Reflashing After HC Trap Removal

[RedZR]

gang,

I took my GT to the dealership today to have the front end TSB addressed. While I was there I asked the service rep if there was an updated flash for the cars that had the HC trap removed. Mine had the trap in it but I removed it after I installed the Jet chip. It runs fine but I thought I might be able to squeeze a bit more out of it with a new flash.

The rep told me that there may be a revised one but he could not install it on my car because the machine that does it would not let him.

He explained that when he entered the VIN of my car it would install the flash that came with that cars equipment (IE as if the HC trap were still in it).

That was his story and he was sticking to it. He also told me that Ford is very bad about voiding warranties on modified cars. He told me about a customer who tuned his Powerstroke Diesel by himself and then burned a piston. they were able to see he messed with it and Ford voided the warranty.

His advice was not to mess with it unles I was prepared to possibly pay for the repairs myself. He told me that his guys may not be able to detect it but if a Ford tech evaluates the car (which I guess they do for some large $$ repairs) they will catch it.

What ever happened to the good old days?
Dan

 

[lostsoul]

Its the idea of moding these cars that make them sale. IT will be up to ford to PROVE that whatever mod is DIRECTLY responsible for the dammage. Its the law.

 

[Jenns01TA]

Its the idea of moding these cars that make them sale. IT will be up to ford to PROVE that whatever mod is DIRECTLY responsible for the dammage. Its the law.

I have a suspicion that one of the reasons that Ford Engineers made the EEC-V/ECM/PCM system so picky about modification to the car, necessitating a flash and retune, was for monitoring reasons. Under the Magnusson-Moss Act, the manufacturer has to prove that the modification has caused substantial damage or terminal failure of the original equipment.

So, with the addition of nearly anything, except exhaust, you have to flash and return to ensure the car runs within the parameters of the modification. The original specs are a given. That is why we are being warned that if your car has to be returned to the dealer, heed caution if you have modified. They will still perform warranty work, but if you limp in with a blown piston ring and you have a S/C sitting on top of the intake manifold, I am thinking THERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE. Not to mention the custom tune that is stored.


BIG BROTHER UNDER THE HOOD!

Dan: The good old days are gone...Long gone... :damnit:

 

[crash]

That is reality. Aside from the dealers I have contracts with to Finance and Install the blower at the time of purchase, many will be less forgiving on claims.

But remember, it just takes about 2 hours to remove a Procharger and leave no evidence. Reflash the PCM back to stock and then take it to the dealer.

That is IF you have a dick of a service manager... He will also stand behind the tech, so find GOOD drivability and heavy line techs that are GEARHEADS!!!

SVT, Saleen, and Roush dealers are your best bet, for sure.