What are ECU Solution Files?

ECU Solution files

If you ask any professional or semi-professional in ECU tuning, "How are ECU tuning files categorized?" you will definitely hear that ECU tuning/ ECU remapping files are generally divided into two main categories:

• Performance tuning files
• ECU solution files (solution tuning files)

But how will these two categories be defined, and what range of files does each encompass? For example, where do TCU tuning or DTC removal files fit in, and what is the rationale and criteria for this categorization? These are the questions we will explain in the following article.

Differences Between Performance Tuning Files and ECU Solution Files:

Performance tuning files, as the name suggests, are files intended to enhance your vehicle's performance, providing more power, better acceleration, and an overall improved driving experience compared to before. In performance tuning files, the vehicle owner typically does not have a specific problem with their vehicle and is simply looking to push beyond the conservative limits set by the manufacturer. This is why stage tuning files (Stage 1 remap, Stage 2, and Stage 3) as well as TCU tuning files also fall into this category. With this definition, standalone ECUs, remaps for vehicles, and aftermarket ECUs can also be classified in the same group.

Therefore, based on the definition provided for performance tuning files, one might guess that ECU solution files refer to a category of files specifically for problematic vehicles! Is that correct?!

Yes, that's somewhat correct, but that's not the whole story!

ECU solution files have a specific definition. Before defining ECU solution files, it is important to understand that for several years now, due to strict regulations aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, many good and bad innovations have been introduced by automotive companies to lower the emission levels of each vehicle. Some of these innovations and technologies have forced vehicle owners to incur higher maintenance costs for their vehicles, and in many cases, they have experienced a decline in their vehicle's performance. This led engineers in the field of ECU tuning to seek methods for the software or even physical removal of these technologies and add-ons. It is precisely from this effort that "ECU solution files" entered the world of ECU tuning.

However, despite all this, it is essential to know that solution files are not only created when a vehicle encounters a problem; rather, in many cases, vehicle owners looking to enhance their vehicle's performance use ECU solution files as a first step and prerequisite for improving their vehicle's efficiency. A prominent example of this is the DeCat, which typically starts with lambda O2 removal and culminates in tuning stages. This represents a collaboration between ECU solution files and performance tuning files.

ECU Chiptuning Files; What is ECU Chiptuning Files?

Since this article aims to familiarize you with many terms in the field of ECU tuning/ remapping, we will address "ECU chip tuning files," a term that many of you have questions about. What exactly is meant by "ECU chip tuning files"?

At the beginning of ECU tuning, engineers were primarily engaged in chip tuning! The reason for this is that when this field was first developing, "ECU tuning tools" had not yet entered the world of remapping, and to read and write a file from an ECU and access its various layers, chip tuning was necessary. In fact, ECU tuning had to be done directly through the chip board of the ECUs. Later, with the widespread introduction of ECU tuning tools into this market, chip tuning became less and less common until today, when it is usually only used for newer ECUs or TCU models that have just entered this field. To better understand the differences between chip tuning and ECU tuning, you can read our article "ECU Tuning vs. Chip Tuning," but before that, you can briefly consider these two terms to be almost the same!

So, in this context, chip tuning files are essentially the same as ECU tuning files!

Original ECU files:

So far, we have become familiar with ECU solution files, performance tuning files, and chip tuning files. So, what is an "ECU original file"?

An ECU original file or stock ECU file refers to the file that was first used by the manufacturer of your vehicle on your vehicle, and it is essentially the first file or instruction for the ECU of your vehicle to operate.

Of course, in cases where you have remapped your vehicle and for any reason intend to remap it again, the currently remapped file that is being used on your vehicle's ECU will relatively be considered the ECU original file, although with this definition, we may have made many of our colleagues our enemies! However, in this situation, you or your tuner can back up the ECU original file (or the original file) and keep it for use when needed as the "ECU original file"!

EGR off:

One of the technologies or systems designed to reduce vehicle emissions (and many people are seeking to eliminate it!) is the EGR system. The function of this system, which is used in diesel engines (or diesel internal combustion engines, or D-ICE), is to reduce NOx emissions. The EGR system takes exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and recirculates them back to the intake manifold, allowing these pollutant compounds to mix again with fresh air and fuel, leading to their combustion and a reduction in emissions.

