All about independent firmware and flashing of VAZ ECU

01/12/2022 3,847 VAZ

Author: Ivan Baranov

The ECU or electronic control unit of a VAZ car is a device used to ensure the proper operation of the engine and main systems. Essentially, the ECU is the “brains” of the car, so this device must always be in working order. You can find out more about diagnostics and flashing the device below.

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Operating principle of the controller (ECU)

Throughout the entire operation of the engine, the electronic engine control unit receives, processes, and controls systems and sensors that affect both engine operation and secondary engine elements (exhaust system).

The controller uses data from the following sensors:

• DPKV (Crankshaft Position Sensor).
• DF (Phase sensor).
• MAF (instant air flow sensor).
• DTOZH (Coolant temperature sensor).
• TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).
• DK (oxygen sensor).
• DD (Knock Sensor).
• DS (Speed ​​Sensor).
• And other sensors.

Receiving data from the sources listed above, the ECU controls the operation of the following sensors and systems:

• Fuel system (Fuel pump, pressure regulator, injectors).
• Ignition system.
• Idle speed regulator (IAC, IAC).
• Adsorber.
• Radiator fan.
• Self-diagnosis system.

Also, the ECM (ecu) has three types of memory:

1. Programmable read-only memory (PROM); Contains the so-called firmware, i.e. a program containing the main calibration readings and engine control algorithm. This memory is not erased when the power is turned off and is permanent. Amenable to reprogramming and chip tuning.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM); It is a temporary memory in which system errors and measured parameters are stored. This memory is erased when the power is turned off.
3. Electrically reprogrammable memory device (EPROM). This type of memory can be said to be the protection of the car. It temporarily stores codes and passwords for the vehicle's anti-theft system. The immobilizer and EEPROM are compared with data, after which the engine can be started.

Is it worth doing the firmware?

So, for those who decided to flash the control unit for Euro 2, we announced the price and briefly explained the essence of the procedure. Now, in order to finally understand whether to do it or not, let’s talk specifically about the pros and cons.

pros

1. The car will become more powerful, playful, closer to a sports car;
2. The increase in dynamics will be felt in all categories;
3. The vehicle acceleration time to 100 km/h will be reduced;
4. Simultaneously with the increase in power, fuel consumption will decrease;
5. Loss of torque will be reduced;
6. Driving performance will change for the better: the car will run smoother, smoother, without jerking;
7. Electronic processes will begin to operate at their maximum capabilities.

Minuses

• Throughout the civilized world, Euro 2 firmware is prohibited. This means that you will no longer be able to sell such a car abroad;
• The car will be out of service warranty (if it is still under contract);
• The amount and level of toxic substances in the exhaust will increase;
• The load on the muffler will increase, its noise will increase;
• The ECU will become less able to adapt low-quality fuel. Over time (in the distant future), this will lead to engine problems.

Types of ECU (esud, controller). What kind of ECUs are installed on VAZ?

“January-4”, “GM-09”

The very first controllers on SAMARA were January-4, GM - 09. They were installed on the first models before the year 2000. These models were produced both with and without a resonant knock sensor.

The table contains two columns: 1st column – ECU number, second column – brand of “brains”, firmware version, toxicity standard, distinctive features.

VAZ 2113-2115 from 2003 are equipped with the following types of ECUs:

“January 5.1.x”

The following types of hardware implementation are distinguished:

• simultaneous injection;
• in pairs - parallel injection;
• phased injection.

Interchangeable with “VS (Itelma) 5.1”, “Bosch M1.5.4”

“Bosch M1.5.4”

The following types of hardware implementation are distinguished:

• simultaneous injection;
• in pairs - parallel injection;
• phased injection.

Interchangeable with “VS 5.1”, “January 5.1.x”.

“Bosch MP7.0”

As a rule, this type of controller is released onto the market and installed at the factory in a single volume. Has a standard 55-pin connector. Capable of working with recrossing on other types of ECM.

