Tune seen by Ford kind of???

[MHW100]

Getting close to tuning my 2018 and learned that if you plug a tuner into the port that Ford can see that even though reset to stock.

I would think that might be grounds for denying warranty . What do you guys think?

 

[SaveMelMac]

Who told you this?

 

[MHW100]

Livernois

 

[Jeff2017]

Yep, that is always a risk when you tune.

 

[SaveMelMac]

I have yet to hear of anyone’s warranty claim being denied because of a tune on this forum. I guess if the dealer wants to find anything to turn it down they will.

 

[luigisho]

You need to be aware that there is a risk involved. How much? No way to tell. I didn't consider touching my truck until the warranty was out. Still considering whether to do it. Not in the mood to fix expensive parts...

 

[Lostneye]

I have not seen definitive proof that the dealer or Ford corporate can or cannot see a tune. I am going on the assumption the dealer cannot, but there are possible indicators they may try and follow up on, like key on cycles since the last flash. Seems to be accepted that Ford Corporate camn see more if they spend the time to do so. There have been multiple stories on the EB forums/FB pages of people flashing back to stock and having things covered. I have not seen a story myself of a claim denied by Ford but I wouldn't venture to say there isn't still a risk. Turbos and PTUs fail at least often enough they are not a red flag themselves and most likely you would be fine if brought in with the stock parts/tune. Window the block and there would be more scrutiny on the cause.

Either way you have to accept there is at least some risk that claims may be denied and take care in choosing your tuner with that in mind.

 

[MHW100]

I have not seen definitive proof that the dealer or Ford corporate can or cannot see a tune. I am going on the assumption the dealer cannot, but there are possible indicators they may try and follow up on, like key on cycles since the last flash. Seems to be accepted that Ford Corporate camn see more if they spend the time to do so. There have been multiple stories on the EB forums/FB pages of people flashing back to stock and having things covered. I have not seen a story myself of a claim denied by Ford but I wouldn't venture to say there isn't still a risk. Turbos and PTUs fail at least often enough they are not a red flag themselves and most likely you would be fine if brought in with the stock parts/tune. Window the block and there would be more scrutiny on the cause.

Either way you have to accept there is at least some risk that claims may be denied and take care in choosing your tuner with that in mind.

Thank you for the insights . It seems it really is a gamble.

 

[Lostneye]

Thank you for the insights . It seems it really is a gamble.

Personally I feel like it's less so that many people make it out to be but yes there is allways that risk. And again choosing a good tuner is important.

 

[Jeff2017]

One member even had his tuner discovered by a Ford Technician(in the spare tire well) and the technician removed it and sent it back to him. Didn't even report it to Ford. So, it is probably safe to tune but try not leaving the tuner in the car. Some technicians might not be so nice.

 

[brucelinc]

The thing is that in the VAST majority of warranty claims, there is no reason for the dealership to suspect or investigate whether the car was tuned or not. A tech is not likely to waste his/her time trying to determine whether a tune exists. Granted if the car is towed to the dealership with a rod hanging out of the block and the car has obvious bolt on mods, they might be suspicious. However, that or other catastrophic failure is very unlikely if you use a good tuner.

I have had tunes on my last 3 vehicles and never had an issue with warranty. My MKS had brake work done under warranty after being tuned. The Continental had a power seat module replaced. My Mustang had the instrument cluster replaced. About the only thing you have to FEAR about warranties being denied is FEAR ITSELF.

 

[TroyF]

I'm certain that there are techs and situations where a tune could get you in trouble... I have just yet to encounter either one. ****, no one even mentions the cold air intake that's CLEARLY not stock. I wouldn't worry about it... just put it back to stock before you take it in, and as someone mentioned, take the tuner with you.

 

[MHW100]

The thing is that in the VAST majority of warranty claims, there is no reason for the dealership to suspect or investigate whether the car was tuned or not. A tech is not likely to waste his/her time trying to determine whether a tune exists. Granted if the car is towed to the dealership with a rod hanging out of the block and the car has obvious bolt on mods, they might be suspicious. However, that or other catastrophic failure is very unlikely if you use a good tuner.

I have had tunes on my last 3 vehicles and never had an issue with warranty. My MKS had brake work done under warranty after being tuned. The Continental had a power seat module replaced. My Mustang had the instrument cluster replaced. About the only thing you have to FEAR about warranties being denied is FEAR ITSELF.

As you said I would think the time an issue would arise would when a drive train component fails .

 

[OmaHahn]

This is the case with ANY car that gets tuned. My 2010 Audi S4 was tuned and I always flashed it back to stock but the dealer can still see it. In the Audi (VW) world they then flag your car in their system (labeled TD1) and warranty work can be denied. My service manager called me out one day on this but we had a good relationship so he never treated me wrong.

 

[MHW100]

There are many ways to see a tune in a car, the way they can usually tell about a tune in a car after its been put back to stock is by checking key cycles since when you flash the computer it resets it back to 0 key cycles. A way around this is after you put it back to stock you go through and turn on all the lights radios and hazards and let the battery die and that will reset it all as well there are many tricks, but most of the time this is not needed and dealerships work with our tunes very well you just need to ask and get their opinions on how they feel about tunes or mods on the car

But isn't it fomoco that approves significant warranty claims? I don't understand what the dealer's opinion would have to do with it .

 

[Juicybaka]

Ford is really easy to get stuff warrentied with in all honesty

 

[MHW100]

I disagree i have had plenty of stuff warrentied through ford and chrysler with both of my vehicles with no hassle everytime with both cars being modified

But isn't that anecdotal based on a sample of 2 cars?

 

[Majestic]

I actually used to remove the tune and 3 bar when going for service. I got to know the Service Manager pretty well, unfortunately, and mentioned about tuning the car and how I removed it when bringing it to him. He said not to worry about it, and that they had no way of knowing anything had been done to it other than visually. Now I don't bother removing anything. Of course, I'm well past warranty now.

 

[RAYJAY]

I disagree i have had plenty of stuff warrentied through ford and chrysler with both of my vehicles with no hassle everytime with both cars being modified

never had a problem here either, you just need a service writer that cool with the mods.... you know its good when your service writer come out with a box and say hey see the new turbos i'm install on my 2013....

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

never had a problem here either, you just need a service writer that cool with the mods.... you know its good when your service writer come out with a box and say hey see the new turbos i'm install on my 2013....

Yes it varies from dealership to dealership in all honesty, but unless you go crazy with methanol injection and upgraded turbos you should be fine for warrenty claims