The truth about chips, programmers, etc.?

[Lmbhngr]

Can the dealer tell if you've chipped, programmed, or modified the stock computer settings??

I see here that many of you remove said "modifications" prior to reporting to the dealer for service/repair. My dealer used to install chips but, stopped at Ford's direction, prior to the delivery of my new '03 and much to my disappointment. I've been advised by several dealerships that if said "modifications" are installed the onboard computer will log data differently and it can be retrieved and identified thereby, voiding your warranty if they determine it caused your truck it's pain and suffering.

What is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but, the truth?

Lmbhngr

[JayCarotenuti]

I worked for an RV Dealer, we had a motorhome that had an electronic speedometer that went totally nuts. It showed mileage that was impossible. In order to resell a vehicle you must know the true mileage because it is used to determine the value! In order to get the actual mileage we sent it to the dealer. They hooked it to there computer and this thing gave us a printout that I found hard to believe! It showed not only the true miles, it showed what the average speed the unit was driven, how many time the key was turned and the unit failed to start! How many times the temp went above normal, how many times the check engine light came on and why. plus much much more! I am sure somewhere it stores how many times it has been modified.

[mschn99]

chips/programmers are easy to find.....they set a P0603 in KAM and allow the tech to know that either the batteries were disconected recently or the truck is chipped. if you run it for say.....20 miles and the code is still there.....it had a chip in it....easy as pie and instantly gives PROBABLE CAUSE.... to void a claim if the chip could have caused the issue.....which is the key criteria........

[Rodslinger]

I read literally hundreds of posts on this before I bought my Predator. Disconnecting the batteries will erase the fact that I had a tune on it but like Marc said I guess they can see I disconnected the batteries recently. My outlook on it is disconnecting the batteries doesn't void my warranty.

[turbotime]

Originally Posted by Rodslinger

My outlook on it is disconnecting the batteries doesn't void my warranty.

YEP!

and besides...they do not need to know what you disconnected the batteries for anyhow. I mean, honestly here people...how much money do we pay for these trucks???!!! you ought to be able to do what you want with them as far as disconnecting a battery and what not. Just think of how badly they are screwing us in that they use the cheapest products they can and do whatever they can to cause you to have to pay more $$$ to fix stuff. That is what it is all about for them..the money.

OK...enought ranting and raving. Slinger has a good point!