Can a Mitsu dealer detect a reflash with their equipment?

Also, can they use that knowledge to void the warranty? (I know our legal position, but that does not mean I'd like to test the theory by getting into an argument with my dealer or Mitsubishi America)

Anyone in the position of having had their warranty voided? What were the mods that got you in trouble? In particular, were you voided just for the reflash?

 

The consensus seems to be that a dealer CANNOT detect a reflash in an 03 and 04 using the mitsu recommended equipment, but CAN in the 05+. Apparently the 05s and up have checksums calculated directly in the code, so if a calibration value changes, the checksum changes and they know the ECU has been tampered with.

They can tell that something has been changed, but dont know what.

Of course, if mitsu wanted to, the could go beyond the standard scanning device that is used and do a full download of your engine calibrations to do a point to point comparison for any and all Evo8,9 models. But they wont do this.

If they catch you with a reflash its 99.9% sure they will void warranty.

Voiding warranty based on a reflash isnt a huge issue with people on this board. From what I have read, warranty voiding is done mostly with physical parts on the car and claims of "abuse", simply b/c I think its easier for mitsu techs to spot. Im sure there are exceptions, but this seems to be the trend.

 

From what I read, the Dynoflash is completly stealthty.

 

Glad I chose Al!!!

 

Is it possible to buy a spare ECU to swap in and out when visiting the dealer?

Or should I look into a piggyback like XEDE or UTEC, keep the stock tuning in the ECU and remove the piggyback for dealer visits?

 

You can swap ECUs. This has been discussed a little bit on this forum, but its kind of a PITA due to the immobilizer code that is programmed uniquely into each unit. If you just replace the module without reprogramming it for your cars immobilizer, it wont start. Sean Ivey (very good tuner) can set up EcuTek flashes in a module for this to work. You should search for "immobilizer" and find his posts and then contact him if your interested.

A piggyback might be less trouble to work with and cost about the same if you can buy a used setup from someone if you are truly concerned about dealer visits. Both the units you mention are excellent. The UTEC has the advantage that it does not require a reflash of the stock ecu to get around fuel cut, rev limit, etc wheras the XEDE requires the XEDEflash for this.

What vehicle do you have? I dont think the XEDE or UTEC are availbale for evo9s yet FYI...

 

so you guys are saying that the piggy back can just be removed because I have a 05 8 and was wondering the same thing?????

And is the dynoflash truly completely stealth even for the 05s

 

Yes you can completely remove a true piggyback system and the ECU and electronics will be 100% origional. That is an advantage of the piggybacks. I know the UTEC takes about 30 min for a novice to install/uninstall. The XEDE might take a little more time, but its not much longer. Other piggybacks...same deal. Of course you will have to remove you boost control valves and other things as well that go along with the systems.

As per my post above, from what I have heard, ANY flash for an 05 and up CAN BE detected by the dealership. Only the 03s, and 04s are safe. Or safer I should say.

 

Looking into buying a IX come spring. Curious what my options are for tuning, but I want to do it stealth, as I plan to lease for business tax advantage.

Thanks for the tip on the immobiliser, I'll look into it.

 

If you get a flash from Dynoflash, from then on, all the rest of your mail in flashes will only be $100 anyway. That's not bad at all if you need to go back to stock IMO.

 

nothing is safe if they put a boost gauge on it.or did you go to all that trouble to run stock boost

 

If you are that worried about your warranty, you should wait to mod your car. No method of ecu tuning is 100% stealthy in every situation.

That being said, the flashed ecu in my old VIII was never detected at the dealership in any of the 5 or 6 visits to cinch up the lemon law buy back.

SC~