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What is chip tuning for a Mazda CX-9?

I just bought myself a Mazda CX-9. I might try tinkering around with it to see if I can improve the performance. My neighbor suggested I start by looking into chip tuning. To be honest, I have no idea what that means. What is chip tuning, how do I do it, and can I do it to a Mazda CX-9? I’m a little lost.

avatar
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on your
Mazda CX-9
! That’s a great SUV!
You’ll be happy to know you can chip tune a Mazda CX-9.
Basically, chip tuning is where you modify the software that governs your car’s internal computer.
More specifically, chip tuning a car means either reprogramming or replacing the programable read-only memory chip that controls one of the various operations of your car. Most of the time, when people tune their car, they tune the memory chip in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
The ECU controls a number of important functions, including fuel injection. Modifying its behavior through tuning can dramatically improve performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
There are three ways that you can tune your Mazda’s ECU chip:
  • Use your laptop to download tuning software.
  • Buy a new ECU chip with the software you want.
  • Buy a tuning upgrade device.
Buying a tuning upgrade device is usually the easiest and safest way to tune your car. These devices are sold with tuning software already on them. You just have to plug the device into the OBD port in your SUV and start the installation.
Before you make any modifications, you should know that tuning may void any warranties that came with your car. If you decide to tune your CX-9 anyway, you should consider getting more extensive
car insurance
to make up for the lost warranties.
Luckily,
Jerry
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