📘 ECU Knowledge Base
Comprehensive technical documentation on ECU systems, torque models, emissions logic, sensors, maps and safe calibration procedures.
-
Emissions Strategy Overview (DPF / EGR / SCR)
Big picture view of how DPF, EGR, SCR, and catalyst systems cooperate for emissions compliance.
-
Engine Efficiency Maps and BSFC Basics
How efficiency maps are used internally by ECUs and what they imply for tuning. Understanding BSFC and thermal efficiency.
-
Evap System and Fuel Tank Venting (Gasoline)
Basic overview of EVAP logic, purge strategies and tuning implications for gasoline vehicles.
-
Fuel Injection (Gasoline)
Gasoline fuel injection controls fuel delivery via port or direct injectors. The ECU calculates pulse width based on air mass, target lambda and corrections.
-
Gearbox and Clutch Protection Limits
How torque is capped per gear, clutch capacity, and AT/DSG protection strategies.
-
Glow Plug Control
Glow plug control manages pre-heating and post-heating cycles to ensure reliable cold starts and reduce white smoke emissions in diesel engines.
-
How Modern ECUs Work
High-level overview of ECU architecture, inputs/outputs, control loops and real-time constraints in modern engine management systems.
-
Idle Control
Idle control maintains stable engine speed at rest by regulating airflow, ignition timing and fuel delivery. Critical for smooth operation and emissions.
-
Idle Control and Torque Reserve
How idle torque is controlled, reserved, and stabilized under varying loads. Understanding the idle speed control system.
-
Ignition Timing
Ignition timing determines when the spark plug fires relative to piston position. Optimal timing maximizes power while avoiding knock and excessive emissions.
-
Injection Quantity Logic
Injection Quantity (IQ) defines how much fuel the ECU delivers per cycle. IQ bridges torque model, rail pressure and timing — critical for performance and emissions.
-
Injectors (Diesel)
Common-rail diesel injectors deliver precisely metered fuel at extreme pressures. The ECU controls injection timing, duration and multiple events per cycle.
-
Intercooler and Charge Air Temperature Effects
How charge air temperature influences air density, knock tendency, smoke behavior, and protection strategies in turbocharged engines.
-
Knock Control
Knock control is a core safety strategy in gasoline ECUs. The system detects abnormal combustion and adjusts ignition timing to protect the engine.
-
Lambda Control
Lambda control regulates air-fuel ratio using oxygen sensor feedback. Precise AFR management is essential for emissions, catalyst efficiency and engine protection.
-
Limp Mode / Safe Mode
Limp mode is an ECU protection state that limits power when critical faults are detected. Allows the vehicle to be driven to safety at reduced performance.
-
Limp Mode Triggers and Recovery Conditions
What sends the ECU into limp mode and how it recovers.
-
MAF Sensor
The Mass Air Flow sensor measures intake air mass for precise fuel and boost calculations. Critical input for torque model and smoke limiter.
-
MAP Sensor
The Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor measures intake pressure for load calculation and boost control. Essential for turbocharged engine management.
-
Multiple Injections: Pilot, Main, Post
Why modern diesels use multiple injection events per cycle, timing effects on noise and emissions.
-
NOx Sensors and Their Role in Control
How upstream and downstream NOx sensors feed the emissions control loop.
Need a Custom ECU File?
Get a safe, high-quality tuning file prepared by TuningBot engineers — calibrated with real-world logic and validated best practices.