Chipping out a Denali without voiding warranty?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

BC Lightning

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Posts
125
Reaction score
7
HP tuners can only do so much. I would rather have a tune tailored to my exact truck. IMO And it doesn't take too long either. And if you get the second PCM you don't have to send yours in. Worth all the money. And BB gets you free re-tunes for life if you add exhaust, blower, etc.

with HP tuners mine is tailored to my truck, and I can tweak the tune if I do add power adders like a blower, turbo, etc
 

blueflamed03

Supporting Member
Joined
May 4, 2009
Posts
8,399
Reaction score
31
Location
Oklahoma
Black Bear is over priced i say... and you have to wait to get your PCM back? That sux, who wants to wait for that? Go to your local speed shop and use HP tuners, which is what they will most likely use. No waiting and updates or retunes are instant
over priced? Really, you'd be the first to say that from all my gatherings.

many said it was the best money spent.

Most people don't understand engine tables, or could wreck havoc on a vehilce on a bought tuner if they had no clue.
 

Arctic-Rodz

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Posts
590
Reaction score
16
Location
RGV Texas
my 08 sierra is custom tuned by HP tuners for my specific mods, $200. Performance shop goes out there and runs your truck with you and modifies after several runs untill its as good as it can get. Shift point, firmness, other than stock tire size, A/F ratio, timing... the works. How much is that BlackBear tune?
 

JennaBear

Resident Ninja
Supporting Vendor
Joined
May 3, 2009
Posts
6,086
Reaction score
241
Location
San Diego, CA
Black Bear is over priced i say... and you have to wait to get your PCM back? That sux, who wants to wait for that? Go to your local speed shop and use HP tuners, which is what they will most likely use. No waiting and updates or retunes are instant

We custom tune using EFILive, which I am sure you already know is a tuning software just like HPTuners. :Handshake: Very few customers actually send their PCM in to be tuned. We also tune based on your specific mods and offer a cable tune, which logs your vehicle and a tune is based off of that information. You are still having to go to your tuner to get your updates right? We offer free updates.

If you have more questions about us, feel free to ask, as it doesn't seem like you have been given proper information.
 
Last edited:

vjr021

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Posts
310
Reaction score
22
Location
Clearwater, FL
Superchips tuners offer their own warranty, and more importantly, don't leave a trace of the tune on the ECU... you can set it back to stock before you go into the dealer...
 

reaston

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
...

I added more timing so I get more power and run 93 octane, I also bumped up the % for V4 mode to 45% throttle I believe (meaning if I use 44% or less throttle it stays in V4 mode), changed my shift points so I get harder shifts (still need to get a Vette servo). Now I'm getting better gas mileage, more hp, more low end trq when towing, and tuned it myself

My GMC Yukon 2009 rarely goes in to V4 mode, unless I am coasting downhill. Unless situation is unusual, I don't go over 60. How did you "bump up the V4 to 45%" Thanks. reaston
 

Wolfman

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
I bought a "chip" from Performance Chips direct. I find their customer service to be terrible. I believe the reputability of of company is how their customer service is. I e-mailed them twice and they never answered. They tell you to check the OHMs on the IAT. I did and found the two terminals as they said, hoever, when I double check the voltage on the plug in, the 12 volts are on a different set of wires. I asked them which is correct. No reply!!! twice!!!

I have read more on these chips and really forund I have been dooped. There is the correct way to boost power, etc. Not by these $69 chips.
By the way, I had bought two.
 

sumo

dn ʇǝƃ ʇuɐɔ & llǝɟ ı
Joined
May 21, 2010
Posts
5,752
Reaction score
1,250
Location
rhode island
there are ways that the dealer can tell if there was a aftermarket done. For instance a transmission failure. They can tell if there was one installed even returned to stock

From alldata

Attention:
This bulletin applies to V8 gas powered engines ONLY. For all other gas powered engine applications, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-033C. For Duramax(TM) diesel powered engines, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-006F.

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add a graphic and information about the Tech 2(R) screen displaying all zeroes and add Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-06-04-026 (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

General Motors is identifying an increasing number of engine, transmission and catalytic converter part failures that are the result of non-GM (aftermarket) engine and transmission control calibrations being used.

