Ford Racing

[neodark]

This is info straight from a Ford tech. The ECU doesn't keep count of how many times the ECU has been flashed. When the ECU is reset by an external source, aka tuner, then a P1000 code is stored within the ECU. That code will go away but it normally takes 5-10 key cycles with 3-5 miles on each cycle. That means you need to start the car, drive it 3-5 miles, then turn it off and repeat that 5-10 times. Once you've done that a number of times, the ECU will look normal when scanned. When a Mustang is blown up, in almost all cases, the regional engineer will come in to investigate. The P1000 is the first thing that they look for and then throw it out the window if it's there.

So, in short, flash back to stock for a few drive cycles before you blow one up, lol.

My understanding is that this is not the case for the '15. But, I may be wrong... That said, google samsung KNOX, which is similar to what I read Ford is doing with these.

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[Roidrage]

Well according to cobb if you uninstall the tune properly when reverting back to stock the dealership cannot see the ecu has been flashed. Anyone know how true this is?

 

[EcoSwag1990]

I say everyone ask a ford tech from a local dealership tomorrow and post your responses up on here so we can finally put this question to rest

I will be visiting a dealership that I didn't get my car from ;)

 

[Noobtastic14]

This is info straight from a Ford tech. The ECU doesn't keep count of how many times the ECU has been flashed. When the ECU is reset by an external source, aka tuner, then a P1000 code is stored within the ECU. That code will go away but it normally takes 5-10 key cycles with 3-5 miles on each cycle. That means you need to start the car, drive it 3-5 miles, then turn it off and repeat that 5-10 times. Once you've done that a number of times, the ECU will look normal when scanned. When a Mustang is blown up, in almost all cases, the regional engineer will come in to investigate. The P1000 is the first thing that they look for and then throw it out the window if it's there.

So, in short, flash back to stock for a few drive cycles before you blow one up, lol.

This is really interesting. This method would still allow casual drivers with a tune to warranty minor parts with a flash to stock but a maximum track tuned car that has been abused will likely break on the side of the road and be taken straight to ford where they will see the "track only" max power low reliability tune and void the warranty. So, as long as you go to ford on your own accord you should be able to reflash and get warranty work done. If you blow a rod out of the engine on the side of the road you may be in trouble.

-Drew

 

[Tamadrummer88]

This is really interesting. This method would still allow casual drivers with a tune to warranty minor parts with a flash to stock but a maximum track tuned car that has been abused will likely break on the side of the road and be taken straight to ford where they will see the "track only" max power low reliability tune and void the warranty. So, as long as you go to ford on your own accord you should be able to reflash and get warranty work done. If you blow a rod out of the engine on the side of the road you may be in trouble.



-Drew

There always is a risk with tunes, and the probability of something bad happening is always there. But, that's the chance you take.


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[Roidrage]

Is anyone familiar with the Cobb AP vs. the other platforms? Cobb outright claims the Dealerships cannot see the ECU is/was flashed once you uninstall the tune. So, if that is actually true they will get my business.

 

[opensesame]

Is anyone familiar with the Cobb AP vs. the other platforms? Cobb outright claims the Dealerships cannot see the ECU is/was flashed once you uninstall the tune. So, if that is actually true they will get my business.

+1
I would get this tune of this is true.

 

[Roidrage]

"Hello,

When the Accessport is properly uninstalled using the Uninstall option from the main menu, the ECU is reverted exactly back to stock. In our experience, the dealership is not able to tell if the ECU has been flashed. However, with that said, the AP is not designed to go around any kind of warranty coverage and there may be diagnostics at a much higher level we are unaware of. At the end of the day, it really comes down to how your local dealer handles modifications to the car: some don't mind a few mods and others don't like any.

Kyle@COBB"

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

"...Cobb outright claims the Dealerships cannot see the ECU is/was flashed once you uninstall the tune...."

That is absolutely not the case. Take it from us, we do extensive R&D with all 3 of the big 3. If an engineer digs into the lines of coding, any deviation from stock WILL be found no matter the company.

That is why we invested into our our proprietary tuning software, and spend so much time and ultimately money into our aftermarket support for these vehicles. We test constantly to ensure that we are providing our clients with the most safe, consistent and reliable parts possible.

We also encourage a completely open and honest dialogue with your service writers. This way, if there is an issue that arises no matter what it is or where it came from the dealership is on your side and WANTS to help you.

 

[Roidrage]

So, cobb's statement was BS, nice... Does your proprietary software differ in anyway when dealing with ECU Reflash detection from the dealerships or is it generally all the same across all tuning platforms?

I've been "honest" with my dealerships with my previous cars and from my experience with VW & Subaru honesty gets you no where lol, but I guess I'm just bad luck maybe? I've had better luck using the smoke and gun method in regards to tunes & aftermarket items.

That is absolutely not the case. Take it from us, we do extensive R&D with all 3 of the big 3. If an engineer digs into the lines of coding, any deviation from stock WILL be found no matter the company.

That is why we invested into our our proprietary tuning software, and spend so much time and ultimately money into our aftermarket support for these vehicles. We test constantly to ensure that we are providing our clients with the most safe, consistent and reliable parts possible.

We also encourage a completely open and honest dialogue with your service writers. This way, if there is an issue that arises no matter what it is or where it came from the dealership is on your side and WANTS to help you.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

"...Does your proprietary software differ in anyway when dealing with ECU Reflash detection from the dealerships or is it generally all the same across all tuning platforms?...."

It is the EXACT same, no matter the software.

 

[Roidrage]

It is the EXACT same, no matter the software.

Understood, thank you for clearing everything up for us. Do you have any insight on Juben's post about the P1000 and multiple drive cycles to bypass the ECU re-flash record?

Also, since you're here. Would you be able to briefly describe the difference in the tuning methodology between say your platform (tune) and say the competition (ex. Cobb, Unleashed etc). Trying to make an educated decision on which tuning platform to support.

 

[MustangEco]

I wonder how much a stock ECU is. If you are that worried, you can just buy a stock ECU, take your original out and keep it safe, and then tune the one you bought, if you need any warranty work, pop your original back in and slide on in the DM's.

 

[Roidrage]

I wonder how much a stock ECU is. If you are that worried, you can just buy a stock ECU, take your original out and keep it safe, and then tune the one you bought, if you need any warranty work, pop your original back in and slide on in the DM's.

Most OEM ECU's are pricey $2,000+ would be my guess.

 

[EcoSwag1990]

Understood, thank you for clearing everything up for us. Do you have any insight on Juben's post about the P1000 and multiple drive cycles to bypass the ECU re-flash record?

Also, since you're here. Would you be able to briefly describe the difference in the tuning methodology between say your platform (tune) and say the competition (ex. Cobb, Unleashed etc). Trying to make an educated decision on which tuning platform to support.

You can't expect them to directly say why theirs is better. It'll just cause negative comments/arguments. You should look at the separate tuners threads to see the reviews/results.

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