FAQ

Your important questions answered

Got a query about diesel tuning? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CHIP Express™ system simple to fit?

The CHIP Express™ system can easily be self installed in 20 minutes or less using photo illustrated instructions supplied. It simply uses plug in connectors, no special tools or skills are required and no wires need cutting.

Does the tuning system really make a difference?

Yes. An immediate increase in both torque and power is noticeable with the CHIP Express™ system fitted. You will appreciate the improved throttle response and overall driveability.

Is there any complicated setting up to do?

No. Every one of our systems is specific to a particular vehicle and comes ready to use, right out of the box, already set for optimum power and economy. There is no need at all to change any settings or make complicated adjustments.

Does that mean the system can't be adjusted?

No. If you want to explore the higher limits of performance which your vehicle is capable of, every CHIP Express™ digital tuning box has simple adjustment so you can increase or decrease the power easily – this is all fully explained with the instructions supplied. This is great if you want to achieve maximum power or you are planning to make further modifications to your vehicle in the future. Most customers, however, are more than happy with the supplied settings.

Can I part exchange my tuning system when changing vehicles?

On most vehicles you can keep your existing tuning module. Usually all that is required is re-programming and possibly a new adaptor cable. We charge a fixed price of £99 for a re-programme and an additional fee of £50 if a new adaptor cable is necessary. If your current module and cable is not compatible with your new vehicle and less than 2 years old a part exchange may be possible. Please contact us for further details to check the compatibility of your current system.

Will my vehicle warranty be affected?

A vehicle warranty cannot be made void by fitting an aftermarket product. If you are wary of fitting one of our systems to your vehicle in fear of the warranty being affected, don't be; the CHIP Express™ system cannot be found through diagnostic testing whilst fitted and if desired can easily be removed for dealer visits, leaving no trace that it was ever installed.

What warranties does the CHIP Express™ system provide?

First is our class-leading 3 year product warranty which guarantees your unit against manufacturing defects. Second is our 14 day "no quibble" money-back guarantee which means you can order now with complete confidence and if the unit does not perform exactly as we describe, you can return it within 14 days in its original box and condition and receive a prompt refund.

Why did the manufacturer not offer tuning in the first place?

Put simply, your vehicle's intended performance is restricted because car manufacturers have to allow for model variants that often use the same engine mechanicals with adjusted power figures. As well as this, many countries around the world relate their tax levels to the power output of a vehicle.

Can the unit damage my engine?

Absolutely not. The safety of your engine is our Number One priority. Each CHIP Express™ system has been designed to work alongside – not instead of – your engine's original ECU. As such, it respects all of the ECU's inbuilt safety parameters and can never override them.

Where can I find the details for my vehicles engine variant?

This information can be found on your vehicle registration document known as a V5 log book in the UK. Feel free to contact us should you require further assistance.

Why choose a CHIP Express™ system over chipping or a remap?

"Chipping" involves the physical opening of your vehicle's ECU and replacing the standard chip inside with a modified version. Doing this will immediately invalidate your vehicle warranty. Our systems can be self installed, easily adjusted, are removable, transferable and unlike a remap they cannot be detected or deleted during routine servicing. The CHIP Express™ system has been specifically developed to work from part to full throttle load, enhancing your driving experience even on light throttle (most remaps respond at close to full throttle load only). The CHIP Express™ system also produces more low down torque compared to a remap and does not require the removal of your cars original ECU settings.

Chip Express™ versus analogue and generic digital tuning... what is the difference?

Our fully digital tuning systems are far superior to analogue units. There are a couple of inferior analogue methods currently on the market; the first is a resistor in a box that trips the ECU's cold fuel maps within the low RPM range only. This is the crudest method of tuning and has many associated problems. Next is an analogue or generic digital chip; these types of systems have no intelligence and no RPM detection. This may work to a degree but often gives poor idle and running as well as hesitation and smoke on acceleration; it can never be model specific or produce significant performance or economy results. The CHIP Express™ systems are different; our fully digital systems keep the engine standard at idle whilst providing optimum power throughout the rev-range. This approved software is held in the serial memory and works via a sophisticated timing circuit using RPM detection and multi-microprocessor technology, optimising your engine's power and providing a driving performance second to none!

Do CHIP Express™ tuning boxes work in automatic vehicles?

Yes, all tuning boxes are compatible. As long as your car engine is listed on our vehicle finder it can be tuned.

Will my vehicle still pass emission tests?

Yes, a further advantage of all CHIP Express™ systems is their compliance with vehicle emissions standards.

How is less fuel consumption possible?

The CHIP Express™ tuning box increases the power and torque characteristics of the engine. This means you can achieve the same style of driving with less throttle at lower RPM's, meaning that down changing becomes less frequent and higher gears can now be used sooner.

Will I achieve the figures published?

Our figures represent the minimum and maximum values you can achieve depending on your tuning box settings and vehicle setup. Remember the figures do not tell the full story. With a CHIP Express™ system fitted both peak power and torque will arrive sooner and be held for longer. This means that more of the rev range is useable, rather then just the usual narrow power band. This provides faster acceleration where necessary as well as more flexibility through the gears.

Does the system help caravan haulers and heavily laden vehicles such as motorhomes?

Yes. The CHIP Express™ diesel tuning system will give you power specifically when you need it most. You will find that you can remain in higher gears when driving up inclines, even when hauling heavy loads. You will also be able to reach safer speeds faster.

Is the CHIP Express™ system suitable for high mileage drivers?

Yes, many fleets and taxi drivers use our systems to save fuel. Apart from the economy benefits the increased power makes distance or prolonged driving more pleasurable and relaxed due to the extra torque provided by the tuning system.

What is the benefit of TUV and CE approval and the ISO 9001 status?

TUV and CE approval are your guarantee that our systems meet the highest independent standards of quality and reliability. ISO 9001 reassures you that the system has been manufactured under the strictest conditions of quality control. It is difficult, expensive and time-consuming to seek these approvals and only products that meet the highest standards will qualify.

What about maintenance?

The CHIP Express™ tuning box is 100% maintenance-free and has no serviceable parts, just plug in and enjoy!

Will it make my vehicle smoke or run rough?

No. In fact, the CHIP Express™ tuning box can even clean up your vehicle emissions by increasing the efficiency of the injection system, which will lead to smoother, quieter running. The tuning box will only ever cause soot if you increase the power level settings too high - in which case just revert back to original settings.

How do I know if the tuning box is working?

You will feel a dramatic increase in power right away!

How long does the tuning box take to fit or remove?

It does vary depending on your vehicle. When installing for the first time we recommend you allocate 20 minutes. However, once familiarised with the procedure fitting or removal can be carried out in 5 minutes.

What about my vehicle insurance?

Many insurance companies do not charge extra for vehicles fitted with an economy / tuning box chip while others charge a small fee; if you are unsure, we suggest you check with your insurance company before installation. Insurance companies we know that will allow up to 25% increases include: the AA, Elephant, RAC and Admiral; however you may find you get a much better deal from the likes of a specialist such as Adrian Flux or Chris Knott when it comes time to renewal.

I have a question you haven't covered above – can you help?

You can email us or call us at +44 (0) 1727 730 956. However you choose to get in touch, we'll be more than happy to help and advise you in any way we can.