Guide: ECU programming methods

Chapters:

• Basics of cooperation
• Chiptuning equipment
• ECU programming methods
• Engine diagnostic
• Types of engine power increase
• Additional software modifications
• Technical support and training
• Price list of programmers
• Price list of additional eqipment
• Price list of credits
• Frenquently asked questions

OBD
The most common way of programming control units. You connect the programmer to the vehicle using an OBD socket. You can then simply download the software backup from the vehicle in a few clicks in a few minutes. The application guides you with simple commands (turn off ignition / turn on ignition / save file). Most vehicles are programmed in this way in the range of 2000 - 2020. This option can be applied to more than 90% of vehicles, e.g. completely to VW / Škoda / Audi / Seat, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Fiat and others.

BENCH MODE
This method can be used with most Bosch control units, if the software cannot be downloaded via the OBD interface. The control unit is removed from the vehicle and the programmer is connected via the control unit connector using several pins. Programming by connecting the programmer via the control unit connector is very easy.

BDM
Even in this case, it is necessary to remove the control unit from a car and also open the cover of the control unit. Subsequently, it is necessary to solder several small contacts to the control unit or use a programming stand with flexible pins without soldering. This method is performed exclusively for vehicles from approx. 2005-2012 with a Bosch EDC16 or Siemens control unit. The advantage is a complete backup of the control unit and the possibility of cloning the control unit (in case of damage to the original unit).

BOOT 
Even in this case, it is necessary to remove the control unit from a car, opening the cover of the control unit + it is necessary to solder several contacts to the control unit (requires a soldering station and basic soldering skills). This method is only used for Bosch EDC17 control units in cases where programming via the OBD interface is not possible..

CHIP EXCHANGE
For some vehicles up to the year 2000, it is more necessary to replace non-programmable chips with new programmable ones (e.g. 1.9 TDI engines before the year 2000). This method of programming is more demanding, requires experience with soldering of chips from printed joints, and requires additional programmers and sockets to work with the old generation of chips. Today, the programming of these old vehicles is almost non-existent and there is little interest in them.

Next chapter: Engine diagnostic