📘 ECU Knowledge Base
Comprehensive technical documentation on ECU systems, torque models, emissions logic, sensors, maps and safe calibration procedures.
Air Mass Measurement and Modeling
Detailed coverage of MAF, MAP, IAT sensors and volumetric efficiency calculations. How the ECU determines actual airflow.
Air Mass Modeling (MAF vs MAP)
Speed-density vs MAF-based systems: how ECUs estimate airflow and the impacts on fueling calculations and tuning strategy.
Boost Control Strategy
Boost control regulates turbocharger output via wastegate or VGT. The ECU manages target boost based on torque demand while protecting against overboost.
Boost Deviation and Safety Limiters
Map sets that clamp torque when boost cannot reliably follow target.
Boost Target Maps and Airflow Requirements
How boost target maps are built from torque demand and smoke constraints. Understanding the relationship between boost, airflow, and fueling.
Calibrating for Fuel Quality Variations
Handling 95 vs 98 RON, winter/summer diesel, biodiesel blends.
Catalyst Systems
Catalytic converters reduce harmful exhaust emissions through chemical reactions. The ECU monitors catalyst temperature and efficiency using oxygen sensors.
Closed-Loop vs Open-Loop Strategies
Understanding where ECUs rely on sensor feedback versus pure map lookups. Lambda, boost, knock, and EGR control modes explained.
Cold Start and Catalyst Heating Strategies
Extra fueling, timing strategies, and lambda management during cold start for catalyst light-off.
Common Abbreviations in Calibrations
Quick reference for common ECU tuning abbreviations.
Common Fault Patterns After Poor Tuning
Typical DTCs and symptoms when limiters or models are misaligned.
Component Temperature Protections (ECT, IAT, Oil)
How ECUs reduce torque when coolant, oil, or intake temperatures exceed safe limits.
Diagnostic Strategy and DTC Logic
How fault conditions, timers, and counters combine into Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
DPF Limits, Backpressure and Fail-Safe Behavior
How ECUs react to clogged DPF filters, regeneration failures, and excessive backpressure.
DPF System
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures soot from exhaust gas. The ECU manages soot accumulation, regeneration cycles and differential pressure monitoring.
Driver Wish / Pedal Interpretation
Driver wish maps translate accelerator pedal position into torque requests. Key calibration for throttle response and power delivery feel.
Driver Wish and Pedal Interpretation
From pedal position to torque request: how driver maps, driving modes, and smoothness filters shape throttle response and drivability.
ECU Map Types Glossary
Short descriptions of common map names in ECU calibrations.
ECU Safety Architecture and Fallback Modes
How limp mode, safe values, and fallback strategies are organized in modern ECUs. Understanding the protection hierarchy.
EGR System
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) reduces NOx emissions by diluting intake charge with inert exhaust gas. The ECU controls EGR flow based on operating conditions.
EGT Sensors
Exhaust Gas Temperature sensors monitor exhaust heat for turbo protection, DPF regeneration control, and thermal management strategies.
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