Nice ethics...

 

I'm not following, What does VIN locking have to do with returning it? Out of the box it's going to work with any vehicle, right? I don't tell Amazon my VIN when I buy it. Then when you return it the manufacturer will reset it.

Consumer moral obligation? LMAO, that's hilarious. I see no moral issues with it. I think it's stupid for them not to sell a version at a cheaper cost. No way it costs them that much to make it. Sell a cheaper one for Joe shmo DIYers that will do the recalibration one time only--call it $50. If Joe shmo wants to recalibrate often (winter wheels for example), then they can buy the "professional edition" for the higher cost. Maybe by doing this it will spur the company to realize there's a market to be had with one-time-use and can make some more money.

 

Just as ethical as them selling an overpriced programmer that they know a good percentage of their customers will use only one time.

 

so once the unscrupulous person returns said programmer, how does he return the vehicle to stock prior to the dealer installing an updated calibration?

 

I seriously doubt that the programmer locks out all other programmers. That wouldn't be fair even if you didn't return it. What if someone loses it? What if the truck is sold and the new owner doesn't have one?

I think designing something to work like that is MUCH more unscrupulous and unethical.

 

I never said it locked out other programmers.

However if someone looses their Hypertech Speedometer Calibrator (or returns it) and wants to change the tire size or flash back to stock, the dealer must reflash the PCM & BCM back to stock and the whole process must start all over with an unlocked device.

 

As you can see, I put 20" rims and 35" tires. Speedometer is about 1 to 2 MPH off in the city and 4 to 6 off on the highway. Good news is that's it off to good side. Odometer reads less than I have actually driven 😉

 

I'm sure you are right. I have zero experience programming, tuning, etc. The OP asked the cheapest way to do it and it was just a thought that crossed my mind. I see nothing immoral about it. We aren't talking about murder here. Consumers have options afforded to them. When you return something to Amazon, there is a drop down of reasons and one of them is "No longer needed/wanted". Well, I couldn't think of any better reason for returning something that is overpriced and will be used once and never again.

But you bring up a good point about going back to stock. That would give me pause for sure.

In all reality, would I would actually do is find a garage that had one and just have them do my tires and reprogram it for me. I'd gladly pay the $50 or whatever they would charge. Most places would probably do it free if they are already getting your money for labor, wheels and/or tires.

 

But yer fuel meters, trip odometers, etc..are all outta whack as well. This means yer TPMS is reading low as well!

 

Not going to work. No matter what device they use, it will be VIN locked to that vehicle and can't be used on another vehicle unless the vehicle is returned to stock.