and ‘remapping’ the same thing?
Chipping is an older method relating to the process of physically replacing a chip in the ECU. This method used with older vehicles has now been replaced by the newer method called ‘remapping’. 

What do you actually modify in my vehicle?
We do not alter any hardware in your vehicle as all modern vehicles have an ECU. The ECU is a computer controlled device which can be accessed via the on-board diagnostics port (OBD) in the vehicle. The ECU controls many processes such as ignition timing, how much fuel and air are mixed together, when the turbo initiates in etc. These settings are stored as maps within the ECU.
Power gains are obtained by optimizing fuel injection, the turbo pressure control, the throttle response and raising the torque limiters at the appropriate RPM’s and engine loads. Vehicles with common rails see their rail pressure raised on high rev and high load.
Economy is obtained by optimizing the torque limiters and fuel throttle response so as to allow the driver to change up gears earlier and drive longer on the higher gears.

Here at Eco Power Map, our technicians will access your vehicles ECU via the OBD port. From here, the technician will analyse the maps that are already stored on the ECU. Our software finds the optimal settings for your vehicle and then reprograms the ECU with new optimised maps. Dependent on what category of ECU your vehicle has, the ECU can be re-mapped in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. Other category ECU’s can take longer but they are all done on the customer’s premises.

If at any time you wish to return your vehicle ECU to its original factory settings, this can be done as we always keep a copy of the original maps in the ECU.

What engines can be remapped?
Whilst remapping will benefit both petrol and diesel vehicles it has to be said that a diesel turbo vehicle will show the greatest results from a performance and economy point of view. Eco Power Map engineers will remap any client vehicle provided it is a late enough model. However, Eco Power Map’s main market sector is diesel powered vehicles with commercial fleets. 

What vehicles can be remapped?
Generally any vehicles, cars as well as commercial vehicles from 2002 onwards can be remapped. For a diesel vehicle as long as it has the ‘Common Rail’ type of diesel engine, it can be remapped for better performance and economy. Contact Eco Power Map for more information. Information required will be vehicle make, model, engine size and BHP, date of manufacture. Our vehicle lists are being updated on a regular basis.

Why would my vehicle not have the optimal maps installed as standard?
Manufacturers have to build in vast numbers to be viable and this includes buying in components on a massproduced basis. To individually bespoke an ECU to every type of truck configuration and export market would be costly and time consuming. Consequently, ECU’s are supplied with a ‘generic’ setting which is a compromise for many variables that may be encountered by the operator. In some instances, the manufacturers are restricted by law to limit the power available in the engine map between 2000 – 3000 RPM. This was introduced to reduce emissions but the consequence of this is that drivers use more throttle to counteract the lack of power and in fact increase emissions.
Manufacturers also build in tolerances to account for truck operators who may not have their vehicles serviced in accordance with the recommended service period, run with sub-standard fuels or operate in difficult ambient conditions. A way of doing this is to limit the power available through settings in the ECU. 

Can Eco Power Map reduce my CO2 emissions?
Yes Eco Power Map will help you to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the number of miles to the gallon your vehicle is capable of. The only real way that you can reduce your vehicle CO2 emissions is to actually reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. To better explain this, for every litre of fuel your vehicle burns, 2.63 kg of CO2 are released into the atmosphere. This is not dependent on how you drive or indeed what you drive, but how much fuel your vehicle consumes. Reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes using Eco Power Map.

Can you limit the speed of my vehicles?
Eco Power Map engineers have the ability to limit speeds driven by remapping accordingly. This is dependent on the age of the vehicle however and what type of ECU has been fitted. This in itself can assist greatly in reducing the amount of fuel used and carbon emissions. Companies that use agency drivers have resorted to this facility to ensure that their vehicle assets are not driven to extremes and fuel economies are maintained. This service used to entail sending your vehicle back to the main dealer for alteration with the subsequent downtime. Eco Power Map can incorporate the speed limiting at the same time as remapping for economy.
 
Where does the remapping take place?
We have a network of technicians around the UK who will travel to the customer’s site to carry out the remapping process. At Eco Power Map we appreciate that running your fleet to capacity is of paramount importance therefore we will remain flexible in appointment times to ensure that any disruption to normal operating services is as minimum as possible.
 
How can I pay for your services?
We offer a number of channels for payment. This will be after we have shown you the expected return on investment (ROI) for carrying out the remapping of your fleet (or part thereof). In all channels, funds have to have cleared before remapping can commence. Payment can be made by cheque payable to Eco Power Map Ltd. Payment by finance is also an option. The client is free to arrange their own or Eco Power Map have approved finance partners we can recommend. Written particulars can be provided upon request. Lastly, we can accept payment via credit card through our Paypal facility.

Why must funds be ‘cleared’ before remapping takes place?
It is a case of the minority spoiling it for the majority. Once a remap has taken place, we have no further access to the vehicle without the express permission of the owner or operator. Should an operator choose not to pay us or hasn’t accurately featured us into their cash flow, there is no method for us to have our ‘goods’ returned to us! In view of the present economic climate our policy was changed. Do remember however that we have a 30 day No Quibble Guarantee should the client have any issues with our remapping service. We can also upload the original vehicle map file back into the vehicle should the operator request it.

How soon after I purchase your service and funds have cleared, can I expect to get the vehicles to be remapped?
After receiving your order and funds have cleared, we will contact you within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet and re-map your vehicles.

