Please!! Settle the debate about flash programmers for good!!!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 13, 2006 | 08:17 PM

Tonkatruck

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 46

Likes: 0

Please!! Settle the debate about flash programmers for good!!!

Hi,

I have been asking many people and keep getting different answers... forgive me if it has been answered on this forum (i couldn't find it)

I am looking into Diablosport, Superchips, and Bully Dog...

Can dealers tell that the diesel was programmed, if I return it to stock????

I don't want warranty issues!!!!

thx

Mar 14, 2006 | 11:16 AM

Onespeed24

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 575

Likes: 0

From: San Diego

Some service writers claim they can tell, just to scare you from getting a custom tuner, or any other aftermarket stuff done for that matter. I have been told by a service tech that all they can tell is whether the factory tune is present when they hook up the vehicle for diagnostics. He told me basically that if the PATS works, they have no reason to believe to think it's been messed with.
Maybe if the problem you had it in the shop for was compouter related and they started really looking into they could find some disparity, but it's not like they hook it up and an alarm goes off syaing the computer has been reflashed and reset to stock.
He also said a scare tactic they used was that they say they can tell if you've ever hit the rev limiter, which to them that means you have been drag racing (although, if you've ever dynoed your vehicle, it has hit the rev limiter, and hard).
This is not meant to be definative, it's just hearsay from a third party, but seems reasonable to me.

Mar 14, 2006 | 04:07 PM

pronstar

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 629

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onespeed24

He also said a scare tactic they used was that they say they can tell if you've ever hit the rev limiter, which to them that means you have been drag racing (although, if you've ever dynoed your vehicle, it has hit the rev limiter, and hard).

New VW's store a code for over-rev, this code voids your engine warranty.
Ouch.

Mar 14, 2006 | 04:27 PM

Toreador_Diesel

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 12,246

Likes: 761

From: Houston, Texas

All you have to do is simple: a day or before you have a trip to dealer in mind, de-tune, drive around, clear the OBD codes that come up and you'll be fine. Unless your engine or tranny blows up and you're under warranty, they're not going to look for evidence of an aftermarket programmer or tuner. Other than that, you have nothing to worry about.

Mar 14, 2006 | 05:07 PM

Tonkatruck

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 46

Likes: 0

Ok thanks for the replies! I get paranoid... maybe I should take my meds

Mar 14, 2006 | 05:51 PM

Toreador_Diesel

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 12,246

Likes: 761

From: Houston, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonkatruck

Ok thanks for the replies! I get paranoid... maybe I should take my meds

No big deal...

I was the same way until I spoke to Larry and a few other Performance guys. Take care.

Mar 17, 2006 | 08:11 PM

3BLADZ

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 133

Likes: 1

From: Illinois

I believe the pcm keeps track every time it is reflashed. If the dealer compares this to oasis it would tell them someone other than a dealer has reflashed it. But they would have to be looking for this, it doesn't pop up an alarm. I think they also can look at some of the max values stored and and if they are over what stock programming allows that would be another indicator.