Horsepower TV sparked my interest in a programer. They used a programer on a stock '04 Cobra. It gained 40 rear wheel horsepower on the dyno. It seems most guys on this site use the Diablo. How does reprogramming the computer affect your Ford warranty?

 

With the programmer you can return the truck to stock whenever you take it to the dealer. Since this leaves no physical evidence you get to keep your warranty.

 

No modification automatically "voids" your warranty, internet lore to the contrary.

Read your SVT warranty, and read the Magnuson-Moss warranty act.

Ford may deny a warranty claim if they can prove that the failure was caused by a modification, misuse, or improper maintenance.

Example, change pulleys, toast a blower, it's easy for them to prove that you ran the blower at speeds/pressures higher than they anticipated.... not warranted.

Change pulleys, have a front wheel bearing go bad... no impact on warranty coverage.

Change exhaust, two coil packs go bad... no impact on warranty coverage.

Add a snow-plow (will the F-150 Heritage snow-plow kit bolt up to our L's? A guy has to earn a living...) and the front wheel bearing goes bad... easy to prove that the weight/stress contributed to the failure... not warranted.

Add a snow-plow, lose compression in one cylinder... no impact on warranty coverage.

The "common sense", "everybody knows" answer on this topic is often wrong.

Sam

 

Hmm,

I totally agree, but since the predator (or a chip for that matter) only affects the engine and transmission the question did not really apply to wheel bearings, lug nuts, or snow plows.

 

"I totally agree, but since the Predator (or a chip for that matter) only affects the engine and transmission the question did not really apply to wheel bearings, lug nuts, or snow plows."

Will my fifth-wheel trailer and hitch affect the air-conditioner warranty?

Just kidding. Though now I'm dying to see an L with a snow-plow and a fifth-wheel...

 

I'd be surprised if the computer didn't have some way of indicating I reprogrammed the computer even if I did take it back to the stock settings for warranty work.

Is there a noticeable power increase from a programmer?

 

Yes, there is a very noticeable increase in power.

Read about it here:

http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=211

 

So why wouldn't Ford do this from the factory?

 

Possibly emissions, driveability for grannies, possibly fuel economy, possibly parts life...

Is there a supporting vendor that sells 'em, or where is the best place to buy?

(Gee, I should use forum search and find out...)

 

www.motorhaven.com - supporting vendor, good price, money back guarantee.