I spoke with my local P service rep. He said that if you are going to change the ECU, do it immediately when you get the car. If you don't, there is a mismatch between the engine run time and ECU run time. If they see this, they can give you grief about warranty work.

Tuners, is this true? Can you modify the ECU timer to match the engine timer? I am explaining this right at all? Thanks.

 

I think they are referring to swapping out the ECU to a New ECU. Aren't you upgrading your existing ECU?

 

Well I'm not exactly sure. What I am wondering about is is it best to do the swap/programming immediately or can they make the new ECU match so that the dealers can't tell the run time difference?

 

It is true that the engine timer on the ecu and the inst. cluster will not match up. I believe that most tuners can alter the data logger on the ecu. I know from experience that when warranty issues arrise I generally give the customer a ecu with the matching info for the car. Generally I have experienced very few issues with warranty.
cheers
Bryan

 

i read a TSB on renntech warning that the new PST2 (ver 12 and later) can detect new programs and remapped ECUS
I guess the chipswitch is cool is it does not alter any of the stuff on your original eprom and instead adds a new one with the performance programs....to the PST2 this is STEALTH

 

I am interested in your explanation of the GIAC software being either stealth or invisible to the dealerships. Hypothetically, if you bring your car in to them with a turbo problem or an engine problem, wouldn't you expect them to look deep into the electronics?
Another words, they obviously realize customers upgrade performance that way, so can't they open up the e-prom housing and look for telltale signs of tampering? Are there physical or electronical detection devices for them to use to deny your warranty work on turbo or remaining drivetrain parts?
Also can "msindi" or someone else in the New England area Private Message me of what dealers locally are "Mod Friendly".
It might help down the road

 

Mark: Porsche rules are that delaers cant open your ECU box (just like they cant open up your tranny, etc...)
Check yo PM

 

Thanks msindi for the PM and your reply. I guess that's a little reassuring.

 

They can with authorization. I know of a few dealers that have opened ECUs finding aftermarket chips inside.

 

Can the GIAC chip or software be detected upon opening up the ecu?

 

Yes, the GIAC chip is very pronounced.

 

BUMMER!

 

Guys, as I have explained to many, read the law that applies to the Munson Moss act and become an informed owner. The problem with the dealers is they do what they think they can get away with. We have some that buy BOVs as replacement and some dealers say they void your warranty. My dealer watched me pull my ecu while they were going through my motor. Nothing they could do as they knew that I KNEW no way would a leak be caused from my mods. No issue. They tried the "how do you handle warranty and your mods with other dealers" My retort was swift and with factual information. Left the service manager speechless. Also develop a relationship with your dealer. This goes a long way.

In answer to the detection, they have no grounds to void a warranty because of unmatched hours running. This is not a reason for them to do any thing and in fact their are many reasons why this would happen including dealer error. So rule this one out. The one they can read is mechanical and electrical over revs. Once again this has proven to carry more merit, but has not held up in mediation as much as they would like.

Lastly, the chip switch holds the original chip and info in its slot. The other programs then interface and switch when the key fob is pushed. In the stock mode the system is undetectable to anything reading in. The PSTII does a map comparison if they know how to and will compare factory VIN maps and flash if they can. If they can't and or the map is not the same for the version and VIN then they know a mismatch is in place. This doesn't happen with the switch as it reads YOUR original chip. To farther explain the dealer can work on any ECU with the PSTII and not know the standard single chip up grade is in place. He has to go to a very cumbersome section to pull the map comparison. Most of these guys are not simply with the program to do so. All functions and test remain in tact with out error. Unless they are looking for it then they will not find it.

Lastly, it is PCNA policy not to open the ECU. They simply send it back. Much like the motors and trannies. They are not qualified and PCNA does not want them going into something they could do nothing about. If someone has opened one then one would be that the dealer is acting without consent from the PCNA rep or higher. I which case they could be challenged should they deny warranty.

Bottom line is they get paid for warranty anyway. My local dealer could care less and probably wish I would break something. They need the business.