Flashing ECU and warrenty

[thunderstorm144]

Does anyone have experience with this? Does flashing an ECU void warrenty? If you flash it back (stock) before taking it to the dealer for service, can they tell you flashed it in the first place? Can this be argued under the "Moss/Magnussen act"? I am sure this has been hashed out before, so forgive my ignorance.

 

[2002GreyGT]

If you flash it back to stock, they may not be able to tell. But I know in the world of computers, it is probably possible to know if something has been reflashed or not.

Best would to have two on hand, one stock and one modifed and just swap them.

 

[Dotanukie]

If you flash it back to stock, they may not be able to tell. But I know in the world of computers, it is probably possible to know if something has been reflashed or not.

With most computer systems that have to meet strict quality control requirements (like ISO or GMP), the system will track all changes that have been made as part of the audit trail. An operator can then go into the system and call up a log, which will tell them what changes have been made to the system since it's creation, when, and possibly by whom if its set up for that. It must be able to do this if they want to meet the requirements of the quality control program they are operating under. I don't know if auto ECU's fall under this, but it's been my experience in other manufacturing areas.

 

[Scott_B]

They wont automaticaly void your warrenty. Youd have to have a problem first and they would have to conclude it was the reflash that caused the problem.

 

[Dotanukie]

If you were going to have two on hand, and I think thats a good idea to play it utterly safe, then I would keep the one that originally came with the car perfectly stock. Make any reflashes on the extra one that you purchase. I don't know if an ECU is capable of this, but it would make sense to me that it would contain some data with the cars VIN # and such. If you replaced it with another, they would then be able to tell that it was not the original one that came from the factory with the car, and they could then start asking questions.

 

[Kravin]

where would i go about getting a second chip cuz that is what ill do when i get my mustang

 

[thunderstorm144]

If you were going to have two on hand, and I think thats a good idea to play it utterly safe, then I would keep the one that originally came with the car perfectly stock. Make any reflashes on the extra one that you purchase. I don't know if an ECU is capable of this, but it would make sense to me that it would contain some data with the cars VIN # and such. If you replaced it with another, they would then be able to tell that it was not the original one that came from the factory with the car, and they could then start asking questions.

Good idea. Hadn't thought of that Gonna have to call around and see if that's possible. I know you could fight any perceived problems being the cause of the flash via the Maggnusen law thing but I'd rather not have to fight them over it.

Thinking about an SCT tune. Nice numbers.

 

[MystiChrome Coupe]

If your warranty is important to you I would just stick to the little "safe" mods like a catback (or axle back in your case) exhaust & a intake of some type. Sticky tires too, that's my next mod for my '04.

 

[ryanrule]

im sure they would argue that your wheel falling off was a result of your reflash or sumthin like that