From our Analysis:
From our research and review, it is our opinion that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this!
Company Profile
The manufacturer is a company called JDM Performance. They are based in the USA and have been in the tuning market for several years, giving them more weight than previously reviewed products.
Their website, performancechiptuning.com, jdmperformancechip.com or eBay.
The JDM PROm Performance Chip Module offers this and several other versions of their OBD and other performance products. The direct product page is here:
https://www.performancechiptuning.com/brands/JDM.html
The case and design are unique, so it will be interesting to see what this chip actually does.
From the jdmperformancechip.com website:
“JDM PRO Chips remap the timing of the ignition to give you greater throttle response. These mapping specifications will optimize performance increase fuel economy and deliver maximum horsepower otherwise restricted by factory settings. Our microprocessor controlled tuning Chips contain engine-specific dynamic “maps” that are placed in the unit’s memory. The “maps” are all dynamometer tested and proven to give a very noticeable increase in performance. This intelligent feature gives the unit the ability to work in sync with your engine, providing economy or power depending on your driving requirements..”
Cost
The cost on the website at the time of this review was $289.99 USD for the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module, and $199.95 on eBay, which claims to provide enhanced pickup, power, and engine performance enhancements.
This price is a bit higher than any chip we have reviewed so far. Hopefully, it warrants better performance than most of the previous chips.
Product Appearance
The JDM ProM chip comes in two versions, the blue version, and the white version with a flexible OBD cable for fitment to the OBD port.
Installation steps were fairly straightforward:
“Step 1: Locate your OBD2 port.
Step 2: Insert stage 1 into your vehicle’s port while the vehicle is in off position.
Step 3: Insert vehicle key and turn the vehicle switch one position (or press your start button) without starting the vehicle. Your dash gauges will turn on. The JDM PROm Performance Chip Module needs about 5-10 seconds in this stage to transmit data from your vehicle’s ECU. After 10 seconds, you can start the vehicle normally.
Step 4: Once your vehicle is started for the first time, the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module begins a learning process. This process involves gathering data from your onboard computer and transmitting overrides to your ECU for performance and fuel economy improvements. Results can take up to 2 weeks of normal driving to fully complete. ”
Sounds more believable than most previous modules we tested
– Let’s see if it works.
Internal Analysis
The large IC chip is of primary interest to us. The chip may seem to be physically larger than any we have seen so far in our reviews and after doing several tests such as Program Memory type, CAN protocol, Program Max Memory Size, and Max CPU Speed after all test have made we determine the Chip installed it’s a JDM/Microchip version of the PIC18F4580 (CAN Bus and CAN FD Bus ) with 32KB of Programming Memory verified through our lab tests.
We examined the OBD connections from the connector to the circuit board and the following nine pins are connected: 2,4,5,6,7,10,14,15,16.
Let’s check the OBD protocols and which pins they require:
From this chart, we see the following protocols and which pins must be present for them to be used:
CAN – 4, 6, 14, 16
PWM -2, 4, 5, 10, 16
VPW – 2, 4, 5, 16
ISO – 4, 5, 7, 16
So we can conclude from this that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module:
HAS all OBD connections to the CAN protocol
HAS all OBD connections for the PWM protocol
HAS all OBD connections for the ISO protocol
HAS all OBD connections for the VPW protocol
From these connections, the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module does have the capability to interface to any of these protocols. According to the product information, the company claims it is custom programmed for use with only one vehicle. For use on another vehicle, it must be reprogrammed.
Operation
We connected the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module to our BMW 3 Series 2003 3.0L as instructed and the lights came on as expected:
For about 1 week we drove a few miles and did notice a definite improvement in throttle response and pick up power and extra torque. In addition, the idle and overall handling of the engine did seem to be smoother. We tested in a large run and noticed we had gained almost 2MPG on fuel economy.
Analysis
It is clear from our analysis so far that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module is capable of delivering real gains and is a good choice for those seeking a general tuning solution.
Company Response
We sent the following message to the company before completing this review and received this response.
Our message to the company:
Hello,
We are an automotive performance chip review group and saw your performance chip listing. We have a few questions about your product:
1) Can you assure us this is not a scam?
