programmers and new trucks - Diesel Forum

sawtooth · 02-09-2010, 09:15 PM

Guys, i hear the new RAM's have locked out computers so you can't program. Any news on the new Fords yet? I sure hope all manufactures aren't headed this way.

alexb · 02-10-2010, 07:50 PM

Since this engine and electronics is all Ford, you can expect them to take better care of their "baby" than they did when IH was paying some of the tab...

This is a quote from the 2011 diesel engine supplement...

Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine/transmission and/or exhaust system damage; refer to the Warranty Guide for more information. Your vehicle’s powertrain control systems can detect and store information about vehicle modifications that increase horsepower and torque output such as whether or not performance-enhancing powertrain components commonly referred to as “performance chips” have been used. This information cannot be erased and will stay in the system’s memory even if the modification is removed. The information can be retrieved by Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities when servicing your vehicle. This information may be used to determine if repairs will be covered by warranty.

**my03psd** · 02-10-2010, 08:15 PM

So, I guess the answer is yes you can program them,but you'll be in trouble...

guardrail22 · 02-10-2010, 08:35 PM

thats the same quote they've used since dirt was invented.

Bottom line if your door locks freeze on a cold day and you have a programmer, they might void your warranty.

safest tuner is the one that comes with the truck.

sawtooth · 02-11-2010, 08:33 AM

Well then guess Ford doesnt check cause i've been scanning all the forums for over a year now and no one is getting caught on this issue. The only times i've seen someone get their warranty voided is when they go in with aftermarket exhaust, programmers installed ect but ive not seen the first one that was returned to complete stock get voided. Hopefully this will not change. I am very easy on my truck and havnt had any issues but i can see why the Manufactures try to discourage this as much as possible as some guys just destroy their trucks and expect the manufacture to pay.

TKOPerformance · 02-23-2010, 04:07 PM

One thing you always have to remember is that the guys that build products for the aftermarket are smarter than the guys that work for Ford. Ford's business does not depend on people not being able to reprogram their trucks. Companies like Banks, BD, Edge, and SCT depend on being able to sell a product to consumers that gives them what they want without voiding their warranty, so long as it is removed when the time comes to visit the dealership.

I'm not that old, but I remember when all the old timers said that performance was dead and EFI had ruined it forever. They couldn't have been more wrong. In fact EFI launched an entirely new musclecar age. The same is true of any other device or program they put on a car or truck; gas or Diesel. Nothing will stop performance; nothing. Ford may make it harder, but the smart tuners and businessmen will always be one step ahead of the curve.

bigbuckmiddaugh · 02-23-2010, 08:33 PM

i was over on cummins forum to see what everyone was whining about.
H and S broke 2010 dodge code and will be out this may already.

TKOPerformance · 02-23-2010, 09:05 PM

If the manufacturer locks the computer how are they supposed to give it updated reflashes? Even if they made it so you needed their special tool to do it the aftermarket guys would just buy the tool, as it would be made by Snap On or Mac or someone like that anyway.

This is just more BS trying to scare consumers. In my opinion it's crap. If the manufacturer built the truck the way and enthusiast wanted it there would be no need for the aftermarket. They refuse to do that. They want to build one Diesel engine, in one state of tune, with one transmission (no manual for the 2011 SD guys, sorry), one rear gear, etc. Things should be the way they were back in the 60s. There is clearly enough demand that if guys could buy a factory warrantied 550 RWHP Diesel they would just buy it that way from the factory. Look at how successful they've been with the Lightening, GT500KR, etc. I think the market is primed for a high powered Diesel specialty truck. If only Ford would build it.

