Why settle for stock when you can maximize the performance and make it feel like a totally different Jeep? Your Jeep Wrangler JK is programmed to deliver a specific performance of off-roading. But sometimes, you don't always get the performance you want. Have you ever drove on a steep hill towing a load and you couldn't make it up quickly enough? Or have you notice you noticed that you're going to the pump more often than you used to? When your Jeep is using a tuner, you can get into its computer to tell it how you want it to perform. If you're interested to learn more, below are our top picks for the best tuners for Jeep JK.
[Want to know the difference between a tuner and programmer? Learn everything there is to know in our Ultimate Guide to Tuners, Programmers, and Chips.]Why can you trust us? Mechanic Guides is written by experts and 100% reader-supported. We never receive anything from the product manufacturers.
Great Value
Comes with Exclusive Functions
The Superchips TrailDash 2 Programmer works with Jeep Wrangler JK manufactured from 2007 to 2014. It's a user-friendly tuner with a big 5″ touch-sensitive screen. Plus, you get three devices in one: it's not just a tuner, it's also a monitor and a performance tester.
6 Pre-Loaded Tunes With More Options After to Fine-Tune
The Superchips TrailDash 2 Programmer comes with different power levels that are programmed based on numerous driving scenarios. You'll get a tune for 87, 89, 91 and 93 octane fuel, Mileage XS for fuel efficiency, and an exclusive tune for the JK called "Crawl", which is designed for precision maneuvers in low-speed off-road conditions. After you've picked a power level, you can adjust specific vehicle functions like the Rev Limiter, Speed Limiter, Fan Settings, and Pedal Response. If you mess up and enter the wrong data, there's always an option to reset the values.
Test Performance Gains Easily and Keep an Eye on the Engine
What's nice about this Superchips tuner is that you can thoroughly check how well the power level and any customization works on your JK through the Performance Tester menu. You can check its gains through the 0-60, quarter mile, and horsepower tests. After running these tests, you'll be able to adjust your adjustments again or pick a different power level.
The TrailDash 2 also allows you to access everything that your car's computer is monitoring. This will help you see if you need to change your oil, if it's overheating, and so on. When you have a clearer view of what's happening under the hood, you can prevent serious damage that would probably need lots of money to fix.
If you want to make a lot of adjustments to your Jeep Wrangler JK, the Superchips TrailDash 2 will make it easy. It's a full-featured device that does a great job improving the horsepower and torque. On top of that, you can also monitor the parameters under the hood, and do performance tests to help you figure out if you got the gains you wanted.
Even though you can't monitor parameters like you can with the TrailDash 2, the Superchips Flashpaq F5 Programmer is great for tuning and general calibration. This device can let you maximize the loaded tune by letting you manually adjust parameters; it's especially helpful if you drive it on challenging terrains. It also lets you clear your diagnostic codes in your garage to get rid of that engine check light without going to the dealership for a scan.
This specific model is compatible with 2007 - 2014 Jeep JK model years.
Pre-loaded with Powerful Tunes
The Superchips Flashpaq F5 Programmer has pre-loaded tunes: Towing, Crawling, and High Performance. These just the computer based on how your Jeep JK to perform. Don't worry about messing up though, because before the F5 installs the new tune, it'll automatically a back-up of the stock tune so you can restart if something goes wrong. (It's also good to go back to the stock tune if you need to bring your Jeep back to the dealership.)
Like the Superchips TrailDash2, the Flashpaq F5 offers the Crawling tune, an exclusive tune for the Jeep Wrangler JK. In case you missed the description in the TrailDash2 review, the Crawling tune lets you perform precision driving when you're off-road in low-speed conditions.
[Going off-roading in wet conditions? You might be interested in our review of the best neoprene seat covers.]Change Parameters for Speedometer Accuracy
After tuning, there are special parameters that you can change, like adjusting the TPMS (tire-pressure monitoring system) if you installed different size tires. Adjusting your parameters after changing your Jeep's parts will also make your speedometer accurate again.
Having the right tune based on your vehicle's specs will guarantee you optimum performance. It's easy to jump in with a pre-loaded tune and then make adjustments according to how your Jeep has been improved since you bought it. You'll get more power, drivability, improved fuel efficiency, and an accurate speedometer again. Plus, you can clear those annoying trouble codes at home and only go to the dealership or your mechanic when it's actually necessary, saving you more money.