2) Do you have any real-world proof?
Company’s response:
We did receive this prompt response and they provided many references for proof of their product’s vehicle enhancement. We are impressed with the straightforward answers they provided.
Conclusion
From our research and review, it is our opinion that the JDM PROm Performance Chip Module Works! You will DEFINITELY want to try this
I recently purchased one for my c5 vette and I like lt very much.i have traded my c5 for a c6 can I use this on my c6?
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. But imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Terrific blog!
At the price point of the JDM compared to nearly all others this is a bargain presuming it really works. Your testing relieved my skepticism, but i would like to have had some stat’s. The only stat was a guess on mpg increase and seat dyno’s.
What do you say about this unit draining the battery?
Any ( other) negative effects on the engine or other vehicle components?
What is your delivery time. Enough time to return the unit for a full refund after my testing?
Skeptical Mike
Hi,
We recommend to check their website for the return policy. These chips do not drain batteries. It would be an obsolete product to market if that was an issue. They use next to nothing power from the battery like the blinking car alarm light on dashboards that never stops blinking for 15-20 years.
I have the JDM Prom OBD2 Plug-n-Play Rev. 6.0 installed in my 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 Flex V6. It seems to do what is claimed. However, the unit is always on and always a drain on the battery. This caused frequent Battery Drain Downs …so I removed it. I have since upgraded the battery and the alternator. Before I re-install the JDM Prom can you comment on the need to have the unit on and constantly draining the battery?
Unplug it after you turn off the vehicle. Then before you start the vehicle back up, plug it back in. I have had the same issue, but the system works based on memory… so as long as its plugged in when the vehicle gets fired up, it will remain as it was before you unplug it.
The GTE Stage 1 Performance Chip Module in your review gives 3mpg better gas mileage on the same BMW as this device. And it costs currently up to 50% less.
I recently bought one and plugged it right in. I assumed you just plug it in and start it. If you dont give it enough time to fully download can you just unplug and do it again?
Whats the best performence chip for a 1995 chevy silvo king cab.350 5.7 L. TBI
Does your engine have to be turbocharged to experience up to 40 hp gains with this product? I have a regular stock engine. Don’t want to spend too much money on a turbocharger right now.
I just purchased stage 3 chip can it be unplugged so it doesn’t drain my battery it seems to stay lit up at all times
Hello,
According to the manufacturer, yes, there’s 2 solid lights and 1 red flickering light which is how the performance chip indicates it’s plugged in, it’s receiving power and it’s sending and receiving information back and forth from the ECM computer. But this will not drain your battery.
Would stage 3 chip tuner would drain the battery from my 2018 camaro ?
Hi, It will not. According to the manufacturer, as long as you do not have any electrical system issues, no short circuits and your battery is is in good working condition, there is no worry.
I have Jdm pro m plug -n- play obd 11 port is it ok to leave plugged in on my 1998 v6 Honda Accord
Hello, If you have a good battery, and drive the car more than once a week, than yes, leave it plugged in.
Can you use it with ktuner ?. Or just ktuner will do?.
Hi, Cannot use it with Ktuner, Ktuner will suffice.
Hi, I purchased a stage lll chip for my Frontier Desert Runner. It will kill the battery in 2 to 3 days if I don’t keep recharging it. Trying to find out if the chip is defective, blue light stays on all the time.
It did make a huge improvement in the truck, PIA to have to keep charging the battery.
Hello, That’s interesting. Sorry to hear that. As far as we understand, the lights will never drain your battery according to the manufacturer. If you experience some sort of battery drain, it could be other issues with the vehicle such as short circuit on electrical system, faulty battery or other part. Your electrical system should provide a steady 14.0volts.
We recommend to have the vehicle inspected in those areas to rule them out. Otherwise, we recommend to contact the chip manufacturer.
what is the current draw of the unit when the vehicle is turned off? we would like to know, so we can estimate what kind of wattage the unit is using when the vehicle is off. thank you
Hello, we recommend to contact the chip maker for more in depth details like that since they can upgrade the internal parts that could affect the current draw. But from what we hear from many consumers is that you can leave the chip connected for a week or 2 without starting the vehicle and have no issues with battery drainage. It uses next to nothing power while connected to your OBD2 port.
