I've got a question

[Ducaire]

I've heard that there's this computer chip device you can plug into your cigarette lighter, and you can program it to give the engine extra horsepower and better gas mileage. It only works with diesel engines, though.

My questions are:

Do they work?

If so, do they work well enough so that they're worht buying? ($400-500)

What are they called, and where can I go to look them up and order one?

Thanks.

(I know this isn't entirely Dodge related; sorry)

[jd-autotech]

uh that usually causes trouble with the trucks computer. there are performance enhancing chips out there that people rave about but not the lighter plug ins. and if you do doit research it and have it professionally done so any damages wont be at your expense.dont do it yourself thats

[scoutinkeith]

well, let's see, hypertech, superchips, bully dog, jet, and I'm sure that there are others, all make devices to alter the computer programming for better performance and/or economy. there are "chips" which generally "piggy-back" with the stock computer, and basically just change sensor inputs to get better performance. and then you have "programmers"/"tuners" which plug into the diagnostic port under the dash, Not the cigaret lighter, and actuailly change the programming in the stock computer. the programmers/tuners are nice because they also let you read trouble codes, adjust for different size tires, and axle gears, and in some cases, change speed limiters and shift points for automatic transmissions.

just check out a few of these sites,

http://www.hypertech-inc.com/

http://www.super-chip.com/

http://www.jetchip.com/

http://www.bullydog.com/

EDIT: most of the sites listed above, have things for gas as well as diesel engines

[neon_rt]

The devices don't plug into the cigarette lighter, they plug into the diagnostic port under the dash.

[Blazenbird]

well if you are towing alot of weight like everday, then yes you should get one. i currently have one for my dodge but i only use it when im towing. its helped the performance, but only get one if you need it.

BT

[jd-autotech]

there are some lighter plug ins that dont really seem to do much but screw with the pcm