Can Dealer erase my ECU tune

[PopTart]

Hey guys, I currently have a Stage 1 tune. I am out of warranty. I'm taking my car in for a Check Engine Light. Can a dealer over-write my software? What if I tell them ahead of time, to not upload software onto the ECU/ECM?

[redlinerex]

You should be able to tell your Service Advisor not to flash. If they opt to flash an OEM update, you'll be back to stock.

[IbisDesign]

My dealer knows my car is tuned and I have never had an issue after services.

[PopTart]

If they flash me back to Stock, I'll have to make an appt with my Tuner

[Dr GP]

Since the car is out of warranty, the dealer has no right to reflash your car back to stock. If you tell them not to reflash your car. and they do it anyway, they will be responsible for any cost that are incurred in reflashing your tune. I personally would put the request in writing, sign it and give it to the service advisor when you drop off the car. Still no guarantee that won't do it. But if it is in writing and signed,there can be no doubt of your directions.

[blackfunk]

I, personally would flash back to stock to prevent any future problem that could arise i.e. emissions issues.

[hilmar2k]

I, personally would flash back to stock to prevent any future problem that could arise i.e. emissions issues.

Not everyone has that capability without a visit to their tuner and a labor cost.

[MrFunk]

Flashing your ECU would incur a cost to you (since you're out of warranty). The dealership would need to get you to sign off on that work prior to doing it. In fact they (your service adviser) should check cause of CEL then advise you of what the solution is prior to executing the repair (they should in fact follow this procedure for warranty work as well).

So - in short, they should not be doing any ECU flashing/re-setting etc without you signing off on it. If you're concerned then just have the conversation with your SA when you take it in.

BTW - a CEL should not require an ECU re-flash. It's prob just some sensor somewhere that needs replacing.

[Dr GP]

Flashing your ECU would incur a cost to you (since you're out of warranty). The dealership would need to get you to sign off on that work prior to doing it. In fact they (your service adviser) should check cause of CEL then advise you of what the solution is prior to executing the repair (they should in fact follow this procedure for warranty work as well).

So - in short, they should not be doing any ECU flashing/re-setting etc without you signing off on it. If you're concerned then just have the conversation with your SA when you take it in.

BTW - a CEL should not require an ECU re-flash. It's prob just some sensor somewhere that needs replacing.

Conversation with SA does not assure anything. Too many past reports of ihings being done even when SA was verbally instructed not to do it

[PopTart]

I told my Service Advisor, and taped a paper to my steering wheel, so the Technician knows. Worst case scenario, I'll visit my Tuner and pay a $50 labor charge.