Has anybody found any aftermarket computer reprogrammers or software for the Terrain or Accadia to alter shift points, idle rpms, egr operation etc?
computer re-programmer ?
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Not yet...and...I'm looking...hard !!!buickanddeere said:
Not necessarily...keep in mind...hand held tuners made by companies such as Predator / Super Chips etck9kuz said:
and
Software Programs such as HP Tuners
and
ECM Program specialists such as Nelson Tune
and
SEMA for that matter...
would not be in business if it weren't for the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act...which amongst other things requires the Car Maker to prove that an aftermarket part or device caused the problem for which an otherwise warrantible repair is being denied...
Any Dealer or Manufacturer who tries to deny coverage based soley on the installation of a part is liable for damages if denial of warranty is predicated soley on the existance of the part.
Ummmm...so who's Oil Filter are you using? (as an example).
If not for that Act...think of all the warranty denials that would have occurred for legitimately installed lift kits...
etc etc etc
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Quote: Any Dealer or Manufacturer who tries to deny coverage based soley on the installation of a part is liable for damages if denial of warranty is predicated soley on the existance of the part.
Agreed. However, if you do a tune and change the computer programming there is nothing to prevent the dealer from reflashing it back to the stock tune before attempting to find a problem. They can also refuse to work on it if they find out the computer has been changed. This could be disputed of course but you would probably lose. For example: if you tune it to remove the torque management and have a transmission problem they could cite that as the reason for denying warranty coverage for transmission repair.
With a tune it gets to be a slippery slope when it comes to warranty work. It all depends on what's broken and if the stock powertrain safety parameters were bypassed it could become a big issue. It obviously wouldn't affect a warranty problem with the power windows for instance. So, it's a gamble. Whether it's worth taking the chance is up to you.
Agreed. However, if you do a tune and change the computer programming there is nothing to prevent the dealer from reflashing it back to the stock tune before attempting to find a problem. They can also refuse to work on it if they find out the computer has been changed. This could be disputed of course but you would probably lose. For example: if you tune it to remove the torque management and have a transmission problem they could cite that as the reason for denying warranty coverage for transmission repair.
With a tune it gets to be a slippery slope when it comes to warranty work. It all depends on what's broken and if the stock powertrain safety parameters were bypassed it could become a big issue. It obviously wouldn't affect a warranty problem with the power windows for instance. So, it's a gamble. Whether it's worth taking the chance is up to you.
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I agree with everything you stated...and covered it when I said...
and I am sure you realize that returning tune to stock prior to a dealer visit is always an option
and that reflashes that "wipe out" an added tune do not always "screw" the consumer as some programs/tuners have tunes which are "reinstallable" for just such situations...
Another interesting example involves "permanent" air filters like K & N as an example.
Some time ago Chevy sent a bulletin to dealers stating that the MAF could become contaminated by those owners servicing their filters with too much oil. The oil would contaminate the MAF causing bad data for the ECM which in turn affected transmission shift parameters. There were transmission failures as a result and Chevy stopped covering transmission repairs under warranty in cases where it could show that excessiive oiling of an aftermarket air filter caused contamination of the MAF.
BUT...the simple existance of an aftermarket air filter did not in and of itself preclude warranty transmission repairs.
As you stated...slippery slope
But the educated consumer who knows his rights...stays within limits while modifying...and is respectfull of what ramifications may exist...
Modifications are by and large just fine...consider first what you want...study the ramifications carefully first.
This applies to simple things like what oil and filter you choose to use...
Tire and rim size you choose to use...
Towing capacities and what you choose to tow...
etc etc etc
It varies from the subtle to the extreme
I take a strong stand with those that say this or that will void a warranty without first knowing
all the facts...
and yes altering TM is indeed a slipperly slope...MOCHANOX said:
and I am sure you realize that returning tune to stock prior to a dealer visit is always an option
and that reflashes that "wipe out" an added tune do not always "screw" the consumer as some programs/tuners have tunes which are "reinstallable" for just such situations...
Another interesting example involves "permanent" air filters like K & N as an example.
Some time ago Chevy sent a bulletin to dealers stating that the MAF could become contaminated by those owners servicing their filters with too much oil. The oil would contaminate the MAF causing bad data for the ECM which in turn affected transmission shift parameters. There were transmission failures as a result and Chevy stopped covering transmission repairs under warranty in cases where it could show that excessiive oiling of an aftermarket air filter caused contamination of the MAF.
BUT...the simple existance of an aftermarket air filter did not in and of itself preclude warranty transmission repairs.
As you stated...slippery slope
But the educated consumer who knows his rights...stays within limits while modifying...and is respectfull of what ramifications may exist...
Modifications are by and large just fine...consider first what you want...study the ramifications carefully first.
This applies to simple things like what oil and filter you choose to use...
Tire and rim size you choose to use...
Towing capacities and what you choose to tow...
etc etc etc
It varies from the subtle to the extreme
I take a strong stand with those that say this or that will void a warranty without first knowing
all the facts...
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Storing a tune in a handheld and reflashing back to stock is the ideal solution for a trip to the dealer.
I had a friend who sent his computer off to a tuner (C6 Corvette) and a few months later had to take it in to the dealer for something. Much to his dismay they flashed his tune back to stock and he was out $400. He wisely invested in a Predator but found out the hard way. LOL
I had a friend who sent his computer off to a tuner (C6 Corvette) and a few months later had to take it in to the dealer for something. Much to his dismay they flashed his tune back to stock and he was out $400. He wisely invested in a Predator but found out the hard way. LOL
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978 Posts
Some ECM tuners allow you to keep your OEM ECM for switching when a Dealer visit is contemplated...for an additional fee of course.
