Some cars allow you to take full data reads though the OBD and others will only allow for a partial read. It is designed to allow for fast and easy fault diagnostics which assist mechanics with finding problems by scanning the engine control unit for codes. It is often located under the steering wheel or around the glove box. OBD is the 'on board diagnostic port' that is used to access the ECU from within the vehicle. It has revolutionised the industry making the accessibility of tuning available to a wider audience. OBD reading and writing is perhaps the most common and popular tuning method. Another factor is the level of information you wish to extract from the memory, which map areas you want to access and whether you want a full back up of the file. The way in which the ECU can be read is dependent on a number of factors including the tool you are using, the hardware model that you are reading and even the software version you are trying to read. There are three main methods for connecting to the ECU either through the OBD port, on the bench, or in boot mode, but what do these terms actually mean?

The ECU is the engine/electronic control unit, this is the computer that powers your car and it stores a file which contains all of the maps which we require to add more power and further refine your car. When it comes to remapping there are multiple ways to read the data required to tune the ECU.

Obd ecu programming tuning