acdii

There is also another way that Ford can determine if a tune was installed besides key turns. There are flash counters that record every time the flash has been written to. Its embedded deep in the bios, yes all modules have a bios, though they may refer to it was something else, but its what drives the module on startup just like a PC. It writes to a sector in flash that can only be written to by bios and records each erase/write. I work on several different types of routers, switches, firewalls, and they all use flash to store the operating systems and configurations, and they all have flash counters to record the number of writes and erases. They are no different that the flash used in automotive modules.

Whether or not Ford actually uses it or not, more than likely they have it.

Archangel72

Agree I know 1st hand with other large truck engine manufacturers, IE Detroit Diesel and Cat that they do have ways of checking for software changes that have been done prior, they also can tell you what machine did them. Scared the heck out me when I called into cat one day to to get help troubleshooting an ecm issue and the tech on the other end could tell me that we hooked up to it 3 times the day before and etc etc etc...

just beware those thinking that if I put it back to stock that the manufacturer cannot see that is naive thinking.

Alot of the larger trucks now run telemetry systems to show where they are on the road. these also hook into engine diagnostics and i would be willing to bet if they can see that they can see programming changes that occur also. Dont think GM, Ford and Dodge dont have this ability also..

idrive

iTrader: (3)

Blown F-150

Ummm, we are saying the exact same thing...Hence why I said it would be a a guess. It is in no way solid proof of anything, the GSB is pretty clear on that.

But your point about using a IDS, it would raise suspicion if you wiped it with a IDS or installed a new PCM. If they don't have it in their records that this was done, than it is a "unauthorized". In Canada, they can deny you. In the US, you have a fighting chance with the Magnuson-Moss Act. But it will be a fight if your dealer isn't on your side.

Agreed 100%, no matter what. If you tune, there is risk with warranty.

Bayfisher92

Waiting for a response like...

adammjarvis

I can confirm that Ford can see any changes made, when, where, why, how, etc.

We used to all the time

I hope the best for you. Hopefully it's just a turbo.

This was the risk you took when you modified your vehicle which Im sure you understand. Greed can be a hell of a drug when you're on that payment plan..

tstex

Hello Guys,


Saw this thread and started reading it till I finished last post.


Well, I'm not familiar w "tunes" in a sense as it pertains to enhancing your truck. Can someone refer me to a link on what a tune is, how it is installed and what specifically it does and how?


I'm getting the picture that it's something you download to your car's computer program that modifies the manufacturers standard operating programs/modules that "tells the program to work another way" that in theory is supposed to improve the performance or operability of the auto. Is this close?


Here's one other question: If ford denies the OP any compensation to the blown engine due to a foreign program that caused the std operating system to malfunction or operate too aggressively for the "normal operation of the auto", can the manufacturer of the tune then be held responsible for the damage, or do they write an indemnification clause that they have no liability at all? I would assume upon install of the tune, you have to agree to their exclusion terms? Seems like someone should be held liable for an auto w 12K and less than 1 yr of driving...Thanks

adammjarvis

A tune is simply just removing/adding/modify of vehicle system operations typically for better performance.

For example: Only 50% of power made is delivered to the rear wheels until 25mph is reached. Once you reach 25mph the restriction is removed and full 100% of power is applied to the wheels. This is all in an effort to reduce tire spin and improve control. If you got great tires and suspension combo then you'd want more power upfront as long as you could control it.

Other things could be simply changing timing or ratios to make the motor product a weeeeee bit more power. Or de-tune to provide better fuel economy.

Thinblueline74

Sorry for the reply months later. Forgot all about it. So I dropped my truck off to ford and they told me it threw two rods through each side of the block. They fixed it and replaced the whole long block. The mechanic who replaced my motor was a younger guy like me and talked to me afterwards. He was like "I'm not going to say anything but whatever tuner you had in that thing, get rid of it. I've never seen a motor that f'd up". They ended up fixing it and obviously I am
Not tuning it again haha. Another note is that Shaun from SSI had someone reach out to me requesting to call him and said he wanted to help. So I called him and all he did was yell and swear at me like a 5 year old about how I'm slandering his name and how stupid I was so good costumer service. I'm not writing this to bash him or anyone else. I have just received a ton of messages asking me to tell them what ended up happening and what I thought so here it is

Montuckyf150

I have a tuning background in the world of subarus. I didn’t read this whole thread but I did read two pages and skipped to the end, It doesn’t sound like ssi handled this great but it also doesn’t sound like you handled it very well. The young tech told you it was the tune ? That makes no sense without actual reasons, like the tune created a lean condition under load etc. I would say you got lucky and I’d just move along and quit slamming the tuner. IMHO you seem high maintenance. Besides who tunes a king ranch that we are assuming you are leveraged on? I guess you needed to get to the grocery store faster in your leather seats.