Self-Learning ECU's?, Really??

I was speaking to mikey and Euro_Racing and the topic of the "Freedom ECU" came up, which is said to be a self-learning ECU.
How does it work and what are the various ECU's available now?

All ECUs are self-learning in some sense. The basic 'self-learning' mode is a simple logging of the cars performance over a set period by the ECU in a volitile memory module. It reads all the sensors and makes corrections based on a multitude of factors to generate a fuel/ignition table that best matches the conditions the cars experience, however the catch is that this is done to protect the engine, not for optimum performance. Other cars have multiple maps inside storage (I read where the Evolution VIII has 30) and the car simply opts for a map it feels best suits the situation. What triggers the change is too variable to calculate.

Programmable systems generally don't have a 'self learning' function. Once installed you will have to programme the car from stratch with start-up, idling, error correction parameters. This is less of a concern recently as many such systems come with start up maps for specific vehicles. However, these systems don't 'learn'. They simply have fallback parameters should something happen. This is the inherent problem with programmable systems. Their programming is fixed regardless of conditions. Of course you can purchase 'a higher level of reactiveness' should you so have the funds. The E-manage, A'pexi PowerFC, and Freedom ECU are the only low-end programmable systems that I know of that provide a learning ability similar to the stock ECU.

The E-manage achieves this by keeping the main ECU and just reading whatever inputs the user has opted to purchase. The PowerFC itself is an enhanced ECU which allows the user access to the factory parameters as is the Freedom. The PowerFC comes with an enhanced base programme much like a normal upgraded ECU, but the user has the option of altering the various parameters.

I don't know how the Freedom (its fully Japanese) operates or even if it 'actually learns' The higher end systems have a target feature where it tries through certain methods to hit a preset a/f ratio. I would suspect this is a feature of the Freedom.

Them ECU may get annoying when it come to tuning

that's just the point..eliminates the need for a tuner..

here is a dude that has a freedom ecu in his AE 86 project

clicky clicky

The Freedom and A'pexi still need to be tuned to your specific application. It just comes from the seller with a base program from which you can modify.

For streetable power, using these aftermarket ECU's, are any variables left stock/unchanged (just throwing out the question)? If so, which are the most likely variables left at a default value?


Additionally, from the build-up posted by Euro_racing, the Freedom ECU seems to 'read all sensors' and derive their purpose and then adjust the variables itself for optimum perfomance with a specific driving style with the added ability to 'lock' (or save) fuel maps. Are the A'PEXi, GReddy, HKS or any other units similar to the Freedom ECU?

Okay, lets start from the beginning. The Toyota ECU is very hard to crack, damn near impossible without the factory reader, which only a few have. TRD and TOM's have admitted to ownership, but only TRD has admitted to having the ability to read the VVT matrix. The first solution for the Toyota ECU that I know of came from Superchips in the form of the ICON box. This was gotten from one of my old Superchips catalog. At the time it was the only way to offer aftermarket computer performance for the 4AGE, outside of the established Japanese tuners.


However, the factory ECU has a 'self learning' function where it reads data for a certain period of time/conditions and then tailors its own behaviour based on such inputs. It also allows for map modification or map switching. This theoretically not a learning function, but a program within the ECU that does comparisions. Fuzzy logic would be the correct term.

The main problem with most programmable systems is that there is no 'base programme'. Every variable must be put in to get the car started. Its easy to tune the car, but to create a proper startup and maintainance sequence is hard work. Some of the newer, cheaper systems come with base programmes for start up, and driveability, but don't have 'fuzzy logic' as standard. You may have the option to purchase such an ability if available for that aftermarket system.

The next step up are upgraded ECUs. These just have modified base programmes. The base programme is read and then reburned on the chip which is then placed back into the ECU. The actual options changed by the programmer vary by brand/application, however it usually retains the 'fuzzy logic'.


This JAM Racing ECU for the EP has been reprogrammed with more aggressive fueling and ignition values, but still retains the stock ECUs ability to modify its internal maps. In addition to the better values the programme has been altered to ignore the fuel cut, the speed limiter, and the rpm limit moved to 8000rpm from 7200rpm.

The E-manage is the latest from Greddy. It was in response to the new HKS FCONV series which is rather popular in Japan. The FCONV is a programmable piggyback system. It plugs into the stock ECU and allows the factory programming to pass through in order for normal operation, but the FCONV and the Emanage have a nasty little secret, they can alter/bypass the stock settings for their own. Even better they can be custom programmed for specific applications on the fly via a computer interface.


The FCONV is a fully programmable piggypack system of sorts. It bridges the gab between a fully programmable system and a uprated ECU. When purchased the FCONV comes with a base performance program for its intended application. It has no 'self learning' but because its tied into the ECU loop, it can read what the ECU is reading and behave as programmed.