Adblue off:

The AdBlue or SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is another system designed and developed to reduce pollutants. This system, which is installed on diesel engines (typically Euro 5 and Euro 6), acts as a chemical catalyst by injecting a urea solution into the exhaust gases (usually after the DPF and before the exhaust gases enter the SCR catalyst), thereby reducing the production of particulate matter. In addition to the SCR catalyst, the AdBlue system typically consists of other components such as the AdBlue injector, AdBlue tank, ceramic tank heater, and the AdBlue control system, which is known as the "ACU" or "ACM."

This system incurs significant costs for drivers and vehicle owners for purchasing AdBlue solution as well as for its maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the appearance of troublesome error codes and speed restrictions when the AdBlue tank is nearing empty are other challenges this system poses for diesel vehicle owners. These are reasons that lead individuals to consider the software removal of AdBlue.

DPF off:

The DPF, or Diesel Particulate Filter, is another system in diesel vehicles designed to reduce emissions. The DPF captures soot and particulate matter and effectively burns them off by raising the exhaust temperature. Compared to other components and consumables in vehicles, the DPF needs to be serviced relatively frequently (typically two to three times a year). This leads to significant costs for vehicle owners and drivers. Additionally, by removing the DPF through ECU tuning, you can eliminate related check engine lights and DTCs, unpleasant odors inside the cabin, a relative decrease in engine power, and a significant increase in engine temperature!

DTC off:

DTCs! The biggest problem for tuners and vehicle owners! DTCs are usually displayed on diagnostic devices in four categories: P codes, U codes, B codes, and C codes, which respectively mean Powertrain, Undefined, Body, and Chassis. Of course, these are the generic displays of DTCs, and there are also extended DTCs or DTCs like those from TRW ECUs that are six digits long. DTC delete in various ECUs is done in different ways, although there are similarities in the logic behind it. At NinjaRemap, we delete P codes and many related U codes from well-known ECUs in this market, such as Bosch, Delphi, Hitachi, Continental, TRW, Magneti Marelli, and many other ECUs using our ECU tuning deletion method. All you need to do is upload your ECU file through our "ECU Remapping Service", and you will receive the DTC off file in the shortest time possible.

AGS removal:

The AGS (Active Grill Shutter) has been designed and produced to optimize engine temperature and improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. This system is also intended to enhance fuel efficiency and better direct airflow in the car; however, its motor malfunctions and sensor issues can lead to significant repair costs. Additionally, this system poses a major obstacle for Stage 2 and Stage 3 remapping, and you can read about the reasons in the article "What is AGS Removal?"

ECU Solution Files Software:

Every day, many of our customers ask us the question, "What is the best software for performing ECU solution files?" Generally speaking, if you work on various vehicles and ECUs in your garage or workshop, the best software for ECU solution files is WinOLS, as it allows you to delete almost all the items mentioned above through the ECU file. However, this task is not particularly easy, and in many cases, you will need Damos files and sufficient remapping knowledge and experience in the field of ECU tuning to accomplish this.

Nevertheless, aside from this, you can consider WinOLS as the top software suitable for performing ECU solution files.

Also, keep in mind that the differences in ECU solution file methods are usually found in the differences between ECUs, not in the differences between brands.

ECU Solution Files Tools/ Programmers:

In fact, it can be confidently stated that the term "ECU solution files tools" or "ECU solution files programmers" is a misnomer! There is no such term in existence! To be more precise, this means that to perform ECU solution files, you need the ECU original file, as explained above. The original/ stock ECU file is used for both performance tuning files and ECU solution files, and the programmers for these two are not separate! In the most optimistic scenario, ECU solution files tools are simply the programmers used to read and write the original ECU file.

ECU Solution Files Online:

If you are reading this article, the most accessible ECU solution file for you is the "ECU Remapping Service" from NinjaRemap! After logging into the website, you can submit your original ECU file through our "ECU Remapping Service" page and, by selecting your desired solutions for your vehicle, receive a remapped file (ECU solution file) in the shortest possible time, with a 30-day warranty and exceptional support.

ECU Solution Files Free Download:

Here are the download links for sample solution files for various vehicles, which you can use for practice as well as for comparison and familiarization with the nature of ECU solution files, provided free of charge.

 

The best way to contact us and get answers to your questions is via WhatsApp +44 781 8419 058 and email info@ninjaremap.com