If the ECU is flashed back to stock before every dealer visit, what exactly can the dealer see? The ECU keeps a time/date stamp of each time the ECU was accessed? Or does it not show anything unless the tech digs for info?

 

As I understand it, the ECU keeps track of how many times it was flashed. This hardware-implemented counter can't be changed by any aftermarket tuner. So, when the number of flashes don't equal the number of Porsche flashes, they know that the ECU has been tampered with.

 

Why would you be concerned about the dealer looking at the number of flashes? I don't have a local dealer, but took my former (Hondata) tuned vehicle to the dealer without a peep. If your not having issues why stress about a tune? If you ARE having issues with your tuned vehicle please share.

 

because some dealers purposely look for tunes and flag them in their system. Audi is notorious for doing this. I have no issues at the moment but flash the ecu back to stock every single visit. This is the first Porsche that I’ve tuned. All my other Porsches have been n/a so never tuned them.

 

My Flat6 intakes would be a dead giveaway... but:

 

I have those too but it’s just filters so not concerned. Yes they can assume I’m tuned when they see the intakes.

 

It is normal policy, at VW, Audi, and Porsche dealers, that whenever a car comes in for service, for anything, they are required to connect the car to the factory service computer network, to check for normal module software updates, and to check the flash counter. All this is done automatically when the car is connected.

 

Well fellas, my 21' Macan S is being flashed today with APR Stage 1 ECU tune. My vehicle only has 1100 miles on it. I've thought about it and decided the 3.0 engine is installed in various VAG products; Cayenne, SQ5, Q7, Q8 and has been around a few years now and been reliable. When I take it in to the dealer for service, I will be up front let them know I have an ECU tune in case they have an update that might screw it up. I've noticed several Porsche dealers in my neck of the woods actually offer the APR ECU tune. I think having a good relationship with your servicing dealer helps in this regard but its a calculated (low) risk IMO for the the APR tune. My sons 17' GTI was tuned before he hit 5000 miles and have been trouble free. And I know he drives it like his grandmother

 

Just be aware that the warrantee is voided on your entire powertrain....engine, transmission, transfer case, rear diff, axle shafts, CV joints.

 

FWIW we've have several clients who had transfer cases replaced under warranty with tunes on their car. It's a known issue with Porsche and at least in the U.S. there are pretty strong consumer protection laws via the Magnuson-Moss Act making it difficult to deny a warranty. It's certainly a grey area but I wanted to mention it because a lot of people's opinions and previous experiences with other brands don't always tie to reality. I always tell clients to feel comfortable and assess their own risk. We work closely with a lot of dealers, know many techs and have the same software.

 

Freedom Warranty accepts repairs on modified vehicles, as long as the modification did not result in the failure, however there is no way they would know if the vehicle was modified if it was not disclosed. For more information you can contact me at (855) 924-1333. or tgibson@highline-autos.com