A chipped vehicle has undergone an aftermarket modification to its engine control unit (ECU) to alter fuel maps, ignition timing, and boost pressure. Originally, this involved physically desoldering and replacing the ROM chip on the circuit board. In newer vehicles, it usually refers to flashing new software through the OBD-II port to bypass factory limits and maximize horsepower and torque.
That diesel truck is chipped and deleted, so it's pushing way more boost than the stock head bolts can handle.
Dealership diagnostic tools can often detect if a car has been chipped, which usually voids the powertrain warranty.
Also heard as
- tuned
- flashed
Related terms
ECU
The primary computer that manages engine performance, fuel delivery and emissions.
OBD
On-board diagnostics is the standardized computer system that monitors vehicle emissions and engine performance.
Boost
The positive air pressure created in the intake manifold by a forced induction system.
Forced induction
The process of compressing intake air to increase the power output of an internal combustion engine.