📘 ECU Knowledge Base
Comprehensive technical documentation on ECU systems, torque models, emissions logic, sensors, maps and safe calibration procedures.
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OBD System & Readiness
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) monitors emissions-related systems and reports faults. Readiness monitors must complete for emissions testing compliance.
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Overboost Protection
Overboost protection prevents excessive turbo pressure that could damage the engine, turbocharger or intercooler. The ECU responds with torque reduction or fuel cut.
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Oxygen Sensors (Lambda)
Oxygen sensors measure exhaust gas oxygen content for AFR control and catalyst monitoring. Critical for fuel management and emissions compliance.
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Pilot Injection
Pilot injection delivers a small fuel quantity before the main injection to reduce combustion noise and improve cold start behavior in diesel engines.
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Post Injection
Post injection delivers fuel after the main combustion event to support DPF regeneration and reduce hydrocarbon emissions during warm-up.
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Rail Pressure Maps and Limiters
Detailed view of rail pressure target maps, security caps, ramp behavior and pump protection in common-rail diesel systems.
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Rail Pressure Strategy
Common-rail pressure control ensures precise fuel atomization and engine efficiency. EDC17/MG1 ECUs use multi-loop control to regulate pressure based on torque demand.
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Reading and Interpreting ECU Logs for Tuning
Which channels to log during tuning: boost, IQ, rail, lambda, EGT, knock, torque.
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Rev Limiter
The rev limiter prevents engine over-revving by cutting fuel or ignition above a threshold RPM. Protects valvetrain, pistons and bearings from damage.
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Safe Tuning Workflow: From Stock to Stage 1
Order of operations for safe diesel/gasoline tuning: airpath → smoke → torque → IQ → rail → SOI → validation.
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SCR / AdBlue System
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) uses AdBlue injection to convert NOx into nitrogen and water. Essential for Euro 6 diesel compliance.
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Secondary Air System
Secondary air injection pumps fresh air into the exhaust during cold start to accelerate catalyst light-off and reduce HC/CO emissions.
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Sensor Plausibility Checks and Cross-Checks
How ECUs cross-check MAF vs MAP, EGT vs load, NOx consistency.
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Smoke Limiter
The smoke limiter prevents excessive black smoke by limiting injection quantity relative to available air mass. Critical for emissions and DPF health.
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Speed Limiter
The speed limiter caps maximum vehicle velocity by reducing torque or fuel cut. Often set at 250 km/h for European vehicles, modifiable in ECU calibration.
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Stage 2 and Hardware Upgrades
What changes when upgrading turbo, injectors, exhaust, intake.
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Start of Injection (SOI)
Start of Injection timing determines when fuel enters the combustion chamber. SOI directly affects power output, emissions, noise and engine stress.
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Swirl Flaps
Swirl flaps create turbulence in the intake manifold to improve air-fuel mixing at low RPM. ECU controls their position based on operating conditions.
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Thermal Protection
Thermal protection reduces engine output when temperatures exceed safe limits. Protects pistons, turbo, exhaust components and catalysts from heat damage.
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Throttle Control
Electronic throttle control (ETC) manages airflow to the engine via drive-by-wire systems. The ECU interprets driver demand and applies torque-based control.
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Torque Limiters
Torque limiters cap engine output based on conditions like gear, temperature, and component protection. Critical calibration targets for performance tuning.
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