Mon – Fri   08:30 – 17:30 Worthing, West Sussex enquiries@autoempire.co.uk Email us

Diagnostics
& ECU Remaps.

Find out exactly what's wrong with your car — or safely unlock more power and better economy with a professional ECU remap. No guesswork. No vague answers.

What we offer
  • OBD2 full system scan
  • Fault code reading & clearing
  • Warning light diagnosis
  • DPF & EGR diagnosis
  • Stage 1 ECU remap
All makes & models

What does a diagnostic scan actually tell us?

Modern cars have dozens of sensors monitoring everything from the engine and gearbox to the emissions system and ABS. When something goes wrong, the ECU logs a fault code. Our specialist scanning equipment reads those codes, shows us live data from every sensor, and helps us pinpoint exactly what's failing — not just where to start guessing.

A diagnostic scan isn't just for warning lights. It's also useful as a pre-purchase health check, a pre-MOT sweep, or when performance has dropped and nothing obvious is wrong. We'll walk you through every code in plain English — no jargon, no hidden extras.

Plug-in diagnostic scan: £45. This reads the fault codes stored in your car. Further diagnostic work may be needed.

Common warning lights we diagnose

  • Engine management light
  • DPF (diesel particulate filter)
  • EGR valve fault
  • ABS / traction control
  • Throttle / MAF sensor
  • Lambda / O2 sensor
  • Airbag & SRS warning
  • Gearbox / transmission

From booking to result in four steps

  1. Book in

    Call us or book online. Tell us what you're experiencing — a warning light, sluggish performance, or you just want a remap. We'll confirm what's needed and get you booked.

  2. Connect & scan

    We plug in our diagnostic equipment and read all stored fault codes and live sensor data. For remaps, we take a full read of your current ECU map first.

  3. Report & explain

    We'll walk you through exactly what we found — no jargon, no vague answers. You'll know what the fault is, what caused it, and what fixing it involves.

  4. Fix or tune

    Carry out the repair or apply the remap. We test drive and verify everything before the car leaves. You get full documentation of work completed.

More power. Better economy. From the engine you already have.

Your car left the factory tuned for the global average — average fuel quality, average climate, average driver. A remap optimises it for your car, your roads, and how you actually drive.

More power & torque

Most turbocharged engines gain 20–30% more power and torque. The difference is felt immediately — stronger acceleration, easier overtaking, less gear-changing.

Better fuel economy

A remap doesn't just add power — it improves efficiency. Most drivers report 5–15% better fuel economy when driven normally, particularly on motorways and longer runs.

Sharper throttle response

Factory maps often have deliberate hesitation built in. A remap removes sluggishness and makes the car respond more naturally — especially useful at low revs.

Smoother power delivery

Power comes in more evenly across the rev range, removing flat spots. Towing, carrying load, or driving hilly roads all feel noticeably easier.

Straight answers, done properly

Honest diagnosis

We tell you exactly what the fault codes mean in plain English. No upselling from scaremongering.

Same-day results

Most diagnostic scans are completed and reported the same day. No waiting a week to find out what's wrong.

Professional remap

We use industry-standard tuning software. Every remap is tailored to your specific car, not a generic off-the-shelf file.

Condition check first

Before any remap we inspect the car's condition. We only tune cars that are ready for it — protecting your engine and your investment.

Diagnostics & remapping FAQ

Everything you need to know before you book.

What is an OBD2 diagnostic scan?

OBD2 is the standardised port fitted to all cars made after 2001. We connect specialist scanning equipment to it, which reads fault codes stored by the car's ECU and shows live sensor data. It's the fastest and most accurate way to find out what's wrong.

My warning light is on — do I need to come in straight away?

It depends on the light. A red warning light (engine temperature, oil pressure, brake system) means stop driving and call us. An amber light is less urgent but shouldn't be ignored. If you're unsure, call us on 01903 805222 and we'll advise you based on which light it is.

Will you clear the code without fixing the fault?

No. Clearing a code without fixing the root cause just means the light comes back on. We'll diagnose what's causing it, give you a full explanation, and only clear it once the fault is resolved.

What is an ECU remap?

Your car's ECU (Engine Control Unit) runs on software that controls fuelling, ignition timing, boost pressure, and other parameters. Manufacturers often set these conservatively to account for poor fuel quality and different markets. A remap adjusts these parameters to get more out of your specific engine.

Is remapping safe?

A Stage 1 remap from a reputable tuner is safe on a well-maintained car. We only remap cars that are in good mechanical condition — worn components stressed by more power is how things go wrong. We'll be honest with you if your car isn't in the right condition for it.

How much power will I gain?

It varies by engine. Turbocharged diesel engines typically see 20–30% gains in both power and torque, which is very noticeable in real-world driving. Naturally aspirated petrol engines see more modest gains of 5–10%. We'll give you specific figures for your car before you commit.

Will a remap affect my insurance?

Yes — you're legally required to tell your insurer about any modification, including a remap. Some insurers will add a small premium, others won't. Don't skip this step. We can supply documentation of the work for your insurer.

Does remapping void my manufacturer warranty?

If your car is still under manufacturer warranty, a remap will likely void it for powertrain-related claims. If you're out of warranty, it's not relevant. Worth checking your specific situation before proceeding.

Can the remap be reversed?

Yes. We take a full read of your original ECU map before making any changes, so it can always be restored to factory settings if needed.

What's the difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 remap?

Stage 1 is a software-only tune on a standard car — the safest and most common type. Stage 2 requires supporting hardware modifications (upgraded intercooler, exhaust, etc.) to support higher power levels. We offer Stage 1 remaps; Stage 2 is for specialist tuning shops.

Warning light on? Want more from your engine?

Call us or book online. We'll give you a straight answer, same day.