The days of counting teeth in speedometer drives to correct for gear ratio changes and tire size are long gone. The electronic age has arrived and has made dialing in our Jeep JK Wranglers much easier, if we have the right tools.
One of those tools is the American Expedition Vehicle (AEV) ProCal Module. The ProCal allows easy calibration of gear ratio, tire size, the tire pressure threshold of the TPMS, and other useful functions. The ProCal Module uses DIP switches to program settings, just like our older analog garage door openers did for security settings. The 9 switches are pushed either up or down in sequence to program. The first three switches set the function being addressed, while the next six are set according to the programming needed. It sounds much more complicated than it is.
The ProCal allows calibration of tire sizes from 24" to 54" in diameter and gear ratios from 3.07:1 to 5.67:1. These ranges are much greater than any other JK programmer on the market today. It's important that the JK's PCM know the correct tire diameter and gear ratio because, as AEV puts it, "The ESP uses vehicle speed along with individual sensors that measure acceleration both front to rear and side to side. ESP functions by calculating how much steering angle the user inputs and how fast the vehicle is going and can therefore calculate how much side to side acceleration should occur. If the side to side acceleration is less than what the ESP predicts, that means the vehicle is sliding (just like you can feel when a vehicle is sliding) and it will try to correct the situation by applying specific brakes at each wheel and/or reducing throttle. If the tire size and gear ratio values are incorrect, the calculations the ESP system processes will also be incorrect. Lifted vehicles are more prone to inadvertent ESP activation, because most either do not have the steering wheel centered, the speedometer is wrong or the steering has been modified in such a way to change the ESP parameters."
The ProCal uses DIP switches...
The ProCal uses DIP switches to easily program settings. The switches are pushed either up or down, depending on the calibration required. AEV supplies a card that gives all switch positions.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) mandated by Federal law is a giant pain for those of us who run low pressure off-road or want to run optimal highway pressure. The ProCal allows setting the threshold where the TPMS sounds an alarm anywhere from 0 to 31 psi. This is wonderful! Now, we no longer have to run the factory-required 37 psi all the time if we want the warning light and chime to stay off.
JK Wranglers have a one-touch lane change feature where the signal flashes three times with just a touch of the turn signal stalk. We like this feature, but if you don't, you can disable it with the ProCal. Daytime running lamps can be turned on and can be set to run high beams, low beams, parking lights, European setting (whatever that is), or off. If you've removed your SmartBar the Rubicon electronic swaybar, the swaybar light on your dash stays on. The ProCal can deactivate the SmartBar system to eliminate the warning light.
When you replace the PCM, such as in a Hemi swap, the JK's drive-by-wire throttle has to be recalibrated and paired with the PCM. You can perform this function with the ProCal. The ProCal can also set up a new PCM with your vehicle's V.I.N. so the PCM will work. Diagnostic Trouble Codes can be cleared with the ProCal.
The ProCal plugs into the...
The ProCal plugs into the JK's diagnostic port on the driver's side. After each setting, the horn honks twice to let you know calibration was successful. As you can see, the ProCal's compact size makes it easy to store in the glovebox or center console.
If you winch or weld in the field, you know that the JK's idle speed is really too low for power-sensitive tools. You can temporarily raise the JK's idle speed up to 2000 rpm with the ProCal. After ten minutes, if not reset, the idle will return to normal.
Finally, for those who've lifted their JK's or fooled with the drag link and tie rod, you can enter the ProCal's Wheel Centering Mode that indicates to the user exactly where zero is on the internal sensor. When in this mode, both turn signal and high-beam indicators will light, showing that you're dead center. This helps an alignment technician (or, you on an alignment rack) dial your JK in perfectly. By having your steering exactly centered, ESP issues won't be popping up when you don't need them.
The AEV ProCal Module is small and easily stored in the glovebox or center console. With the wide range of calibrations allowed, we think the ProCal may be one of the hottest items introduced for the JK Wrangler since its inception.
Learn more about the ProCal by calling 248 926-0256, or visiting www.aev-conversions.com.