After installing an aftermarket flasher tuner and uploading a custom ECU tune for my EcoDiesel, I’m sharing my initial impressions and performance observations. The process began with downloading the stock ECU file and emailing it to the tuner. True to their word, I received the modified tune file back the same evening. The next morning, I proceeded with the installation.
The tuning process itself was straightforward. Using the handheld tuner, I selected the downloaded file from my laptop and uploaded it to the tuner device. Then, connecting the handheld tuner to my Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC), I followed the on-screen prompts to upload the tune. The options included selecting a 20 or 40 horsepower increase. The upload process only took a couple of minutes, after which I was instructed to shut down the electronics and disconnect the device.
My initial driving impressions, based on an 11-mile commute, are quite positive. The most immediate improvement I noticed was a significant reduction in turbo lag. The throttle response feels different compared to my previous GDE tune. While the previous AEM tune felt linear but somewhat lacking in acceleration, this new MRtune also feels linear but with noticeably improved power delivery. In contrast, the GDE tune provided a more aggressive, non-linear boost response, which I personally enjoyed.
I am particularly pleased to report that the transmission’s gear hunting issue between 7th and 8th gear around 50-55 mph has completely disappeared. The transmission now holds 8th gear smoothly, similar to how it behaved with the stock tune and the GDE tune (ECU tune only, no transmission tune). This transmission behavior was a major point of dissatisfaction with the AEM tune, which I had only been running for a few weeks. It’s remarkable how poorly the AEM tune seemed to utilize the excellent ZF 8-speed transmission.
So, the crucial question: would I recommend this Ecodiesel Obd2 Tuning solution? Based on my initial experience, the answer is a definite yes. I appreciate the performance improvement, even if it’s not a massive power surge. The linear power delivery is a welcome change, and the corrected transmission behavior is a significant benefit.
The tuning package includes the Powermate tuner, shipped directly to your door with signature confirmation required. Clear instructions are provided by Chris, making the process quite simple. Initially, I may have overcomplicated the file download process onto the handheld tuner, likely because the file size was relatively small (around 1MB). However, the process was as simple as plugging the handheld tuner into my laptop and allowing the menu to load and transfer the file to the tuner. Similarly, the tuner installation into the Jeep was straightforward and hassle-free.
It’s important to remember that these are just my personal observations from a limited initial drive and reflect my individual experience. While the claimed 40 horsepower gain seems plausible, I haven’t fully explored the performance limits yet, as I’m still adjusting from the GDE tune’s characteristics. I hope this initial review is helpful, and I encourage others to share their experiences and questions.
As a final note, my frustration with the AEM tune led me to consider purchasing a late-model Wrangler Sahara. Being an early adopter of the JGC diesel and a diesel enthusiast, I was close to switching vehicles. However, if this EcoDiesel OBD2 tune continues to perform well, I am committed to keeping my diesel Jeep, especially considering the remaining 4 years/48,000 miles of attractive warranty coverage.