Hello, They must stay plugged in at all time, however, they do not drain the battery. If you drive the vehicle a couple times a month, I would unplug it.
These chips will go I to sleep mode -part of uP routines to save power and not drain batteries as source is from OBD which can not be switched off.
Do the lights stay on when the car is turned off?
Hello,
According to the manufacturer, yes, there’s 2 solid lights and 1 red flickering light which is how the performance chip indicates it’s plugged in, it’s receiving power and it’s sending and receiving information back and forth from the ECM computer. But this will not drain your battery.
I recently purchased this unit used from another and person and vehicle will it work on another with the same engine if not how do I get it “reprogrammed”
Hello, We recommend sending a quick message to the manufacturer on their site to confirm. Not sure what they do as far as software recent updates or changes, not sure if another vehicle maker or model will gain same or less performance.
Hello I have a white box JDM ProM Chip purchased a long time ago. Cannot remember what vehicle it was original purchased for? Can it be used for 2010 Ford Econoline E350 4.0L V8. Any firmware update required or available if needed?
Hello,
According to the manufacturer, the white box chips can still work, but they have gone with another software system with the blue chips. You can try it on another vehicle, but no guarantee it will provide results, however, it’s totally safe to try it, it will not harm the engine. But I would just get the new chip and ask them if they can offer you a discount if you send them a picture of the old one.
Pretty
I have a 1993 Nissan 300zx with Obd1 system ,will jdm stage3 chip with a Obd 2 with. a connection cord for obd 1to obd 2 for the chip work
Sorry, it will not work. The software on the OBD2 performance chips cannot read that 93 300zx for tuning.
I have a question. Will the OBD 2 Pro M firmware 6.0 that I had ordered for 2016 Kia Cadenza 3.3 L also work for my 2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L
Hello, It’s possible it will read, fine tune the ECM, however, the ECM on your new vehicle may not have the same parameters for the software to be able to work to release all the performance gains that the vehicle the chip was ordered for receives. This means, you may only receive half or less than the gains or a small percentage of performance gains. The guarantee is only that it will not hurt the other vehicle’s engine by using that same chip on the other car.
I have installed the ‘BLUE BOX’ on my ’03 Tundra 4.7L and honestly ; I LOVE IT !
works great…
We’re very happy it’s working for you. We’ve noticed over the years Toyota Tundras and Tacomas respond very well to that chip so you made a very good choice. We’ve sent you a review link to help us out with your review there also. Thank you for taking the time to letting us know that product worked for your truck.
2017+ Chevrolet LGZ 3.6 V6 engine ECM and TCM are locked by HP for changes, how does the Stage 1-3 chips get around this to effect the gains stated?
Hello, The performance chip’s software will attempt to communicate, release real time data into the ECM during your driving time to optimize the spark advanced and allow increase in air to fuel ratio increase through the electrical sensors of the engine, if it is blocked from doing that by the dealership’s lock mechanism, it will attempt a 2nd and 3rd time, automatically while you drive. The engineers mention 1-2 weeks of driving for different reasons, 1 being this reason. If the chip doesn’t bypass or unlock the ECM (it could succeed in 1 of the 2)then customers are encouraged to contact the chip company for assistance.
I put the blue box on my 2020 Toyota Tacoma and it’s unbelievable on the difference in power, if you have a Tacoma you need to step up and give your truck a facelift on its performance you will be glad you did. Great product
What’s better the Stage 1 or Stage 3?
Hi, for better torque and HP, we recommend the stage 3 performance chip. For better fuel economy, go with the stage 1 chip.
I currently have the mk7 vw golf 1.8t with the jdm pro stage 3 I’m happy with it when I run 93 octane I def feel the power difference that’s why I’m checking in here to update a few people
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to do so. We appreciate feedback from products purchased.
Will the tuner be able to identify aftermarket parts and tune accordingly?
It will not, but 99% of the time, there is no errors triggered. Just no communication between them, the chip communicated data from the ECU and engine’s electrical sensors and mechanical parts, not aftermarket parts.