How competitive are your prices?
Eco Power Map offer very competitive prices. A client should view this as a tangible investment and not a cost! Our ROI calculator will show how quickly this service will pay for itself. The investment depends on which category of ECU is being remapped. Contact us at Eco Power Map for confirmation or talk to one of our resellers who can advise. Note – Make, Model, Year of manufacture and Engine BHP is required for an accurate determination of ECU category.  It is worth noting that there are remapping providers that offer what seem like value for money ECU remapping services. However, many of these providers are using what is known as stock files (maps). These files are not tailored to your vehicles specific requirements but instead will be a generic map for say a Mercedes Sprinter. Eco Power Map only provide tailored remap files bespoke for each vehicle and would advise against purchasing cheap alternatives.

Do you really offer a 30 day money back guarantee?
For operators who proceed with remapping without an evaluation trial yes we do. If you are not satisfied with the results of the remapping or any aspect of our work we offer a 30 day money back guarantee. An Eco Power Map technician will attend your premises and will remove the re-mapped file and replace your original maps. You will receive a refund of the full investment cost. If you have decided to embark upon our trial evaluation scheme and paid under the reduced fee option, then this is covered under our 30 day money back guarantee. Vehicles owned by the same operator subsequently remapped after the conclusion of a successful evaluation test are not covered by the 30 day guarantee. For further information please contact Eco Power Map.

Why do you only remap for economy and not increased power?
We can remap for power but we chose not to offer this as standard. The economy remap service specifically focuses on making your vehicle run more efficiently. This may well mean that some extra power is made available through the remap to suit the enhanced settings determined by the engine management diagnostic software. Your vehicle ECU will be remapped so that your vehicle benefits from increased torque, which in turn will ensure that less gear changes are required which will increase your MPG at the end of the day. Fuel savings of up to 20% have been achieved. Conversely, remapping a vehicle purely for power means the technician concentrating on delivering more power to your vehicle. An increase in brake horse power (BHP) and torque will give your vehicle better pulling power, enabling faster and safer over-taking. BHP gains of up to 35% can be achieved but not necessarily improved fuel economy.

Do you operate on a national level in the UK?
Yes. Eco Power Map operate throughout the UK and we also work with qualified and proficient affiliates. If for some reason we cannot service your enquiry, we will refund your fee immediately.

Do I have to have my entire fleet done at once?
No not at all. We realise that due to funding and cash flow, it may only be possible to do a number of vehicles at a time. So for example a fleet operator running twenty vehicles might decide to have 10 vehicles done in the first quarter of their financial year and the remaining 10 vehicles done in the second quarter. Our ROI calculator can provide accurate information regarding ROI time spans. Remember though, with proven ROI it makes sense to get the entire fleet done as soon as possible.
 
Do you have a trial program that I can use to evaluate the power of remapping?
Eco Power Map offer a trial evaluation program for potential clients to test the power of remapping on their own vehicles. Generally, one vehicle is chosen to trial and Eco Power Map work closely with the operator to ensure accurate data collection is undertaken and a post remapping evaluation is carried out. Special reduced rates are available for trials and a number of options are available to the operator for consideration. Contact Eco Power Map for further details.

Can I have the remapping reversed?
Yes you can. Eco Power Map keeps a copy of the original mapped file. This can be reinstalled at anytime at the request of the client.

Is remapping legal?
Yes remapping your vehicle is entirely legal and there is no law against this.
 
Is there any risk to my vehicle?
There are no risks to your vehicle, provided that your vehicle has been regularly serviced and that the main engine parts are in good working order.

Although rare, there is the possibility that the ECU rejects the newly remapped file. In this case we can attempt to use an OEM file which over-rides this software rejection. If this does not work, we always have the option to return the original file to the ECU and you will not be charged anything.

Will I have to inform my insurers?
As our remapping is carried out for economy and not increased power this should not affect premiums or cover in any way. Under the circumstances your insurers should have no justification in increasing any premium. However, this is a matter of individual choice but you should check with your broker and advise them of the modifications so they can advise in respect of your policy conditions.

Will this affect my warranty?
Our remapping is done for economy and not power increase and all remaps settings are kept well within the manufacturers limits. Indeed in mainland Europe many dealer operators offer this service directly to the operator upon taking delivery of their new vehicles with the blessing of the manufacturer! Provided the vehicles in question have been regularly maintained there are absolutely no reasons to suggest that remapping will cause any issues other than positive. Manufacturers are now starting to accept that a properly remapped ECU will give performance and economy gains and that the technology available to do such remapping is stable and reliable. We are talking to manufacturers and main dealers to further their understanding of the benefits of remapping.

My vehicles are leased. Will the leasing company let me have remapping done?
A number of leasing companies have now carried out their due diligence on remapping technology and most are now embracing the benefits it has to offer as these can be passed onto the client as an ‘added value’ giving good reason to choose their vehicles to lease rather than a competitor. Ultimately, they may own the vehicle but you owe it to your own operation and indeed the environmental issue to use less fuel whilst running them.

What happens if the ECU is damaged during remapping?
Eco Power Map is insured against damage to any ECU. It is extremely rare for this to happen but if it should, Eco Power Map will cover the repair or replacement of the ECU in question.

Once my vehicle has been re-mapped can it be returned to its original state?
Yes. If in the unlikely event you are not satisfied with the improved economy as a result of the remapping service, your vehicle can be returned to its original settings. We keep all ECU maps recorded from our client vehicles.

Once my vehicle has been remapped, do I need to use a better class of fuel?
You can continue to use the same fuel that you have been using before and have no need to change the fuel type you use

My vehicle has engine problems. Does this matter?
Yes. We will not remap a vehicle that has engine problems. Please make sure you fix any mechanical or electrical problems before we remap your vehicle.



For details of our mobile remapping services please either mail us at:  enquiries@ecopowermap.co.uk 
or call us on 0114  275  5124 or 0795 860 5066