“Bosch M7.9.7”

These brains began to be part of the car at the end of 2003. This controller has its own connector, which is incompatible with connectors produced before this model. This type of ECU is installed on VAZ with EURO-2 and EURO-3 toxicity standards. This ECM is lighter weight and smaller in size than previous models. There is also a more reliable connector with increased reliability. They include a switch, which will generally increase the reliability of the controller.

This ECU is in no way compatible with previous controllers.

"VS 5.1"

The following types of hardware implementation are distinguished:

• simultaneous injection;
• in pairs - parallel injection;
• phased injection.

“VS 5.1” is interchangeable with “Bosch M1.5.4”, “January 5.1.x”.

“January 7.2.”

This type of ECU is made with a different type of wiring (81 pins) and is similar to Boshevsky 7.9.7+. This type of ECU is produced both by Itelma and Avtel. Interchangeable with Bosch M.7.9.7. As for the software, 7.2 is a continuation of January 5th.

This table shows variations of the BOSCH ECU, 7.9.7, January 7.2, Itelma, installed exclusively on the VAZ 2109-2115 with a 1.5L 8kL engine.

Below is a table with the same ECUs, but for 1.6l 8kl engines.

“January 5.1”

All types of controllers of their type are built on the same platform and most often have differences in the switching of injectors and the DC heater.

Let's look at the following example of ECU firmware January 5.1: 2112-1411020-41 and 2111-1411020-61. The first version has phased injection and an oxygen sensor, the second version differs only in that it has parallel injection. Conclusion - the difference between the ECU data is only in the firmware, so they can be interchanged.

“M7.3.”

Wrong name – January 7.3. This is the last type of controller that is currently installed at AvtoVAZ. This type of ECU has been installed since 2007. on a VAZ with EURO-3 toxicity standard.

The manufacturers of this ECU are two Russian companies: Itelma and Avtel. Below, the table shows ECUs for engines with EURO-3 and Euro-4 toxicity standards.

Do-it-yourself VAZ 2114 engine tuning 8 valve injector: instructions with video

There are many methods for increasing engine power that you can implement yourself. To maximize the machine's capabilities, new cylinders must be added. But this is the most radical and expensive method; experts advise doing without it or contacting a specialist car service center.

General information about the VAZ 2114 engine

There are three modifications for this model. If you are asking yourself the question of where to start tuning a VAZ 2114 engine, then first you need to understand what material you will have to work with. There are the following types:

1. Eight-valve 1.5-liter engine.
2. Eight valves, but with a volume of 1.6 liters.
3. Sixteen valves with a volume of 1.6 liters.

Most often today you can find the second option. However, compared to the first point, this engine gained only 4 horsepower, which can hardly be called decent power in our time. Any repair shop provides a tuning service.

Experts will say that the most inexpensive way to “accelerate” a car is to install a zero-resistance filter and an enlarged throttle valve. It is also possible to install a sports camshaft (increase power by 20%). You can go a more complicated route, replacing many parts with lightweight ones (pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft).

Ways to increase power

• increase in cylinder displacement;
• replacing the standard air filter;
• installation of a turbocharger;
• chip tuning.

The first method is one of the most reliable and effective. After preliminary diagnostics, which will provide detailed information about the parts and internal systems (carried out at any service station), you need to correctly bore the piston, change the intake manifold and crankshaft. Without a machine and tools, this operation will not be possible. After all, if you sharpen the piston incorrectly, literally making a mistake of a couple of millimeters, the results will be catastrophic. From a financial point of view, such an operation will cost about 400-500 dollars in a workshop, but the power will increase by 1.5 times. Unfortunately, fuel consumption will also increase along with it.

ECU pinout diagram January 7.2 VAZ 2115

The VAZ 2115 controller often breaks down. The system has a self-diagnosis function - the ECU queries all components and issues a conclusion about their suitability for operation. If any element fails, the “Check Engine” lamp will light up on the dashboard.

ECU pinout diagram January 7.2

It is possible to find out which sensor or actuator has failed only with the help of special diagnostic equipment. Even with the help of the famous OBD-Scan ELM-327, loved by many for its ease of use, you can read all engine operating parameters, find the error, eliminate it and delete it from the memory of the VAZ 2115 ECU .