Chiptuning methods

During chiptuning the software parameters from your engine-management system are optimized. To be able to do this, we first need to read the original software from your cars' Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The software in your cars' ECU can be read in three different ways.

Chiptuning

Originally chiptuning meant that the eprom(chip) was removed from the ECU's motherboard. This was done by desoldering the chip from the motherboard and read the data on the chip. The programmer would then rewrite the software, place it on the chip and solder it back on the motherboard. This method is nowadays mostly used for older model cars. Newer cars (from 2000) contain newer generations of ECU wich can be modified by using the OBD-port. The next paragraphs describe the currently used, more modern options of rewriting your cars' ECU.

Chiptuning involves more work and seems more drastic then an OBD-chiptuning, but you do not need to worry, it is still a very safe way of tuning your vehicle.

OBD-chiptuning

OBD-chiptuning is a commonly heard expression in the world of chiptuning. OBD-chiptuning means 'On Board Diagnostics'-chiptuning. This is one of the most used and easiest method to read data from an ECU. During an OBD-chiptuning ATM connects its equipment to your cars OBD-port. The OBD-port is present in all cars from 1998. This OBD-port is also used by garages when you bring your vehicle for check-up or maintenance.

The benefits of OBD-tuning:

No soldering is needed. Easy retrieval, modification and replacement of the software;
The Engine Management System can easily be restored to its original form;
Adjustments made are not visible by dealers' diagnostics-systems since we only modify the original software.

Ask our experts if your car is suitable for OBD-chiptuning by ATM-Chiptuning.

BDM-chiptuning

Newer generation ECU's, boardcomputers' contain a memorychip that is impossible or hard to read/write with the OBD communication-line. Sometimes there isn't even any external memory and only an internal memory of the ECU is being used. On these types of ECU's there is a BDM-port (Backround Debugging Mode).
Through this BDM-port, ATM is able to read the original software. Since the BDM-port is located on the motherboard of the ECU, we carefully take out your cars ECU and after performing the optimization we carefully put it back into place.