When alteration to the GM-released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine , transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy to cancel any remaining warranty coverage to the powertrain and driveline components whenever the presence of a non-GM (aftermarket) calibration is confirmed - even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.

Warranty coverage is based on the equipment and calibrations that were released on the vehicle at time of sale, or subsequently updated by GM. That's because GM testing and validation matches the calibration to a host of criteria that is essential to assure reliability, durability and emissions performance over the life of the warranty coverage and beyond. Stresses resulting from calibrations different from those tested and released by GM can damage or weaken components, leading to poor performance and or shortened life.

Additionally, non-GM (aftermarket) issued engine control modifications often do not meet the same emissions performance standards as GM issued calibrations. Depending on state statutes, individuals who install engine control module calibrations that put the vehicle outside the parameters of emissions certification standards may be subject to fines and/or penalties.

This bulletin outlines a procedure to identify the presence of non-GM (aftermarket) calibrations. GM recommends performing this check whenever a hard part failure is seen on internal engine or transmission components, or before an engine assembly or transmission assembly is being replaced under warranty. It is also recommended that the engine calibration verification procedure be performed whenever diagnostics indicate that catalytic converter replacement is indicated.

In May 2009, the PQC will begin piloting a process to confirm the ECM/PCM calibration is GM issued. Beginning on May 18, 2009, the PQC will require a picture of the engine calibration verification screen, as outlined in this bulletin, before authorizing any V8 gas powered engine replacement.

If a non-GM calibration is found and verification has taken place through GM, the remaining powertrain and driveline warranty will be cancelled and notated in GMVIS and the dealership will be notified.
 

Justin

Full Access Member
Joined
May 17, 2009
Posts
136
Reaction score
87
there are ways that the dealer can tell if there was a aftermarket done. For instance a transmission failure. They can tell if there was one installed even returned to stock

From alldata

Attention:
This bulletin applies to V8 gas powered engines ONLY. For all other gas powered engine applications, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-033C. For Duramax(TM) diesel powered engines, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-006F.

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add a graphic and information about the Tech 2(R) screen displaying all zeroes and add Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-06-04-026 (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

General Motors is identifying an increasing number of engine, transmission and catalytic converter part failures that are the result of non-GM (aftermarket) engine and transmission control calibrations being used.

When alteration to the GM-released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine , transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy to cancel any remaining warranty coverage to the powertrain and driveline components whenever the presence of a non-GM (aftermarket) calibration is confirmed - even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.

Warranty coverage is based on the equipment and calibrations that were released on the vehicle at time of sale, or subsequently updated by GM. That's because GM testing and validation matches the calibration to a host of criteria that is essential to assure reliability, durability and emissions performance over the life of the warranty coverage and beyond. Stresses resulting from calibrations different from those tested and released by GM can damage or weaken components, leading to poor performance and or shortened life.

Additionally, non-GM (aftermarket) issued engine control modifications often do not meet the same emissions performance standards as GM issued calibrations. Depending on state statutes, individuals who install engine control module calibrations that put the vehicle outside the parameters of emissions certification standards may be subject to fines and/or penalties.

This bulletin outlines a procedure to identify the presence of non-GM (aftermarket) calibrations. GM recommends performing this check whenever a hard part failure is seen on internal engine or transmission components, or before an engine assembly or transmission assembly is being replaced under warranty. It is also recommended that the engine calibration verification procedure be performed whenever diagnostics indicate that catalytic converter replacement is indicated.

In May 2009, the PQC will begin piloting a process to confirm the ECM/PCM calibration is GM issued. Beginning on May 18, 2009, the PQC will require a picture of the engine calibration verification screen, as outlined in this bulletin, before authorizing any V8 gas powered engine replacement.

If a non-GM calibration is found and verification has taken place through GM, the remaining powertrain and driveline warranty will be cancelled and notated in GMVIS and the dealership will be notified.


That TSB outlines the procedure to determine if a non-factory calibration is presently installed on a gas engine equipped vehicle. There is no way to determine if a tune was installed and then put back to factory. 2007.5+ diesel trucks do have flash history tracking however.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,400
Posts
1,867,418
Members
97,056
Latest member
Damman

Latest posts

Top