djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

i think the PCMs have the vehicle vin in there somewhere...not 100% sure though

eah990

I guess a better question to ask would be. Who here has a 5 star tune on there 2011-2012 truck? and have you had any issues?

rtpjunior

iTrader: (4)

I bought my SCT tuner from 5 Star a few months after buying my 2011 XLT 5.0, about 18 months ago. I have had zero issues with the tunes I bought from Mike (87 economy, 87 performance, 91 performance). I have switched between each of the tunes several times as the gas prices have risen and fell. Lately I've been running the economy tune since gas has risen to $4.25 a gallon near my house. Must say the truck is night and day with any of the tunes running on it. I had to go to the dealer when I installed the Ford plug-n-play remote start last year. The dealer had to turn the remote start feature on for the system to work by plugging in their computer and they never saw any tunes installed. At the time, I had forgotten to return the truck to stock before going to the dealer.

sullyman

Or, they noted it in your files without saying anything, as you weren't warranty work done this visit, and will be denying your warranty work later if the need arises.

jsarms1

I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and no one knew either. The only company I know of that stands behind their tunes is Bama Performance, they have helped customers replace or fix motors and will go to bat with Ford for you. The only negative is they only tune mustangs to my knowledge, we need too invite them here so they can get to work. How many members would dump their current tune for one with a warranty?

rtpjunior

iTrader: (4)

Nope, try again. I watched the tech do the entire procedure, nothing was noted anywhere. By the way, my wife works for this dealer so even if I had a problem that could be blamed on the tune I could get it fixed without question. I really did forget the tune was running at the time, so the experience was a good "gauge" as to how prevalent a tune would stand out when a dealer plugs into our trucks. I am sure there is a way to search the PCM for a tell tale sign of a tune. However, most of the techs I am friendly with at the dealer say about the same thing. If you return the PCM to stock before service they cannot tell you had an aftermarket tune. What they can tell is how many times the PCM was flashed and how many drive cycles were done since the flash. So, if your PCM shows 5 reflashes and your service history does not show the same you will have some explaining to do. Here's the deal, tune at your own risk. If you just want to add a little performance, you should be fine. If you beat the crap out of it and blow an engine, be prepared for a bill

2011FX4boost

If y'all are scared to get a tune then walk away. I have ran custom tunes on my last 3 vehicles and never had an issue with warranties. It all depends on knowing your limits and respecting your vehicle. Now excuse me while I go ride in my 2011 FX4 that has a Livernois 93 octane tune that is flawless. Thank you, please drive thru ...

GlennRMK

Yep they do. But I would imagine 5 star or others could program a new or used ecm to your vin?

djfllmn

iTrader: (1)

good question....

fx2black

Two examples with tuning and warranty:
1. The tune is bad and burns a piston - Ford will likely deny warranty work, you will be out of luck, attorney or not. You would have to go to your tuner to get paid for that one, but that is another issue.

2. Tune the truck and while driving (normally with proper maintenance) the bottom end of the engine finds its way to the pavement. Ford will likely deny warranty coverage because of the tune. To get Ford to pay you will likely need to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit. As the Plaintiff you must prove the engine was defective and did not break due to the tune, driver, maintenance, etc. Ford has to show damage was caused by the tune, lack of maintenance, driving style, etc.

Lawsuits are time consuming, win you will likely not come out ahead money wise. You may get the truck fixed, but how long were you without your truck, what did you pay for a rental, attorney, time off work for trial, deposition, etc., lose and you may pay Ford's attorneys.

Fun is not free and has risk. You must pay to play. If you want a tune go for it, but be prepared for what may happen if you need warranty work done.