Here is a copy of the Air Filter issue I referred to:
Generally, driveability issues and engine operation conditions can be diagnosed using standard SI procedures, diagnostic tables and diagnostic tools. However, there is the occasional condition that cannot be satisfactorily addressed or corrected this way.
In cases like these, consider whether the vehicle has been equipped with non-OEM components or service parts. Because these aftermarket components were not developed, engineered and tested along with the vehicle they are installed in, they may not perform in the same way as the OEM part that was replaced. Two such cases have recently been identified and are summarized here.
Misfire with No Apparent Cause
This information applies to:
2004-07 ION Redline
2005-07 Cobalt SS
with 2.0L Supercharged Engine (RPO LSJ).
2007-09 Solstice GXP and SKY Redline
2008-10 Cobalt SS and HHR SS
with 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (RPO LNF).
A vehicle may illuminate a MIL with DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302 or P0304. The root cause typically cannot be determined. The misfire condition usually occurs with extended idling and may be reduced or eliminated by raising the RPM slightly or inducing an engine load (such as the A/C).
Engineering has determined that aftermarket parts (such as a light-weight aluminum flywheel or accessory belt drive pulleys) can contribute to this issue. Whenever any portion of the rotating assembly is changed to an aftermarket component, there is a potential for this condition. When diagnosing a misfire DTC and no condition can be found following SI procedures, inspect for installed aftermarket components.
Driveability Issues Related to Aftermarket Air Filters
Bulletin #04-07-30-013B addresses driveablilty issues in all GM cars and trucks. Some owners may install an aftermarket reusable air filter into their vehicle and then experience driveability issues, automatic transmission shift issues and/or an illuminated SES light.
The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the following conditions may occur.
- Service Engine Soon (SES) light on
- Transmission shift conditions, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)
- Engine driveability conditions, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range
To verify the condition, compare the MAF GPS reading with the reading of a like vehicle that has an OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions.
If a vehicle is encountered with these conditions, check for a reusable aftermarket over-oiled air filter. If an aftermarket reusable air filter is used, inspect the MAF sensor element and the air induction hose for contamination of oil before making any warranty repairs.
DO NOT repair MAF sensors under warranty if concerns result from the use of an excessively/over-oiled aftermarket reusable air filter.
TIP: The use of an aftermarket reusable air filter DOES NOT void the vehicle's warranty.
TIP: Transmission or engine driveability concerns (related to the MAF sensor being contaminated with oil) that are the result of the use of an aftermarket reusable, over-oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.
The other extreme is the UNDER-oiled air filter, which can also cause driveability concerns. The typical oiled aftermarket air filter requires cleaning and re-oiling at regular intervals to maintain optimum filtering. Failure to do so eventually allows fine debris to pass through the filter. A buildup of debris on the MAF sensor reduces the sensor's ability to correctly detect airflow, leading to driveability concerns
Here is a copy of the Air Filter issue I referred to:
Generally, driveability issues and engine operation conditions can be diagnosed using standard SI procedures, diagnostic tables and diagnostic tools. However, there is the occasional condition that cannot be satisfactorily addressed or corrected this way.
In cases like these, consider whether the vehicle has been equipped with non-OEM components or service parts. Because these aftermarket components were not developed, engineered and tested along with the vehicle they are installed in, they may not perform in the same way as the OEM part that was replaced. Two such cases have recently been identified and are summarized here.
Misfire with No Apparent Cause
This information applies to:
2004-07 ION Redline
2005-07 Cobalt SS
with 2.0L Supercharged Engine (RPO LSJ).
2007-09 Solstice GXP and SKY Redline
2008-10 Cobalt SS and HHR SS
with 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (RPO LNF).
A vehicle may illuminate a MIL with DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302 or P0304. The root cause typically cannot be determined. The misfire condition usually occurs with extended idling and may be reduced or eliminated by raising the RPM slightly or inducing an engine load (such as the A/C).
Engineering has determined that aftermarket parts (such as a light-weight aluminum flywheel or accessory belt drive pulleys) can contribute to this issue. Whenever any portion of the rotating assembly is changed to an aftermarket component, there is a potential for this condition. When diagnosing a misfire DTC and no condition can be found following SI procedures, inspect for installed aftermarket components.
Driveability Issues Related to Aftermarket Air Filters
Bulletin #04-07-30-013B addresses driveablilty issues in all GM cars and trucks. Some owners may install an aftermarket reusable air filter into their vehicle and then experience driveability issues, automatic transmission shift issues and/or an illuminated SES light.
The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the following conditions may occur.
- Service Engine Soon (SES) light on
- Transmission shift conditions, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)
- Engine driveability conditions, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range
To verify the condition, compare the MAF GPS reading with the reading of a like vehicle that has an OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions.
If a vehicle is encountered with these conditions, check for a reusable aftermarket over-oiled air filter. If an aftermarket reusable air filter is used, inspect the MAF sensor element and the air induction hose for contamination of oil before making any warranty repairs.
DO NOT repair MAF sensors under warranty if concerns result from the use of an excessively/over-oiled aftermarket reusable air filter.
TIP: The use of an aftermarket reusable air filter DOES NOT void the vehicle's warranty.
TIP: Transmission or engine driveability concerns (related to the MAF sensor being contaminated with oil) that are the result of the use of an aftermarket reusable, over-oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.
The other extreme is the UNDER-oiled air filter, which can also cause driveability concerns. The typical oiled aftermarket air filter requires cleaning and re-oiling at regular intervals to maintain optimum filtering. Failure to do so eventually allows fine debris to pass through the filter. A buildup of debris on the MAF sensor reduces the sensor's ability to correctly detect airflow, leading to driveability concerns
Trifecta has had tuning available for nearly a year....so those that claim to search but no luck have not searched hard lolbuickanddeere said:
http://trifectaperformance.com/
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