HP Tuners and Warranty

[dewilmoth]

I searched with no luck. With all the issues with warranty related to Arrow ECMs, wondering if HP Tuners leaves the same trail for Dodge to find? There shouldn't be a mileage discrepancy because it's on the stock ECM, so wondering what other red flags they could find. Can the ECM be flashed back to stock if necessary for warranty work. I'm sure they could find anything if they look hard enough, but figured I'd ask. Thanks.

[Donato]

I searched with no luck. With all the issues with warranty related to Arrow ECMs, wondering if HP Tuners leaves the same trail for Dodge to find? There shouldn't be a mileage discrepancy because it's on the stock ECM, so wondering what other red flags they could find. Can the ECM be flashed back to stock if necessary for warranty work. I'm sure they could find anything if they look hard enough, but figured I'd ask. Thanks.

I'm not positive about Viper but with my Dodge/Cummins 3500 I was informed that the diesel programmers modify the timestamp on the tune regardless of stock or modified. So if you took your Viper in for warranty service and the timestamp on your tune was right before you took it to the dealership I'm sure there would be red-flags.

[dadeuce]

Here's a good explanation:
http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/16390-Warranty-and-aftermarket-PCM?p=263874&viewfull=1#post263874

[dewilmoth]

Here's a good explanation:
http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/16390-Warranty-and-aftermarket-PCM?p=263874&viewfull=1#post263874

Exactly what I was looking for. Apparently my search terms weren't correct. Thanks!

[BlueAdder]

From what I understand post 2015 Dodge PCM (whichever car) need to be unlocked before you can write (flash) them.
Therefore, the technician at the dealership would definitely be aware of it. FCA requires the dealerships to send them a picture of the PCM before doing anything else, and I assume that they can tell if it's stock or not. Beyond that, do they ask the tech if the PCM has been tempered with? I don't know.

Personally, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole until my warranty runs out.
Otherwise, it's just too damn easy for FCA to say that your motor exploded because of a crappy tune and honestly, they would have every right to do so.

Also, for the PCM to be unlocked the back panel has to be removed, just like on the Lotus elise and my guess is that there's a jumper or whatever that needs to be changed. On the Lotus, the back panel is sealed and it is definitely visible if it has been removed or not. On the Dodge PCM, I don't know. Regardless, beyond the physical traces, unlocking a PCM is like unlocking a phone, there's always a way to tell.

[Steve M]

From what I understand post 2015 Dodge PCM (whichever car) need to be unlocked before you can write (flash) them.
Therefore, the technician at the dealership would definitely be aware of it. FCA requires the dealerships to send them a picture of the PCM before doing anything else, and I assume that they can tell if it's stock or not. Beyond that, do they ask the tech if the PCM has been tempered with? I don't know.

That does not apply to the Viper since it uses a PCM that is unique to that platform. That is true for all other models though, and should give you some insight into how far Chrysler is willing to go to ensure they don't get hosed on warranty repairs.

[BlueAdder]

That does not apply to the Viper since it uses a PCM that is unique to that platform. That is true for all other models though, and should give you some insight into how far Chrysler is willing to go to ensure they don't get hosed on warranty repairs.

I stand corrected :D
I went back to hptuners.com and it does mention that all FCA PCM need to be unlocked, excepted for the 2015+ Viper.

The fact remains that the PCM also stores a ton of logging, and dumps and flashes are surely to be logged.

[zee]

The fact that a few members here have got their warranty work approved after having the arrow PCM does give some hope. I'd stick with arrow for now if your gonna risk it - I want to add it so bad but still holding off till more info comes out on how FCA is going about it. My feeling is nothing will really change and it will be still "case by case basis" should your motor or something drastic happen while having mods.