ECU tuning
Racer
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 293
Likes: 214
From: New York
Has anybody used or tried Softronic? I've been doing some research and they seem to have a good reputation from some of the other users on RL.
On their website it states that you do not have to send Softronic the ECU, it's done via OBD, and that you can go back to the stock software if you need/want. My question is does the dealer have a way of seeing you've tuned when you go back to the stock settings after you tuned. I don't know if my dealer is tune friendly and I certainly wouldn't want to void my warranty on a brand new car, but the extra oomph is enticing.
On their website it states that you do not have to send Softronic the ECU, it's done via OBD, and that you can go back to the stock software if you need/want. My question is does the dealer have a way of seeing you've tuned when you go back to the stock settings after you tuned. I don't know if my dealer is tune friendly and I certainly wouldn't want to void my warranty on a brand new car, but the extra oomph is enticing.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 511
Likes: 288
Has anybody used or tried Softronic? I've been doing some research and they seem to have a good reputation from some of the other users on RL.
On their website it states that you do not have to send Softronic the ECU, it's done via OBD, and that you can go back to the stock software if you need/want. My question is does the dealer have a way of seeing you've tuned when you go back to the stock settings after you tuned. I don't know if my dealer is tune friendly and I certainly wouldn't want to void my warranty on a brand new car, but the extra oomph is enticing.
On their website it states that you do not have to send Softronic the ECU, it's done via OBD, and that you can go back to the stock software if you need/want. My question is does the dealer have a way of seeing you've tuned when you go back to the stock settings after you tuned. I don't know if my dealer is tune friendly and I certainly wouldn't want to void my warranty on a brand new car, but the extra oomph is enticing.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 293
Likes: 214
From: New York
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 507
From: In a van down by the Ottawa River ...
On ECU flashes, the ECU records the number of changes, regardless whether it's back to stock or left modified. If there's any questions and they check that ECU parameter it may then affect warranty.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 839
Likes: 360
From: CT
Yes but only if it's the piggyback system gets left on the car and is discovered during service. Easy enough to remove the physical evidence before, leaving no trace.
On ECU flashes, the ECU records the number of changes, regardless whether it's back to stock or left modified. If there's any questions and they check that ECU parameter it may then affect warranty.
On ECU flashes, the ECU records the number of changes, regardless whether it's back to stock or left modified. If there's any questions and they check that ECU parameter it may then affect warranty.
Is that correct?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 293
Likes: 214
From: New York
Yes but only if it's the piggyback system gets left on the car and is discovered during service. Easy enough to remove the physical evidence before, leaving no trace.
On ECU flashes, the ECU records the number of changes, regardless whether it's back to stock or left modified. If there's any questions and they check that ECU parameter it may then affect warranty.
On ECU flashes, the ECU records the number of changes, regardless whether it's back to stock or left modified. If there's any questions and they check that ECU parameter it may then affect warranty.
I assume when you take it in for routine service they aren't likely to check that 'parameter' unless there's an issue but anything's possible. If a dealer updates any of the other systems, PCM, etc, would that be recorded as an ECU flash or is the ECU flashing strictly limited to the engine (I think I know the answer, but just making sure)? As in, would a software flash on any system in the car obfuscate the number of flashes? Not that I'm trying to figure out any loopholes.... ;-)
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 507
From: In a van down by the Ottawa River ...
Piggyback tuning does not work like a flash tune which changes the ECU when flashed.
The piggyback system tricks the ECU into thinking "outside stock parameters" and increasing performance while it is plugged into the ODB port and would be only detectable IF you physically leave it in the car and took the car for service.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 219
Likes: 134
Piggybacks are detectable by the manufacturers if they choose to look. Anytime peak torque or acceleration rates are exceeded the software logs it. For many brands the dealers do not have the ability to see these parameters with normal scan tools. It all depends on how the manufacturer feels about tunes and rejecting warranty claims.
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RL Community Team
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From: Chicago area
Thread Starter
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From: Chicago area
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 839
Likes: 360
From: CT
Piggybacks are detectable by the manufacturers if they choose to look. Anytime peak torque or acceleration rates are exceeded the software logs it. For many brands the dealers do not have the ability to see these parameters with normal scan tools. It all depends on how the manufacturer feels about tunes and rejecting warranty claims.
RL Community Team
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Originally Posted by Tupper
How do feel about the tune you received?
Is the power gain as described? Is it equal across board? Have you encountered any drawbacks or issues?
Is the power gain as described? Is it equal across board? Have you encountered any drawbacks or issues?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 471
Likes: 265