When it comes to remapping a vehicle, preparation is just as important as the tuning process itself. As a professional tuner, your attention to detail should always shine through, ensuring the best results for your customers and safeguarding their vehicles.
This guide outlines some of the critical steps you should perform before remapping any vehicle. Following these checks will not only help to ensure the vehicle is ready for tuning, but also reinforce your reputation for thoroughness and quality.
1. Perform a Visual Inspection for Physical Damage
Before starting any work, conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of the vehicle. Look for signs of damage such as cracks, leaks, or worn components. Pay particular attention to:
- Hoses and Belts: Ensure they are intact and free from cracks.
- Exterior Damage: Look for visible signs of impact or wear that might indicate underlying mechanical issues.
- Engine Bay: Inspect for oil or coolant leaks and any other abnormalities.
Document your findings using the VIEZU Vehicle Inspection Sheet, which helps standardise your checks and keeps a record for future reference. Download the inspection sheet here.
2. Check Fluid Levels
Proper fluid levels are essential for engine health and performance. Before remapping, ensure all fluids are at their recommended levels:
- Oil: Check the engine oil level (ensuring the level is between the minimum and maximum on the dipstick) and condition. Contaminated or low oil can lead to engine damage during tuning.
- Coolant: Inspect the coolant level (ensuring the coolant level is between minimum and maximum) to prevent overheating. Any leaks or discolouration should be addressed before proceeding.
3. Conduct a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Scan
A full DTC scan is crucial to identifying any existing fault codes. Use your diagnostic tool to scan the vehicle’s ECU for potential issues. Address any fault codes before proceeding with the remap, as unresolved issues could affect the tuning process or compromise the vehicle’s performance.
Common Faults to Watch For:
- Misfire codes
- Sensor errors (e.g., MAF, MAP, O2 sensors)
- Turbo-related codes
Whilst some tools like KESS3 can also offer DTC Reading, you may wish to invest in a professional fault code reading tool. There is a wide variety of code readers to suit any budget, at VIEZU we use an Autel diagnostic tool.
4. Inspect Tyre Condition
While not directly related to tuning, ensuring the vehicle’s tyres are in good condition is part of delivering a thorough service. Worn or improperly inflated tyres could compromise the test drive and overall safety of the vehicle.
What to Check:
- Tread depth: Ensure it meets legal requirements.
- Tyre pressure: Adjust to manufacturer recommendations (these can often be found on the B Pillar of most modern cars).
- Visible damage: Look for bulges, cuts, or uneven wear (uneven wear can be an indication of different issues with the wheel balance or alignment, which could affect the performance or safety of the vehicle).
5. Review the Vehicle’s Service History
Before remapping, obtain and review the vehicle’s service history from the customer. Consider checking online resources to see the history of a vehicle. The UK offers free MOT history checks on any vehicle at https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk. Performing these checks helps identify any unresolved maintenance issues that could affect tuning performance. Key points to confirm include:
- When the vehicle was last serviced.
- Whether components like the timing belt, turbo, or injectors have been replaced.
- Any history of significant repairs.
6. Identify Modifications
Determine if the vehicle has any existing modifications, as they can affect how the engine responds to remapping. Some of these may be obvious, like after-market exhausts or upgraded air intakes, while others may be less obvious or not visible from the outside. It is important to confirm if the vehicle has been modified previously, and the simplest way is to ask the customer. Modifications might include:
- Aftermarket exhaust systems
- Air intakes or intercoolers
- Turbo upgrades
- Pulley upgrades
Discuss these modifications with the customer to set realistic expectations for the remap.
7. Gather Basic Vehicle History
Has the Vehicle Been Tuned Before?
Ask the customer if the vehicle has been tuned previously or check for signs of prior remapping. Vehicles that have been tuned before may require additional considerations, such as returning to stock before applying a new map.
If your customer’s vehicle has been tuned or modified, and you are using a file writing service (like VIEZU) please ensure that you let your file writer know what modifications have been made when requesting file changes.
8. Perform a Test Drive
A pre-remap test drive allows you to assess the vehicle’s current performance and identify any issues that may not appear during a visual inspection. Focus on:
- Engine responsiveness
- Throttle behaviour
- Turbo operation (if applicable)
- Unusual noises or vibrations
There may be many things to be on the lookout for, but unexpected behaviours from the engine, like long lag in the turbo, very slow or very aggressive throttle response, smoke from the exhaust, or vibrations and/or knocking from the engine. Take note of anything that might need to be addressed before proceeding with the remap, and speak to your customer about your findings. And these findings must be included in any details about a vehicle when requesting a file from your file supplier.
Why These Steps Matter
Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, and depending on the vehicle there may be other checks to perform, following these steps will help to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition for remapping, protecting both the vehicle and your reputation as a VIEZU dealer. By conducting thorough checks, you minimise risks, deliver high-quality results, and build trust with your customers.
By adhering to this structured approach, you will demonstrate the professionalism that defines VIEZU’s global dealer network. Always prioritise vehicle health and customer satisfaction to maintain the high standards expected of a VIEZU dealer
For more tools and resources to support your remapping process, contact VIEZU or visit our dealer support page. If you have questions about these steps or would like additional guidance, feel free to reach out to our technical team.
