Exploring Launch Control: How to Add Launch Control by ECU Remap

Exploring Launch Control: How to Add Launch Control by ECU Remap

If you've ever witnessed the roaring noise and captivating smoke at the start line of car races like Formula 1 or NASCAR, you've likely wondered about the phenomenon behind it. In this article, we will delve into the concept of launch control technology and how it can be added to your vehicle through ECU remapping.

What is Launch Control & How to Add Launch Control by ECU Remap

Understanding Launch Control
Launch control technology, much like other advancements in the automotive world, owes its origins to the development and widespread use of electronic components. Originating in the 1980s, launch control was initially tested on racing cars to reduce dissipation and depreciation during the start of movement, ensuring higher initial acceleration. The launch control system enables drivers to extract the utmost efficiency from the engine, wheels, and gearbox at the beginning of a race, minimizing initial movement loss.

How Launch Control Works
The exceptional performance of launch control in racing cars led to its adoption in regular vehicles. For launch control to function optimally, it requires seamless electronic and mechanical integration with other vehicle components such as the throttle valve, gearbox, brake, and traction control.

The logic behind launch control lies in minimizing slip at the start of movement while ensuring that engine power and torque remain constant once the vehicle is in motion. Precise calculations are necessary to strike the right balance. Releasing the clutch at high RPM can lead to excessive force on the wheels, resulting in wasteful kinetic friction and wheel slippage. Conversely, starting the movement below normal RPM leads to a loss of engine power. Launch control system mitigates these issues, allowing for a controlled launch with minimal slippage and maximum acceleration.

In vehicles without a launch control system, drivers must rely on their skills. They manually control the accelerator and brake simultaneously to reach the necessary RPM (typically between 3500 and 4500), gradually releasing the accelerator based on the engine's sound and their understanding of the vehicle to minimize wheel slippage.

To develop an effective launch control system, various vehicle systems and components must work in harmony. Once the driver activates the launch control system, they accelerate to reach the RPM limit set by the manufacturer. Once the designated RPM is reached, the launch control system locks the RPM at that value, preventing further increase.

Next, the transmission system comes into play. The launch control system sends the maximum and calculated torque (RPM) from the previous step to the power transmission system and, subsequently, to the wheels. Precise integration of the launch control system with the vehicle's brake system, facilitated by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), prevents wheel slippage and energy waste. This ensures a highly accurate and systematic launch control experience, surpassing the conventional manual launch control techniques employed by drivers.

Essential Tips for Launch Control
Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind regarding launch control:

Consult your vehicle's user manual provided by the manufacturer to learn how to activate the launch control system if your vehicle is equipped with one.
Avoid activating launch control in the morning or after prolonged engine inactivity, as launching with a cold engine can cause damage.
​
Never engage launch control when the automatic transmission is in neutral (N). Doing so can result in severe damage to the transmission and gearbox, incurring high repair costs.
After activating the launch control system, launch the vehicle within 15 to 20 seconds to prevent prolonged idle time.

Turbocharged vehicles can benefit from launch control, as it provides higher RPMs at the start, enabling faster rotation of the turbocharger blades and enhanced performance.
Vehicles equipped with Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission require DSG remap to activate the launch control system.

Launch Control Remap: How to Add Launch Control to Your Vehicle
Launch control systems are predominantly used in dual-clutch gearboxes but can also be implemented in manual transmission systems. To add launch control to your vehicle, the process involves calculating an RPM launch limit specific to your vehicle's model and specifications, such as the gearbox type and torque tables. This number is then defined in your car's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) using relevant tools and applications, allowing for a seamless launch control experience.

Vehicles Compatible with Launch Control Remap
Today, numerous vehicles in the market come equipped with a launch control system. These include BMW's M Series, Porsche 911 and Turbo Panamera, select Mitsubishi S-Sport models, Volkswagen vehicles with DSG transmission such as the Golf R, and Bugatti, among others. If your manual or dual-clutch car does not have a built-in launch control system, you can access this functionality through remapping. Notably, Electronic Control Units (ECUs) of brands such as BMW, Fiat, Ford, Seat, Porsche, Renault, Suzuki, Opel, and Kia offer the capability for defining the launch control system. However, it is important to verify the compatibility of your vehicle's specific model and ECU before proceeding with the remapping process.

Pros and Cons of Launch Control System
The launch control system boasts numerous advantages without significant drawbacks. While it provides optimal power at the start of movement, it is not essential for driving your car without causing damage. The most notable advantage of using the launch control system is the immersive, sporty driving experience it offers, delivering maximum power to the driver. If you crave the full potential of your car's engine and a thrilling driving sensation, the launch control system can fulfill your desires.

Launch Control Remap Software and Support
At Electronic Repair, we possess extensive experience in the field of calibration and ECU remapping. We specialize in identifying and modifying launch control tables in all related ECUs, offering dedicated techniques for resetting launch control or launch control module maps. Additionally, we provide comprehensive in-ECU launch control system training, enabling you to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and select launch control tables in Engine Management Systems (EMS). Our training courses ensure that you understand the intricacies of launch control and can apply the required modifications with confidence.

Launch control remap services at Electronic Repair come at competitive prices, and we strive to offer the best value for your investment. With our guarantee and ongoing support, you can trust us to deliver excellent results.

To access our launch control remap services, we provide various options tailored to your specific needs:

ECU Training Course: If you want to learn how to add launch control remap to diesel and petrol engines using software like WinOLS and Swiftec, our ECU training course is the perfect choice. Gain the expertise required to perform launch control remapping effectively.

Tuning File Service: If you only need the launch control remap file, you can upload your original ECU file to our Tuning File Service. Our team of experts will swiftly process your request and send you the remapped file, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Tuning Software Proficiency: If you already possess knowledge of remapping software such as WINOLS or Swiftec, you can explore our resources and tutorials to enhance your proficiency in launch control remapping.

For reliable launch control remap training, services, and support, Electronic Repair is your trusted partner. Visit our blog and explore our comprehensive range of offerings to unleash the full potential of your vehicle's performance.

Visit our website for more information:
Electronic Repair Company