The Greddy E-manage behaves similar to the FCONV, but is shipped blank for user customization. Different programmes can be uploaded into the E-manage via its programmer. It has no 'self learning' functions and operates on an absolute basis where the stock ECUs readings are disgarded on preference for the E-manage's own settings. The E-manage can also mimic a fully blown 'programmable system' by the way of harnesses which give it direct control over certain items like the injectors, the crank and MAP sensors, etc. This is the best low cost option on the market today for non-Honda owners, and especially the demanding Toyota ECU.

The PowerFC was a revolution when it was released. Basically the unit is a hacked stock ECU. The PowerFC (Power Full Computer - get it) allows the user access to the factory parameters in the ECU itself. I'm not sure how A'pexi does this, but I suspect their ties with Toyota in the JGTC has a lot to do with it. The PowerFC comes with a faster processor than your factory ECU allowing it to execute the basic factory operations more efficiently. To boost that A'pexi includes an uprated performance programme to begin with. Since the PowerFC mimics the stock ECU it still retains the 'fuzzy logic' of such. Now if you have the xtra money you can buy the FC Commander which gives you access to all the factory settings you can think of. You can set anything from boost levels, to fuel/ignition control, to what temperature the fan kicks in at. If you factory ECU reads it, so can the PowerFC. This ECU is the must have for the 2ZZ owner. It however cannot control the VVTL-i system.

The PowerFC can also be accessed via PV software for even more precision tuning. Up until recently it was Japanese only, but European and US PowerEXCEL dealers are the only authorised PowerFC tuners.

Now the Freedom is the hit of the Japanese 4AGE community. It was developed to solve a problem. You see, in Japan putting 4AGE20v engines into AE86s is rather common. The 20v engine as a tuning base makes more sense than the 16v units. There are two issues surrounding this engine swap. The first is the distributor. On the 16v head the distributor is on the side of the head. Since the 20v engine is FWD only when you swap it into the AE86 the distributor is now at the back of the engine bay and can't fit. There are several solutions, but the cheapest is to go to a distributorless aftermarket programmable system. The other problem is for Silvertop 20v owners wishing to get rid of the airflow meter to use the 4-throttle induction.

Since the Freedom is application specific at start, it comes similar to the PowerFC with the ability to mimic the stock ECU with 'fuzzy logic'. Like the FCONV it can be purchased blank, but is usually optimized for 4AGE applications is various states of tune. Like the PowerFC the software is Japanese only. MOTO P is Japanese and even he had problem setting it up, but once it got going it works. Its like gold in Japan. Unfortuantely I was told that they have ceased production of it.

HardcoreEP, thank you for the information. much appreciated (sorry for late response here...)

couple more simple questions/conclusions of my own:

1. 'Fuzzy logic' --- is it safe to assume that if there are slight differences with the data coming in (say you change your air filter for more air flow), would that physical change of air flow be adapted? My understanding is that the fuzzy logic will do comparisons (as you've stated) and (should?) adjust the maps accordingly.

2. Upgraded ECUs would work in Jamaica? I ask becasue I am uncertain if the tuners use our rating of octane to tune (which I doubt anyway). Is it possible for you to tell them to tune it at 90 octane? (kinda bossy...)

3. I never knew that much about the HKS F-CON units nor the A'PEXi PowerFC Unit. Is it that the instructions are in Japanese (despite US dealers....) or are they more expensive? The HKS F-CON seems similar to the GReddy e-Manage in it's ability to expand as it allows for other HKS electronics to bolt to it, right?

4. "... It plugs into the stock ECU and allows the factory programming to pass through in order for normal operation, but the FCONV and the Emanage have a nasty little secret, they can alter/bypass the stock settings for their own. ..." -- If there is a failure with either ECU (corruption or something) will the piggyback prevent the signals from the car's ECU to interfere with the operation of the car and vice versa? Also, if the stock ECU is damaged, can the piggyback work by itself? Or is that where standalone ECU's come in...?


Once again, the information is well appreciated.

Yes, the learning function is the collecting and modification of the base data. However, the car can't make leaps of decisions like us. The function of the ECU is to maintain the preset a/f ratios. It will always attempt to do so in certain cases. So sometimes the learning is just the normal ECU loop behaviour.

Some of them do, however you may not get the full potential of them on local pump gas as the MAPs may be too aggressive. Some may even cause damage. Yes you can ask them to tune it to your octane, but like one Japanese ECU tuner said 'even if I could where would I get 90-octane from?"

These units are plug in. The FC Commander is actually in english, but the actual software that writes them are 1)in Japanese and 2)only available in english to dealers. The FCONVs are written upon purchase for the specific car while the PowerFC is sold application specific.

No, both are dependent on each other. Since you're not modifying the signal into the ECU with these units the ECU works like normal. Any error will register as normal. If the piggyback goes down, whatever it is controlling will be affected.

some great info there

so, here comes the big question..... which one of these will effectivily work with the ae111 blacktop 6MT ecu???

as in adjust the air/fuel mixture and ignition if need be and not be ignored by the ecu.

or will i have to go for standalone???