If you have a flash tune be careful at the dealer!

LS3Twins

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ryan
Joined
Aug 22, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
293
Reaction score
512
Location
Charlotte
Car(s)
2021 Supra 1998 E36 M3 LS3 Twin Turbo
So if you've been following my threads I am on EcuTek flash and have a big turbo. This Saturday I went to the dealer for my 10,000 mile free oil change. I changed it at 5,000 myself but figured I might as well get the free one. They did the backup camera update while it was in there without asking me.

They called me up to the desk after everything was done and said "did you know you have a drivetrain malfunction code?" I said it didn't when I came in here. I instantly asked if they had flashed the car back to stock to which they said they weren't sure if what they did flashed it stock. So I told them to find out and I'll call my tuner in the meantime.

I luckily had my laptop and pulled codes and sure enough they flashed my car back to stock and erased my tune. Since it was a Saturday there was no chance of getting EcuTek customer service to be able to get new flash points. So it's in "limp mode" until we can get it back on the tune. It's def something we should be able to fix in the next day or two but I worry about the customer that goes to the dealer and isn't aware that their car has been flashed back to stock.

I told my dealer to assume all cars have a flash tune on them and make sure to ask the customer before flashing their car. They have changed their processes because of this but I had to learn the hard way. They ended up giving me a free alignment since I just put my new tire setup on so we called it a wash.
Sponsored

 
Last edited:

cutsman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2017
Threads
8
Messages
86
Reaction score
95
Location
US
Car(s)
1972 Austin Mini (VTEC), 2020 Supra, 2005 Cooper S
Vehicle Showcase
1
Sorry to hear about the inconvenience. It sounds like the dealer was understanding and worked to make it up to you. Good to hear stuff like this.
 

JasonO

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jason
Joined
Oct 30, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
453
Reaction score
559
Location
Lake Charles, LA
Car(s)
Supra LE
So if you've been following my threads I am on EcuTek flash and have a big turbo. This Saturday I went to the dealer for my 10,000 mile free oil change. I changed it at 5,000 myself but figured I might as well get the free one. They did the backup camera update while it was in there without asking me.

They called me up to the desk after everything was done and said "did you know you have a drivetrain malfunction code?" I said it didn't when I came in here. I instantly asked if they had flashed the car back to stock to which they said they weren't sure if what they did flashed it stock. So I told them to find out and I'll call my tuner in meantime.

I luckily had my laptop and pulled codes and sure enough they flashed my car back to stock and erasing my tune. Since it was a Saturday there was no chance of getting EcuTek customer service to be able to get new flash points. So it in "limp mode" until we can get it back on the tune. It's def something we should be able to fix in the next day or two but I worry about the customer that goes to the dealer and isn't aware that their car has been flashed back to stock.

I told my dealer to assume all cars have a flash tune on them and make sure to ask the customer before flashing their car. They have changed their processes because of this but I had to learn the hard way. They ended up giving me a free alignment since I just put new tire setup on so we called it a wash.
Iā€™m buying an OBD port lock as Iā€™ve heard the latest dealer flashes lock the ECU. I donā€™t know if they have to be bench flashed after or not after, Iā€™m just not taking the chance.

Running stock, just want the option later.

Glad to hear they are trying to make it right. Best of luck. I really look forward to progress on your build thread. Beautiful work your doing on the car.
 

KeshyMKV

Well-Known Member
First Name
V
Joined
Jan 31, 2019
Threads
11
Messages
207
Reaction score
197
Location
MA
Car(s)
2020 MKV Supra - 3.0 Premium (On order)
Vehicle Showcase
1
So if you've been following my threads I am on EcuTek flash and have a big turbo. This Saturday I went to the dealer for my 10,000 mile free oil change. I changed it at 5,000 myself but figured I might as well get the free one. They did the backup camera update while it was in there without asking me.

They called me up to the desk after everything was done and said "did you know you have a drivetrain malfunction code?" I said it didn't when I came in here. I instantly asked if they had flashed the car back to stock to which they said they weren't sure if what they did flashed it stock. So I told them to find out and I'll call my tuner in meantime.

I luckily had my laptop and pulled codes and sure enough they flashed my car back to stock and erasing my tune. Since it was a Saturday there was no chance of getting EcuTek customer service to be able to get new flash points. So it in "limp mode" until we can get it back on the tune. It's def something we should be able to fix in the next day or two but I worry about the customer that goes to the dealer and isn't aware that their car has been flashed back to stock.

I told my dealer to assume all cars have a flash tune on them and make sure to ask the customer before flashing their car. They have changed their processes because of this but I had to learn the hard way. They ended up giving me a free alignment since I just put new tire setup on so we called it a wash.
Thanks for the info on this.

Sorry you had to go through this, but it seems like you are working with a pretty chill and understanding dealership, which is fantastic.

Glad to hear there are some reasonable dealerships out there.

