This checklist is here to help you get your vehicle ready for a tuning appointment. Every item on this checklist must be addressed prior to showing up for a tuning appointment. Completing everything on this checklist gives you the best possibility of a smooth and problem free tuning appointment which will save you both time, money and aggravation. It is understandable that you may not be able to identify every issue on the car; however, if any items on the checklist cause an interruption of the tuning process, additional charges will apply.

** STAGE 1-3 CHIP TUNES (EURO & EXOTICS): This checklist may not apply; however, please be sure vehicle maintenance is up to date, which includes fresh oil, fuel, air & fuel filters and spark plugs are within specification.

The Basics:
Fresh spark plugs: Always check the gap. Do not assume they are good to go. In most cases, especially for turbocharged cars,  plugs should be gapped much lower than the pre-gap. (0.22"-0.026").  Also make sure you have fresh fuel with desired octane as well as a fresh oil.

Wiring:
The engine harness should be free from breaks and have no exposed wires. Breaks or exposed wires should not be twisted and taped together. Loose connections and stray wires in the engine bay can be hard to track down, costing time and money, so make sure your wiring is correct and secure.

Vacuum/ Boost Issues:
- A vacuum leak under vacuum can cause an erratic idle and the engine to run lean.
- A vacuum leak under boost will make the engine run rich.
- No matter the size or nature of the leak, the leak will prohibit us from tuning and must be found and repaired.

Timing Belt & Timing:
A loose timing belt runs the risk of jumping/ skipping teeth, which leads to timing issues. In extreme situations a loose belt may lead to total engine failure. The same goes for incorrect mechanical timing - please be sure to have matched all timing marks to factory settings (TDC top dead centre) to avoid any further issues such as proper fuel and ignition which can also lead to catastrophic engine damage.

Charging System:
A properly operating system should be charging at 13.5-14 Volts under all operating conditions. Low voltage will cause everything from sensor to injector issues. Please make sure your battery and alternator is up to the task.

Fuel Pressure Gauge & Regulator:
It is good practice to have a fuel pressure gauge installed to help troubleshoot fuel issues if it comes to it. Base fuel pressure with engine on and vacuum line removed from the fuel pressure regulator should be between 43 psi for most applications running a standalone ECU on a 14v system.

O2 Sensor:
The O2 sensor is critical and should be in good working order. If you would like your ECU to take full advantage of fueling capabilities, then the 0-5v signal wire from the sensor must be pinned into the ECU. This will allow the ECU to add and remove fuel as required. These sensors should be inspected yearly and replaced if required for they are a wear-and-tear item.

Grounds:
Make sure your vehicle has good, clean grounds. Older vehicles that have surface rust in and or around the ground strap connection area may benefit from additional grounds. The three (3) major grounds to be aware of are as follows: Battery to Chassis, Transmission to Chassis, Head to Chassis.