Hello……I’ve had the JDM ProM chip connected to my 2021 Aviator for almost two weeks. Situationally think I’m seeing some performance gains but hard to tell as also running 93 octane with it where ran 91 before. Question…..I want to disconnect it to take it to the dealer. I’ve read that is fine to disconnect from the OBD2 when the vehicle is off and no issues. Can you confirm that and also confirm if I reconnect it after getting it back from the dealer does the learning from before get wiped out and starts over taking up to two weeks or is it maintained from the original learning once reconnected?
You can unplug the chip when the car is off. Will reset the ECU in seconds, no foot print left. Once you re-plug it, you must start the fine tune process all over again. Could take a few days or less, not 2 weeks in most cases.
I just purchased and installed one on my 22′ tundra trd pro. I’ve been reading it may not work due to the ECU being locked on it. Any validation to that? I seem to notice slight differences but the truck is already so powerful it may be placebo.
If your truck is turbo charged from factory, you may only receive little gains with the chip because the engine is already tuned from factory.
I bought this chip a couple months and I’m not sure if it works I followed the simple instructions but on the chip the “DAT” always flash’s and then goes away. I’ve tried unplugging and plugging it back in I’ve gave it a couple months but I have not yet seen any new results. Am I doing something? Or was I given the wrong performance chip?
On some performance chips, that’s how the light works. It’s the DATA light, will blink ocassionally when it transfers information back and receives information from the ECU. That’s normal.
then a JDM Pro M proformance chip should in my 2002 ranger 2.3 l thanks david
Hi. Yes! That’s a good truck, will improve HP and Torque gains and improved acceleration.
Got stage 3 for my 2o10 accord,
Installed it properly after 2 weeks ish there was a dim blue light always on that would flicker bright blue, I haven’t saw a red light at all,
If the chip is installed properly and feeding information back n forth How does the chip act with it cones to the light on chip ?
Hi. The chip may have received an update like the STAGE 2 SMARTTUNE had in 2022. The POWER AND LINK Lights will stay solid blue. The DAT light will blink Red or Blue occasionally. Contact their site, they’ve got good customer service.
Can my JDM pro m tuner for 2018 xd diesel titan work on my 2005 gas 5.6 titan ?
Hi
It is possible, the 2018 may have different ECU parameters than the 2005, it’s safe to try it out see if you get some gains, fuel efficiency, tighter shift points, faster acceleration, better throttle response, smoother engine idling, some horses, some ft. lbs. of torque
Anyone used this in a 2022 Subaru WRX?
Not sure, however, Subarus have been known to respond well, shoot the company email or call, they’ll help you confirm if they have it for the 2022 WRX 👍👍
Hello, I was wondering if it works on Kia optima 2014
Yes it does. Kia models are very responsive to the chip. It’s safe too.
How responsive will this be for a 2011 Acura MDX?
It’s very significant, responds pretty well. Just recommend a stage 2 instead of stage 3 chip if you have a 4 banger, but if you have a V6 engine, the stage 3 is an excellent choice, should notice faster acceleration in the first hour or less driving with the chip.
Hi, which performance chip do you recommend for a 2010 Nissan Versa 1.8 S Hatchback with the following mods: DC Sports Single Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust – Nissan Versa 07-12, DC Sports 4-2-1 Ceramic Header (One Piece) – Nissan Versa 07-12, and the 2007-2012 Nissan Versa DC Sports Cold Air Intake DC Sports (CAI1207). I don’t know if I’m fine with a stage 2 or a stage 3 chip to get out of these mods.
I’d go with the Stage 2 so that you can gain some extra horses and added torque. It’ll improve acceleration and throttle response enough for a 1.8 4 banger.
Will this chip work on a 2.0 m20a-fks engine I have a 2022 Toyota Corolla se and I’m trying to gain some performance out of it will this truly work??
Hi,
The stage 3 JDM can offer your 2.0 engine at max 18-20 HP gain since it’s a smaller engine. 12+ torque. it’s worth it, why leave those gains on the table. I would grab those gains.