Comes With Exclusive Functions: Bully Dog GT Gas - Best Tuners for Jeep JK
Unlock your Jeep JK's hidden performance with the Bully Dog GT Gas Performance Tuner. This device allows you to amplify parameters to increase your horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency. It even works well with your aftermarket parts. The GT also has special functions available just for Jeeps like disabling traction control, setting an automatic door lock, and even turning off the seat belt reminder. It's easy to update the GT too - just connect it to your computer and download their Update Agent App. But Mac users, beware - the Update Agent App only works for Windows.
You Don't Have to Keep It Plugged In to Use It
The GT lets you choose if you want to mount it or just keep it in your glove compartment. If you only want to take advantage of the tunes, you can plug it to your OBDII port to load the program on your Jeep's computer and then disconnect it when you're done. But if you do mount it then you'l be able to continuously monitor how well or not its doing as you drive.
Improve Fuel Consumption Off-Road
You probably use your Jeep JK off-road more often than not, affecting its fuel efficiency. The Bully Dog GT Gas can help you drive more efficiently, saving gas, through its Drive Coach feature. It will grade you from A to F so you'll have a clear understanding of where you can make improvements as you drive.
Special Functions Available Just for Jeeps
Like we mentioned earlier, the GT has special functions just for Jeeps. When driving through uneven terrain, you can adjust the tire pressure monitor to fix that annoying dash light. Additionally, you can alter the traction control to give you a better grip in muddy conditions. And if you want your engine to cool down quickly, especially if you've been driving nonstop, you can run the engine fan at high speed.
The Bully Dog GT Gas can unlock more potential of your Jeep JK, especially if you're really into off-roading. With those calibrated parameters, you'll get performance gains that will make you want to stay off-road to keep the fun going. The Driving Coach is also great if you consider want to reduce your fuel consumption and prevent potential damages to your engine because of bad driving habits. The special Jeep features are really awesome too - it's those little things that will make driving your JK an adventure no matter where you are.
Get your Jeep working like a monster on rocky or muddy terrains with the help of the DiabloSports inTune I3. It is a plug-and-play tuner that allows you to upload a tune, calibrate parameters, and clear diagnostic codes easily. It's designed to increase fuel efficiency and overall performance, making it a must-have device for those adventurous owners who want to drive to the top of the mountain. (If you're in California though, you'll have to look elsewhere - this specific model isn't approved for your state.)
The programmer is very easy to navigate with its full-color touchscreen display. The menu is really easy to navigate so you can quickly find what you're looking for. You can also connect it to the Wi-Fi to update the software directly, instead of connecting it to your computer. You'll still need your computer though if you bought a custom tune from DiabloSport or a local tuner. It supports Windows, Linus, and OSX .
Use a Pre-Loaded Tune or Adjust All the Parameters Yourself, Plus Clear Trouble Codes
The DiabloSport inTune i3 Tuner comes with pre-loaded tunes. These are based on the fuel that you use, and the specific performance that you want to achieve. Additionally, if you think you have the knowledge and experience, you can go to town making adjustments to all the available parameters to design a tune that fits your Jeep and your needs perfectly.
If see some trouble codes on your dash, just get the i3 to scan your Jeep's computer to view the problem. If you want to get rid of them, the device can also clear them for you.
[If you want a dedicated diagnostic scanner still, check our list of the 5 best car diagnostic tools.]It's a user-friendly device, even if you're a beginner and just want to see what a pre-loaded tune can do. But if you're someone who really knows how you want your Jeep to perform, more than what a preloaded tune can give you, the DiabloSport inTune i3 will let you tweak the parameters as much as you want. What's also nice is that it's compatible with both Windows, Mac, and even Linux, so you don't need to worry about borrowing a computer just to update your device if you're a Mac fan.
Unlock Your Jeep JK's Full Potential with a Tuner
We really think that the Superchips TrailDash 2 is your best option because it gives you benefits more than just tuning your Jeep. Having the capability to monitor can help you decide whether you want to increase or decrease the tune, and assess whether you're really maximizing your Jeep's performance when it comes to its drivability and fuel efficiency. However, if you're on a budget but you still want to improve performance, the best option is yet another from product from Superchips - the Flashpaq F5 Tuner. It allows you to do extensive tuning and calibration without breaking the bank. If you think there's still room to improve on your driving habits, the Bully Dog GT Gas will help you see your errors to help you maximize your fuel efficiency. Lastly, if you are looking for a user-friendly tuner packed with power, the DiabloSport inTune i3 is one of the best ones on the market.
Get through extreme terrain easily with a well-tuned Jeep JK. It's challenging to drive over large rocks or get your wheels out of the mud with the stock tune that it came with. But when you alter the parameters and install an appropriate tune, these can be done easily. After you notice the great horsepower and torque boost, you're not going to want to go back to stock.
