Warranty issues

[johnny12345]

If you have a chipped GTI and take it to the dealership for a regular service, r they gonna find out its chipped as soon as they plug it in to the diagnostic machine, or is it possible that they won't even know?

[RJS5689]

if you have a chip taht allows you to flip it back to stock, then you are fine.

[GTI2007]

If you have APR or Revo it ain't the chip that allows it, but the software APR or Revo flashes on the original ECU that allows to flip back to stock and is even in performance mode still almost invisible for the diagnostic machine.

[DBCPerformance]

that is why i got the APR chip w/stock mode:wink:

[johnny12345]

Thanx I undstand that that theres chips out there that give you a stock mode, but what if you don't get one of those chips, will the dealership know right away?

[GTI2007]

that is why i got the APR chip w/stock mode:wink:

APR doesn't uses chips but ECU upgrades. They just connect a computer onto your OBD II port and flash the performance software together with a piece of software to switch between programs onto your ECU.

[GTI2007]

Thanx I undstand that that theres chips out there that give you a stock mode, but what if you don't get one of those chips, will the dealership know right away?

Most chiptuning in the MK5 GTI is done by reflashing the original ECU throw the OBD II port and mostly doesn't need to change the chip.

[DBCPerformance]

true, and what is your point?:confused:

APR doesn't uses chips but ECU upgrades. They just connect a computer onto your OBD II port and flash the performance software together with a piece of software to switch between programs onto your ECU.

[GTI2007]

true, and what is your point?:confused:

Just to make it clear to johnny12345 which according to his answer on your post was a bit confused by it.

[DBCPerformance]

yeah, sometimes ppl get confused between chips and ECU upgrade, but i think in US "chipping" became a general term for all sorts of similar applications.

[HotLanta MKfizzle]

APR or REVO undetectable
GIAC needs to be un-flashed before going into dealership.

[Wild Hare]

Most places depend on your attitude toward to be quite honest.
If it's undetectable that's great. Don't forget to change if you have that option. If a Tech has to drive it and you forgot that one time they will remember/document it.
When I worked at Audi we didn't care unless you were a Dick (Jerk)... then we'd pull ECU's out to take a look see and do a data log too!

Then only true voiding we did... is if someone neglected to keep up with oil changes and they Coked the oil in the feedline to the turbo and they blew their turbo and insisted on a FREE replacement --- No Sir!

Ahhh, the good old days.

[DBCPerformance]

^^^^ that is exactly true, just make friends with your service advisor, and tell them what you have in the car, keep in mind, if they dig it, they will find it. Do not pressure them, have understanding and patience. If they see you working with them, they will be fine to you. I always made friends with my service advisors as well as technicians, so at the end, they took good care of me.

[jaydubz]

In all reallity I is the software truly undetectable?!?!? No matter how well it may be hidden somethingt must be red flagged. Maybe its part of a sub routine that the dealer rarely checks in most conditions. I am always skeptical! Off Subject but... WILDHARE how durable are the turbos in these cars and do you have any tips for extending the turbo and engine life beyond normal oil changes. Should I buy a turbo timer? Sorry for such a noob question.

[LivEToDrivE]

I know GIAC has a control unit that gets plugged into your ECU port, so you can switch through the modes you have installed on your GTI. Is this system available as I know it was still in the process of distribution?

[Wild Hare]

In all reallity I is the software truly undetectable?!?!? No matter how well it may be hidden somethingt must be red flagged. Maybe its part of a sub routine that the dealer rarely checks in most conditions. I am always skeptical! Off Subject but... WILDHARE how durable are the turbos in these cars and do you have any tips for extending the turbo and engine life beyond normal oil changes. Should I buy a turbo timer? Sorry for such a noob question.

The KKK turbos we have will stand test of time. Here are the keys to its best life:

• Synthetic oil is a must and follow the manufactures recommendations on weight of oil, drain intervals and oil filters.

• Never shut the car down after sustained high speed runs (going out and running it hard). Allow the car to sit and idle for awhile (5 mins should do just fine). Normal driving should be fine (no need to sit and wait to cool down) these turbos are cooled by coolant as well as oil.

In my honest opinion: Turbo Timers are for lazy people. "They will void your warranty if you splice into the stock wiring harness" and have to take the car in for an electrical fault/failure. We did that very thing at Audi!

No problem with Noob questions... we are all here to learn!:thumbsup:

[Supratgti]

now ive been thinking about getting a chip as well but the thing that came to mind is that all i can think about is when i bring it to the dealership there could be a way they could find out if you have a chip or not.... all they need to do is read what apr tells you to do...AND lets say one of the workers knows how make it switch using the cruse control.... bye bye warrenty... or am i wrong and everyone has a different code to switch the programs??

[jaydubz]

Thank for the info Wildhare, that is very useful!. IYHO would you recommend getting the chip although it seems to be instant warranty death if some how detected? This is my first Vdub and I am alittle worried about how dealerships will act towards modifying in my neck of the woods. I came from Mazda where I had built a repoire with my dealership, but that took me buying two vehicles from them before that happened.

[alf]

The chip and software itself may be undetectable, but, when the car is hooked up to the diagnostics I believe all you have to do is look up the boost block and see the actual boost. Therefore if the boost isn't matching the stock boost when chipped, you can kiss that warranty goodbye.

alf

[redGTI]

The techs don't check for that kind of thing unless there is a problem with
the car they could tie to performance modifications. I am a service advisor at
a dealership and used to be a tech. The only time I have problem with mods is if they are causing the problem complained about, such as having aftermarket speakers and amps wired in and complaining of the radio not working. Or a whored out car with track numbers on the window, time slips in the car and complaining of a broken differential. I've seen it all.
Even then I still have a tendency to help out as much as I can.

[nochance]

"VW Warranty is as follows if you crack the ecu or remove it from it's stock placement it will void your warranty". But this all depends on the dealer and the people you deal with. Make sure you do flashing not chipping.

[jaydubz]

Redgti are you coming to meet tonight at the winter park village? It would be nice to get your experience and expertise. Just a question but do you have any mods on your car?

[redGTI]

Sorry couldn't make the meet tonight, I'll try to make to next and bring the Vag-com. My 06 is stock but my 02 is modded up. Has run a 13.7 1/4 mile at Bithlo.:burnrubber:
Track day would be cool, normally I stay away from the track during the summer months but a nice group of MK5's at the track would be :thumbsup:

[jaydubz]

That sounds great, every one at the meet last night was singing your praises due to your almighty Vag com. A track day would be super! we discussed having a track day last night, but no out come was made. I will bring it up on the regional post.