Ok, lets start from the beginning. Many of these things may be obvious and perhaps I just haven't connected two dots that were right next to each other but bear with me for a second.
I'm a hardware guy. I've been working on cars since I was a little kid with my father. Probably about 10+ years. Problem is, he restores vintage cars. Everything pre-70's and more likely, most things pre-war. All wars, like cars/motorcycles from 1910-1915 kind of thing. I am used to carbs and no emissions systems and twiddling mixture screws. Thats the tuning I know.
I have 0 background in electronics, none, zilch. I've done some internet research so I know what PCB's are and mosfets and some things of that nature (very limited).
The issue i'm having is connecting what the hardware is doing to the numbers I'm seeing on the damn screens in front of me. It just doesn't make sense to me!!
I understand that most electronic fuel injection cars utilize a series of solenoid actuated valves and voltage sensors to electronically control how the engine operates and to collect data on this operation.
I know ME7 works with: sensors: maf, map, rpm, camshaft position sensor, oxygen sensors (2), throttle position sensor, IAT sensor, coolant temp sensor, knock sensors (2), accelerator pedal sensors (2), brake pedal sensor, clutch pedal switch. Actuators: fuel pump, fuel injectors, coil packs, evap canister purge valve, n75, throttle control unit, n249 recirculation valve and 02 sensor heaters.
Problem is figuring out how the numbers in the software files I have correspond to what I know the hardware does.
FYI, I'm using nefmoto for flashing and tuner pro for viewing and editing definition files. I have a 2002 VW GTI 1.8t AWP. HS box (not sure what this number is other than an identifier of the software that corresponds to the hardware it's supposed to go with)
I've also read the S4 tuning wiki and some things make sense to me but not enough to start playing around with my car's ECU which in my opinion is worth more than gold. S4 wiki has helped a little with definition terms. I have a pdf of definition terms translated but it's very large and extensive and dry that i can make very little understanding of it right now. Perhaps a little more information explained to me would lead to some enlightenment with this large file.
For example, I assume that the tables in these files are "adaptation tables." I assume that adaptation tables are data that the ECU builds in order to deal with certain data that the sensors produce. What are the numbers in these tables? Do the numbers refer to voltages? Amps? What units? Is every table a different unit? If so, how do I know what is what? Is there anywhere I can go to understand this better? Is Tunerpro the problem, does it have too steep of a learning curve?
I really love both old cars and new but electronics are clearly my weakness. They say if you want to get better at something hone in on your weaknesses and improve them. So that's what I'd like to do, understand electronic tuning so I can make modifications to my ECU safely and in a highly controlled manner. This is a quest for knowledge so time is unlimited. Problem with where I'm at now is i've hit a brick wall in my understanding and need a guiding hand.
Help, s'il vous plait.
