Automotive Wiring, ECU Programming & Remapping Skills Training

Master the digital heart of the modern vehicle.

This intensive, two-week course is designed to take automotive enthusiasts, aspiring tuners, and mechanics from foundational knowledge to practical, hands-on skills in automotive electronics and performance tuning. Assuming little prior expertise, the curriculum provides a complete education in one of the industry's most sought-after skill sets.

You will begin by building a solid understanding of automotive electrical systems, learning to read wiring diagrams, and diagnose sensors and actuators. The course then delves deep into the Engine Control Unit (ECU), teaching you how to read data, understand fuel and ignition maps, and use professional diagnostic and tuning software.

The second week focuses on practical ECU remapping, where you will apply core tuning concepts to both naturally aspirated and forced induction engines. Through daily hands-on sessions on practice vehicles or engine benches, you will learn to perform data logging, make safe and calculated adjustments, and flash modified files. The course culminates in a real-world capstone project, challenging you to optimize a vehicle's performance, and concludes with essential guidance on the business and ethics of professional tuning.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Diagnose and troubleshoot automotive electrical systems using a multimeter and wiring diagrams.
• Understand ECU architecture, communication networks (CAN Bus), and how to use the OBD-II port for data logging.
• Navigate professional tuning software (e.g., WinOLS, ECUFlash) to locate and interpret critical maps.
• Perform safe, incremental ECU remapping to enhance performance on various engine types.
• Execute a complete tuning project from reading the stock file to validating results with data.

Duration: 2 Weeks (10 Weekdays) | Format: Theory & Hands-on Practical Sessions

Week 1: Foundations of Automotive Electronics & ECU Fundamentals

Day 1: Automotive Electrical Systems & Wiring

• AM (Theory): Electrical Fundamentals – Voltage, Current, Resistance (Ohm's Law). DC Power in Vehicles. Reading Wiring Diagrams & Schematics.
• PM (Practical): Multimeter Use. Circuit Tracing on a Live Harness. Connector and Wire Repair.

Day 2: Sensors, Actuators & Signal Communication

• AM (Theory): Inputs & Outputs – Sensor Types (MAP, MAF, TPS, O2) and Signal Types (Analog, Digital, PWM). Actuators (Injectors, Coils, Relays).
• PM (Practical): Sensor & Actuator Testing/Bench-testing. Signal Tracing from Sensor to ECU.

Day 3: Vehicle Networks & Diagnostic Communication

• AM (Theory): Introduction to CAN Bus, LIN, K-Line. OBD-II Protocol & Capabilities. ECU Inter-communication.
• PM (Practical): Using Diagnostic Scanners for Live Data. Interpreting Data Streams (RPM, Fuel Trims, Timing). Connecting Laptop Interface Cables.

Day 4: The Engine Control Unit (ECU) Deep Dive

• AM (Theory): ECU Hardware Architecture (Microprocessor, Memory). What is a "Map" or "Lookup Table"? (Fuel, Ignition, Boost). The "Closed Loop" Control Cycle.
• PM (Practical): ECU Identification (Bosch, Siemens, etc.). Reading & Backing Up Stock ECU File via OBD-II. Emphasis on Safety and Backup Procedures.

Day 5: Tuning Software & Data Logging Fundamentals

• AM (Theory): Navigating Tuning Software (WinOLS/ECUFlash). Understanding the Map Tree. The Critical Role of Data Logging.
• PM (Practical): Performing a Comprehensive Data Log. Analyzing Baseline Vehicle Performance. Week 1 Review & Q&A.

Week 2: Practical ECU Remapping & Advanced Techniques

Day 6: The Art of Remapping - Core Concepts

• AM (Theory): The Performance Trinity: Air, Fuel, Spark. Ignition Timing & Knock. Fuel Mixtures (Lambda, Stoichiometry).
• PM (Practical): Locating Key Maps in Software. Making Safe, Minor Adjustments (Rev Limit, Fan Temp). Flashing & Verifying Changes.

Day 7: Tuning Naturally Aspirated (NA) Engines

• AM (Theory): Optimizing Volumetric Efficiency. Adjusting Fuel & Ignition for Power. Interpreting Knock Sensor Data.
• PM (Practical): Data Logging on NA Setup. Making Calculated Adjustments to Maps. Flashing, Logging, and Analyzing Results.

Day 8: Tuning Forced Induction (Turbo/Supercharged) Engines

• AM (Theory): Boost Control Logic (Wastegate Duty Cycle). Managing Heat & Cylinder Pressure. Aggressive Knock Prevention Strategies.
• PM (Practical): Modifying Boost and Fuel Maps. Practicing Safe, Incremental Tuning on a Boosted Platform.

Day 9: Advanced Topics & File Management

• AM (Theory): "Stage 1" vs "Stage 2" Tunes. OTS vs Custom Tunes. Checksums & File Integrity. Reading/Disabling DTCs for Modifications.
• PM (Practical): Disabling a Specific DTC. ECU File Cloning & Simulation. Troubleshooting a Failed Flash & ECU Recovery.

Day 10: Real-World Project & Course Conclusion

• AM (Practical - Capstone Project): Students complete a full tuning cycle on a project vehicle/file to meet a specific goal (e.g., "+5% Mid-Range Torque").
• PM (Theory): The Business of Tuning – Liability, Customer Relations, Warranties. Ethics – Emissions, Safety, Honesty. Final Q&A, Review, and Certification.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Daily Practical Exercises: 40%
• Capstone Project Execution & Documentation: 40%
• Theory Comprehension & Participation: 20%