CTS DI Performance Chips and mods

[JBsZ06]

Looking forward to seeing what can be accomplished for this new CTS.

[BARRON]

Originally Posted by Zymurgy

Supposedly, GM has a way to tell even if the tune is then replaced with the original factory tune. They can also tell if the ECM/PCM has been replaced.

Every GM calibration is coded. We always have to check this first thing when the Duramax engines come in with internal failure.

[jw38]

Originally Posted by Zymurgy

There have been some interesting threads going over in the CorvetteForum about GM voiding warranties if there has been a tune performed on the car. Supposedly, GM has a way to tell even if the tune is then replaced with the original factory tune. They can also tell if the ECM/PCM has been replaced.

There is always an interesting debate raging on the corvetteforum about GM arbitrarily voiding warrties because of mods. This is absolutely not the case! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (US Code - Title 15, Chapter 50, Sections 2301-2312) specifically states that a "warrantor" (in this case - GM) cannot "void" any part of a warranty unless they can prove that the modification caused the damage. Here's the applicable paragraph:

(c) Waiver of standards
The performance of the duties under subsection (a) of this section shall not be required of the warrantor if he can show that the defect, malfunction, or failure of any warranted consumer product to conform with a written warranty, was caused by damage (not resulting from defect or malfunction) while in the possession of the consumer, or unreasonable use (including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance).

So, as an example, if your transmission fails, GM cannot void the warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust system...unless they can prove that the exhaust system caused the transmission failure.

[928S]

Originally Posted by BARRON

Every GM calibration is coded. We always have to check this first thing when the Duramax engines come in with internal failure.

Yeah, but what if an aftermarket performance tune is designed to mimic the original GM factory calibration codes?

[dkozloski]

Originally Posted by 928S

Yeah, but what if an aftermarket performance tune is designed to mimic the original GM factory calibration codes?

There's always measures and counter-measures.

[E-luzion]

Guys the Magnuson-Moss is not going to protect you in the event of mods...it is a defense yes.. but it does not work like everyone thinks it does. Over on the f150online boards and NLOC boards there is a lawyer by the name of Tim Skelton that went into great depth about that act...go search if you feel up to it. Bottom line.. if you want to play.. you have to pay.

You are correct though.. if your tranny fails they can't blame it on a catback exahust. There are limitations to everything...but once you chip it.. yeah dealing with a whole separate issue.

Originally Posted by jw38

There is always an interesting debate raging on the corvetteforum about GM arbitrarily voiding warrties because of mods. This is absolutely not the case! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (US Code - Title 15, Chapter 50, Sections 2301-2312) specifically states that a "warrantor" (in this case - GM) cannot "void" any part of a warranty unless they can prove that the modification caused the damage. Here's the applicable paragraph:

(c) Waiver of standards
The performance of the duties under subsection (a) of this section shall not be required of the warrantor if he can show that the defect, malfunction, or failure of any warranted consumer product to conform with a written warranty, was caused by damage (not resulting from defect or malfunction) while in the possession of the consumer, or unreasonable use (including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance).

So, as an example, if your transmission fails, GM cannot void the warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust system...unless they can prove that the exhaust system caused the transmission failure.