Cheer,
-V
 

Ryco

Well-Known Member
First Name
Darsiah
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Threads
12
Messages
136
Reaction score
44
Location
North Carolina, Fayetteville
Car(s)
2020 Supra MKV Premium & 2014 Scion FRS
Okay sounds good. Sorry you had to go through that. I will definitely let my dealership know I have a tune before they work on the car
 

Twisted Tuning

Well-Known Member
Gold Sponsor
First Name
Justin
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Threads
26
Messages
1,236
Reaction score
1,548
Location
New York
Website
www.twistedtuning.com
Car(s)
2020 Supra, 335xi, 135i, TwinTurbo Mazda6
I would not go just telling every dealer up front you have a tune. Not every dealer is mod friendly, and you're just admitting to a reason they can void your warranty. Despite the magnuson moss warranty act, most owners, don't have the time or funds to fight the corporation.

Some dealers are cool. just be aware, the warranty stuff comes from corporate not the dealer most times. Especially for large ticket items. My dealer knew what i was doing when i brought the car and they are cool. and even email me asking about the cars progress. but just be careful. You can request them not to flash the car, but i wouldn't add that the car is tuned unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt, they are cool.
 
OP
OP
LS3Twins

LS3Twins

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ryan
Joined
Aug 22, 2019
Threads
9
Messages
293
Reaction score
512
Location
Charlotte
Car(s)
2021 Supra 1998 E36 M3 LS3 Twin Turbo
I would not go just telling every dealer up front you have a tune. Not every dealer is mod friendly, and you're just admitting to a reason they can void your warranty. Despite the magnuson moss warranty act, most owners, don't have the time or funds to fight the corporation.

Some dealers are cool. just be aware, the warranty stuff comes from corporate not the dealer most times. Especially for large ticket items. My dealer knew what i was doing when i brought the car and they are cool. and even email me asking about the cars progress. but just be careful. You can request them not to flash the car, but i wouldn't add that the car is tuned unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt, they are cool.
You should really only be going to one dealer in general. You are better off telling them you have a tune because they will be able to find out either way. The only reason you could void your warranty associated with a specific part would be if you broke something and they did an inspection and found out it was tuned and the upgraded hardware/software contributed to the damaged part. So in general it doesn't matter if you tell them or not because they will be able to find out anyway. Being upfront with them usually ends up in a better situation because the technician working on your car has to be Supra certified and if you're able to speak with them they will be cool with you. I've had 2 GTR's and it was the same experience with those. Generally the tech is interested in what all you've done and once they see you understand the mods you are putting on it, the more they respect you and your mods. Effective communication will always win over secrecy.
 

s219

Well-Known Member
First Name
Doc
Joined
Jun 22, 2019
Threads
2
Messages
528
Reaction score
635
Location
Virginia USA
Car(s)
BMW X3 M40i, BMW M2 Comp, Ferrari 328
I know this isn't your first rodeo with performance cars, so I am surprised you seemed ambushed by this. I am also surprised the dealer admitted fault.

At least in the BMW world, they won't normally check for a tune and they won't give a crap if they are going to overwrite a tune. When a car goes in for service, they hook it up to the computer, and if the computer says the car is due for a software update (even for something unrelated to the engine), then it will get one. If your tune gets erased in the process, tough shit.

Many times, there are recalls or important software updates (safety improvements, bug fixes, etc) that BMW requires the dealer to install. If the work is part of warranty or included in basic maintenance and reimbursable by BMW, then the dealer will have no choice but to run the software update.

Toyota may be different, but I wouldn't expect too much difference. At some point there will be a recall or bug fix that requires the dealer to run a software update, and you may not have the option to decline it as long as you're asking the dealer to service the car.

If preserving a tune is really important, you either need the ability to backup and restore the tune when the car is serviced by a dealer, or just avoid the dealer.
 

Trojan1992

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jon
Joined
Aug 2, 2019
Threads
16
Messages
179
Reaction score
203
Location
Newport Beach
Car(s)
RS3, GT3, TRD Pro 4Runner and 2020 V60 Polestar T8
magnuson moss warranty act- has absolutely no bearing in this discussion, none. This is the most over-used statement on every car forum on the internet.

If your stereo fails and they try and blame your tune, yes.

If you change your own oil and try and say it was the culprit, yes.

If your transmission fails and you have a tune, no and they will win every single time.

I am an attorney and I tell you now, you tune your car, your warranty in terms of your drivetrain is in peril.

BTW MMW provides for recouping your attorney fees, That said no attorney will take this case.

Pay to play, let the buyer beware.

Also please don't tell your dealer your car is tuned, let them find out. That is absolutely insane.
 

65sohc

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ken
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Threads
11
Messages
466
Reaction score
272
Location
Fresno, CA
Car(s)
65 GTO, 69 Corvette, 65 Corvette 427, 23 Corvette
A tune is one thing. A bigger turbo is a different story. Presumably the OP is not concerned with powertrain warranty. A block on the OBD port is certainly a good idea. I had some sort of issue years ago with my 2013 Boss 302. Technician noted in paperwork "car has aftermarket tune. Not responsible for fault."
 

Hakkim23

Well-Known Member
First Name
Basith
Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Threads
0
Messages
106
Reaction score
51
Location
USA
Car(s)
2002 Toyota Camry
That's good to know!
I'll make sure to be a bit careful when I put a tune on my car
 

65sohc

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ken
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Threads
11
Messages
466
Reaction score
272
Location
Fresno, CA
Car(s)
65 GTO, 69 Corvette, 65 Corvette 427, 23 Corvette
A piece of masking tape should suffice.
Sponsored

 
 




Top