CO24U · 02-25-2010, 12:08 AM

[quote=TKOPerformance;1862026]One thing you always have to remember is that the guys that build products for the aftermarket are smarter than the guys that work for Ford. quote]

What?! (please bear with me while I commit social suicide...at least in the diesel sense)

I find it highly unlikely that a small group of guys in a shop (pushing $20 worth of software and cables for $300+) are somehow "smarter" than a large group of professionals with mechanical engineering degrees that have liability and repair considerations (and accountability) always hanging over their head. In other words, their jobs depend on the durability/performance of it all. There is stiff competition to maximize performance where it makes sense. It's the very basis of their ad campaigns.

Aaaahhhh yes. The "performance gains." You find me the guy that can tell the difference between 6.0 and 6.5 seconds in a "zero to sixty" match using only his butt cheeks in the seat, and I'll show you a potential liar.

Aftermarket feeds on aftermarket. That is why a chip calls for gauges (unless you like destructive heat)...and then a stronger transmission...or better fluids...etc. Most of the time, the gains are minimal at best. For example, the claims that K&N makes require the RPMs to be so high that you'd never experience it. Magazines depends on advertisers for revenue...so don't buy that "conclusive test."

The best advice is if it ain't broke...don't "fix" it. A fool and their money are soon parted.

This aftermarket stuff depends solely on uneducated vanity. That's why you see a $500 P.o.S. car with $2000 with of tires/rims/stereo installed. The marketing of this stuff is incredible (e.g. Banks).

Diesel trucks are the same.

Don't get me wrong. I used to buy that all of that stuff (chips, exhaust, gauges, rear ends). Then, I discovered that it was just a waste of money/time for everyday use on an old school 7.3. With the new, more technologically ones (e.g 6.7) , it's an even bigger waste. So...I sold it...to someone interested in that crap. Found myself an original 2000 7.3...unmolested...and been driving it everyday for years.

The message from Ford is solid. You screw it up, you pay. Not their problem. If you need another second on your 0-60 time, set your watch back.

CAMPINGTOM · 02-25-2010, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STG

You mod it, you brake it, you pay. If you have to take a tuner off your truck before a warranty claim, you are a lying thieving crook that raises the price of the trucks I buy.

Well said.

bigbuckmiddaugh · 02-25-2010, 07:51 AM

I hear a pissing match coming on!

I myself will not be putting a tuner on my 2011, Well....not atleast for quit a while 5 years or 100,000. I want/need that warranty and i don't want to take any chances.

The only way i would put a tuner on, was if DEF take a Huge price increase and the tuner allows me to delete all of that later on and my MPG went thru the roof. Other than that, i don't play with that stuff anymore.

SFC1984 · 02-25-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STG

Besides the 66.87% of guys on this website who have tuners and big wheels?

Please note: My truck is stock!

It all comes down to need vs. want. Does anyone really need that much power in a beefed up light duty truck? Not really. Even the guys that really want more power will say they need it. Like a crack addict, gotta have it!!!! My truck was bought for towing and work, not for drag racing.

NickBeek · 03-21-2010, 08:01 PM

Whatever big brother stuff the factory comes up with, the aftermarket will get around. The security on the '09 and up Dodge has been defeated already. If you "need" it or not is a personal question. The thing is, if you play you should be willing to pay.....

STG · 03-22-2010, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickBeek

Whatever big brother stuff the factory comes up with, the aftermarket will get around. The security on the '09 and up Dodge has been defeated already. If you "need" it or not is a personal question. The thing is, if you play you should be willing to pay.....

"Defeat security" means "Now I can hook up a programmer and if I blow the heads off my engine, I'll be able to lie and make a false warranty claim".

If the lying thieving twits who blow up their trucks with programmers didn't scam the dealers/manufacturers with B.S. warranty claims, my truck and yours would have cost $10,000 less.

Parts Jimmy · 03-22-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STG

"Defeat security" means "Now I can hook up a programmer and if I blow the heads off my engine, I'll be able to lie and make a false warranty claim".

If the lying thieving twits who blow up their trucks with programmers didn't scam the dealers/manufacturers with B.S. warranty claims, my truck and yours would have cost $10,000 less.

I will agree but say it adds probably $5k to the price.