This week we’re taking a look at the AEV ProCal Module for the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and JK Unlimited. If you’re into modifying your Jeep, the ProCal is an invaluable tool. This easy-to-use device by AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) lets you recalibrate several settings on your Jeep, especially after a lift kit and larger-than-stock tires are installed. In the age where electronics are taking over more and more vehicle functions, taking something beyond original OEM specs can and will throw the computer off track, especially with transmission shift points and electronic stability control (ESP). In the old days or not-so-distant past, computers were either totally absent, or simply ran the engine through EFI (electronic fuel injection). However, during recent years, on-board computer systems do more and more. For example, most modern vehicles do not have a physical accelerator cable connecting the gas pedal to the throttle body; instead, the pedal sends an electronic signal to the computer, such as the case with the JK platform.
As you can imagine, this makes the electronics and computer systems in these newer vehicles instrumental in most functions while on-road, not just in providing fuel to the engine. The Jeep Wrangler JK is the first Wrangler to have most systems routed through one of these on-board computers. This includes such things as stability control, transmission shift points, headlights and more. Throwing large tires and a lift kit into the mix would, needless to say, throw a wrench into this system. Enter the AEV ProCal! The Professional Diagnostic Tool ProCal can interface with the JK computer to achieve a variety of functions, and works with all JK generation Wranglers, including the 2016 models.
Usually, one of the first things that a new Jeep owner will do is add a lift kit and large off-road tires. With older Jeeps, depending on how much the tire size increased, either a regear or new speedometer gear would be required to improve automatic transmission shifting or set the speedometer, respectively. While the speedometer gear was phased out with the JK (again, replaced with electronics), a regear is still necessary for larger tires. While this will restore power, it will sometimes mess with the computer, causing the vehicle to go into “limp” mode. The AEV ProCal can both calibrate the computer for the new and updated axle ratio, and update the speedometer for the larger tires.
Most modern vehicles now feature a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) that tells the driver if a certain tire is low, usually with a light or other notification on the dash. The Jeep JK is no exception, and some owners find that larger-than-stock tires will indefinitely illuminate the warning lamp on the dash. Not to worry, the ProCal addresses this as well! More functions include daytime running lamps, and an increased engine idle program for winching scenarios (for the increased engine idle, the ProCal will need to remain plugged in; for most other functions, it is removed once the program has run it’s course).
The ProCal works through a system of easy-to-use DIP switches on the back, simply follow the instructions in the quick book guide for the switch pattern, turn your key into the “run” position, and plug in the ProCal! The Jeep horn will sound, and the key can be turned to the “off” position and the ProCal unplugged. So what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for substandard shift points, haywire stability control, or other electronic gremlins due to your hardware modifications, modify your software with the AEV ProCal from OBD2TOOL today!
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