Chip
chipping, also known as flashingThe memory chip containing the engine control program in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) is replaced with a new memory chip containing an optimization program. This mode of operation has also given rise to the colloquial term "Flashing". This method is used in vehicles where the original memory chip is not reprogrammable (usually cars with a model year less than 2000). Chip programming is also done for vehicles when the programming tool does not get a connection to the ECU via service roads.
SERIAL bus
service port programmingOptimization through the Serial bus is the easiest and fastest way to reprogram the memory chip of the engine control unit. The programming can be executed directly through the OBD2 bus or vehicle-specific service bus without changing the memory chip. This is the typical method of programming for Western European vehicles manufactured in this millennium.
FLASH-offboard
programming directly to the control unitControl unit programming is the second fastest method to reprogram the memory chip of the engine control unit. Programming is done directly to the control unit via a model-specific cable or so-called programming points without changing or removing the memory chip. This is the typical method of programming for Western European vehicles manufactured since 2008 for which Serial-bus programming is not yet possible.