FAQ – P-Tronic Tuning Box

Many tuning boxes — especially cheap ones — are detectable and can lead to warranty loss. The P-Tronic tuning box is undetectable once removed from the engine. First, because it physically connects using original manufacturer connectors. More importantly, because its operation takes place downstream of the vehicle's ECU. No warranty loss, therefore.

Even a P-Tronic tuning box left in the engine during a service will not trigger the diagnostic tool. We regularly experience this with our customers.

We always recommend declaring it, even though no precise legal framework currently exists. Most insurance companies accept coverage for vehicles fitted with a P-Tronic tuning box — either maintaining the premium or adding a modest increase. Others assess on a case-by-case basis.

To our knowledge, no insurance company has ever taken action against a customer who installed a P-Tronic tuning box without declaring it, as proving the box's liability in an accident is extremely difficult.

Nothing forbids it. P-Tronic is actively fighting for a European framework to be established on this matter. In Germany, the well-known certification body TÜV has accredited certain tuning boxes — including most of those made by P-Tronic — under anti-pollution legislation. The vehicle fitted is then officially recognised as "a vehicle whose power has been increased". Read more about our certifications and commitments.

No, emission standards are strictly respected. The P-Tronic tuning box does not modify the manufacturer's CO2 homologation cycles. Since we work within engine tolerances and do not affect exhaust gas treatment systems (DPF, AdBlue, catalytic converters), your vehicle keeps its original environmental classification. Therefore, it passes the technical inspection without any issue.

On the contrary. With the same driving style, a P-Tronic tuning box enables you to reduce your fuel consumption by 10 to 15%. The only things that increase after installation are power, torque and driving pleasure. Read the testimonials from our customers for real-world feedback, and the automotive journalists' reports.

« Saving: 1 litre per 100 km! » — Auto & Loisirs

P-Tronic tuning boxes do not increase the top speed of the vehicle, but they do increase power and torque. They allow the top speed to be reached more quickly, but do not seek to surpass this limit (although it does sometimes happen that a vehicle gains a few km/h).

An increase in top speed without modifying the suspension, brakes and tyres would constitute a risk for the vehicle and its occupants. The speed limiter fitted to certain vehicles also remains active.

No. P-Tronic tuning boxes are regulated so that the vehicle complies with the combustion standards in force in the automotive industry. Your car will neither smoke more nor pollute more. Better still: the reduction in fuel consumption also leads to lower harmful emissions — if you consume less, you pollute less.

Not at all. The P-Tronic tuning box is equipped with a device that not only keeps all driving modes (Eco, Sport, Comfort, Individual…) fully operational but also optimises their characteristics: the Eco mode becomes even more economical, the Sport mode even more dynamic. All this in full compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Yes — it is so easy that P-Tronic always recommends customers do it themselves. The illustrated fitting guide supplied with every tuning box is of child-like simplicity. No knowledge of car mechanics or electronics is required. Most tuning boxes simply plug in parallel onto the injection circuit using rapid connection plugs — one click and it's done.

« In no time at all, the installation is complete, without even getting your hands dirty. » — Federauto Magazine

For full details: our complete fitting guide.

Our technical assistance centre is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm to guide you by telephone. If you still can't manage with our technician's guidance, you can arrange a visit to our workshop for installation.

Yes, no problem. The original manufacturer connectors can be plugged and unplugged as many times as you wish without causing any wear or malfunction — just like a regular electrical plug. This is one of the major advantages over engine reprogramming, which is irreversible.

Yes, no problem. P-Tronic tuning boxes act on the engine injection system, not on the gearbox. They are perfectly suited to all transmission types: manual, automatic, automated or robotised.

Yes. The latest generation of P-Tronic tuning boxes features a variable programme that adapts to particulate filter constraints and never interferes with its cleaning cycle. Full compatibility for the entire range.

P-Tronic is specialised in turbocharged engines — both diesel and turbo petrol. This specialisation allows us to equip most modern turbo petrol engines: Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda (TSI, TFSI), Mercedes (CGI), Peugeot/Citroën (THP), Land Rover (Si4), Fiat/Lancia (T-JET), Alfa Romeo (TB), Mini (1.6 Turbo), Renault (TCe), Ford (SCTi), Opel (1.4 and 1.6 Turbo), Porsche (4.8 Turbo)… Check the full catalogue for compatibility with your vehicle.

This does not apply to naturally aspirated petrol engines (without turbo), for which no tuning box on the market currently delivers convincing results.

Yes, we offer specific solutions for Hybrid and Mild Hybrid (MHEV) vehicles. The P-Tronic tuning box optimizes the management of the combustion engine (petrol or diesel) to provide higher torque gains and smoother transitions between electric and combustion modes. This results in more dynamic driving and improved overall efficiency, without ever interfering with the energy recovery system or the high-voltage battery.

