performance chip - chip your car - porsche

5 Steps to Ensure a Performance Chip Was Installed Properly

A popular aftermarket vehicle mod, performance chips can improve your car or truck’s overall output as far as engine power, torque, and fuel efficiency. As long as you follow instructions and take your time you’ll be able to install the performance chip easily and with confidence. On the other hand, if you rush the whole process then you might miss out on important performance gains.

performance chips - chip your car - installation

5 Steps to Ensure a Performance Chip was Installed Properly

In order to ensure you installed the performance chip properly, read over these important five steps for further verification you did it right. We’ll go over what to look for and what to check so you can be on the road in your vehicle in no time at all.

Check for Proper Connection

The first step in ensuring that you have installed a performance chip correctly is to check for proper connection. This means checking to see if the chip is properly seated in the ECU, or engine control unit. The ECU is usually located near the engine compartment, and the performance chip is typically plugged into a port on the ECU. Ensure that the chip is securely plugged in, and make sure that the clips or screws that hold the chip in place are tightened properly.

Check for Electrical Short

One of the most common issues when installing a performance chip is an electrical short. This can happen if the chip is not properly connected, or if there is a problem with the wiring. An electrical short can cause damage to the chip, the ECU, and other components of the engine. To check for an electrical short, use a multimeter to test the voltage of the wiring. If there is a problem with the wiring, you may need to consult with a professional mechanic or installation service.

Check for Engine Error Codes

After installing a performance chip, it’s important to check for engine error codes. Error codes are generated by the ECU when there is a problem with the engine or its systems. If there are no error codes present, it’s a good indication that the chip has been installed correctly. However, if there are error codes, you may need to consult with a professional mechanic or installation service to diagnose the problem.

Test Drive the Vehicle

Another way to know if you have installed a performance chip correctly is to test drive the vehicle. Take the car for a spin and see if you notice any significant changes in engine performance, torque, or fuel efficiency. If the car drives smoother and accelerates more quickly, it’s a good sign that the performance chip has been installed correctly. However, if you notice any problems such as engine misfires or hesitation, you may need to consult with a professional mechanic or installation service.

Monitor Performance Over Time

Finally, it’s important to monitor the vehicle’s performance over time. Performance chips can take some time to optimize the engine’s performance, so it’s important to give it time to do so. Drive the vehicle conservatively for the first few hundred miles after installation, and monitor its performance during this time. Keep an eye on fuel efficiency, engine power, and torque, and make note of any changes or issues that arise. If you notice any significant changes in performance, it may be an indication that the chip was not installed correctly.

Performance Chip - Chip Your Car - Installation

Ensuring you took your time and installed the performance chip correctly can make a world of difference in your driving experience overall. Checking for proper connection, electrical shorts, engine error codes, test driving the vehicle, and monitoring performance over time are all important steps in ensuring that the chip has been installed correctly. If you are unsure about the installation process or are experiencing issues after installation, consult with a professional mechanic or installation service to diagnose the problem. With the right installation and care, a performance chip can provide significant improvements to your vehicle’s performance and driving experience.

For more information on how to properly install a performance chip from Chip Your Car, go here.

Chip Your Car – High Performance Chips – Choose Your Vehicle

Performance ChipsAccessories – Installation Instructions

Top Performance Chips for Every Make & Model