P-Tronic only equips vehicles with a turbo diesel or turbo petrol engine. If your vehicle does have a turbo but doesn't appear in the catalogue, there are three possible explanations:

1. Your vehicle is over 12 years old and may have mechanical injection (not compatible).
2. It is listed under a different name (injection type, presence of a DPF…).
3. The vehicle is very recent and the corresponding tuning box is still in development.

In any case, contact us — we reply within 24 hours.

Yes, as far as P-Tronic is concerned. Our tuning box acts on several very precise parameters of the injection system, delivering results equal to or better than some reprogramming solutions. It is also fully reversible, does not affect the manufacturer's warranty, and requires no tools to install.

Engine reprogramming via the OBD port injects new data into the original vehicle map. This works, but most dealers and garages systematically reset the original programming during every service — meaning you have to repeat the procedure each time at additional cost.

The tuning box is the better choice for several reasons:

• The P-Tronic tuning box does not modify the original ECU mapping and is fully reversible. Chip tuning is irreversible and disables original safety parameters — risk of engine damage if the engine is over-revved.
• The tuning box installs in minutes with no technical knowledge. Chip tuning requires hours of work and often soldering — a job for a professional.
• The tuning box can be removed and refitted in minutes and transferred to another compatible vehicle (see tuning box families). A chip can only be fitted once, on a single vehicle.
• The tuning box works exclusively on injection parameters, with no risk to the engine mechanics. Chip tuning increases turbo pressure, with all the risks that entails.

Never buy a tuning box under €400. The components of a quality tuning box have an irreducible minimum cost. A cheap tuning box means: inferior electronics, connectors unsuited to the engine environment (temperature variations, humidity) and technology that is dangerous for the mechanics.

Some devices play with injection pressure, others increase turbo pressure (risk of engine damage), others modify fuel temperature with near-zero results. Some unscrupulous brands even sell empty boxes. Always verify that the seller is the actual manufacturer with an established track record. Press coverage and verified customer testimonials are the best indicators of reliability.

With some brands, yes. With P-Tronic, no. Many turbo diesel engines are factory-limited. The P-Tronic tuning box allows them to find their optimal configuration without pushing to their limits, while keeping all original safety parameters active.

Tip: never exceed 2,000 rpm when the engine is cold, and let it idle for 30 seconds after a journey before switching it off. More advice on our page How to drive.

Unlike other products on the market, P-Tronic chips do not cause premature engine wear. In our experience and that of customers who have covered many kilometres, our chips actually appear to extend engine life: the engine runs more smoothly and the driver needs to press the accelerator less to achieve the same result.

Many car manufacturers use identical technology to offer different power and torque levels for the same engine. Learn more about our approach.

No. Manufacturers design their clutches to accept 40% more torque than the original values. P-Tronic tuning boxes voluntarily never reach values beyond this tolerance — they cannot, therefore, be the cause of a clutch breaking or slipping.

No. As with clutches, manufacturers design their gearboxes to accept an extra 40% of torque above original values. P-Tronic tuning boxes are developed never to exceed this tolerance, whatever the transmission type (manual, automatic, sequential, Tiptronic…).

It is, however, inadvisable to fit any performance-enhancing device to a vehicle whose gearbox has already been weakened.

With P-Tronic, no. Every tuning box is developed with optimisation under simulation of real use conditions, with parameters always set within manufacturer tolerance margins. Many turbo diesel engines are factory-limited: installing a P-Tronic tuning box from the outset allows the engine to express its true potential, which can only benefit it.

This does not, of course, remove the need for care with a brand-new engine during its running-in period.

Yes, our latest-generation tuning boxes feature Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike low-end products that leave users searching for their own settings by trial and error, P-Tronic delivers every box with a digital map already optimised on a dynamometer. Just as a high-definition television doesn't ask you to calibrate the colours yourself to be perfect, your engine deserves the optimal configuration from the very first kilometre.

The app is primarily used for diagnostics and activating pre-configured driving modes. Excellence is built into the product itself — the app is a tool, not a prerequisite.

The simplest way is to order online via our catalogue, which entitles you to a 15% discount and free worldwide delivery. Payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal or bank transfer.

You can also fill in our contact form or send us an e-mail. Telephone orders are also accepted.

Caution, each tuning box is custom-programmed. A P-Tronic box-unit is specifically configured for a precise injection system and electronic management. Using a second-hand box without verification may pose a risk to your engine. If you buy one second-hand, contact us with the device's serial number: we will be able to confirm its compatibility or offer reprogramming as well as suitable wiring for your new vehicle.

Yes. P-Tronic works by injection families. A tuning box can be reprogrammed for any vehicle sharing the same injection type and connectors. The widespread adoption of common rail injection greatly extends compatibility. Contact us to check compatibility with your next vehicle.

Three options are available:

1. Sell the tuning box with the vehicle — it adds value to it.
2. Reprogram it for your new vehicle — if it shares the same injection type (check via the families page). Contact us for the procedure.
3. Sell it second-hand — on a specialist automotive site or a general marketplace (such as eBay). Specify that it is a genuine P-Tronic tuning box (imitations exist), state the exact model and compatible vehicles.