[rokutman]

NY Times article this morning regarding a change in Fed Regulations allowing consumers to access and modify ECM software without legal consequences. Wonder how that would impact a manufacturer's stance re voiding the warranty. My guess is that at the time of purchase that manufacturer would take the position that the consumer is entering into a contract with respect to the factory warranty but it will be interesting to see how things unfold.


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/23/b...20151123&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=1735826&_r=0

 

[AudiFox]

I think tinkering will still void the warranty but it is no longer illegal?

 

[rokutman]

I think tinkering will still void the warranty but it is no longer illegal?

Legal after Jan 1, 2016. I also think the manufacturers will consider it a warranty killer but they just fought this change in the law and lost so I'm guessing someone, somewhere will test the waters. Interesting that one of the groups seeking the change asserted that had consumers had legal access to the engine software the Emissions-Gate would have been caught sooner. The company that provides 50-60% of the state emissions testing equipment also fought the change.

 

[AudiFox]

There's a lot of smart people out there who would have most likely caught the emissions cheat software. Maybe the emissions testing equipment provider will have to update their testing equipment to account for new software changes made by car owners? Could be why they are against it since because it'll cost them money.

 

[rokutman]

There's a lot of smart people out there who would have most likely caught the emissions cheat software. Maybe the emissions testing equipment provider will have to update their testing equipment to account for new software changes made by car owners? Could be why they are against it since because it'll cost them money.

Agreed.

 

[zebra100]

illagal or not, I know for fact there is one Chinese guy modify the ECM code of the 2013 Q3
170 hp front drive up to 270hp which supassed the top 4 WD of line 200 hp and with no problem.
This guy used a 5054 data line and self claimed got some German engineer help but I definitely know he did
a lot mods. he bought a base line, then self installed self parking, ass hav and bluetooth, remote control, lighting, lane changing assist, warning, automatic back open and close, premier tires, bose system etc etc

 

[rnlabas]

The CCTA engine is EASILY tuned to over 300 PS with the stock exhaust - and if you change that, easily to 400 or more. That's NOT the problem for most of us - it's merely the fact that once the stock ECU/ECM is modified, Audi knows this and the car will throw a TD1 flag signaling the coding checksum is off - even with a re-flash back to OEM - and they can/may/will void further warranty claims on that ECU/ECM. Most of us are not yet willing to loose our warranty for the additional boost just yet ... As warranties expire, I think you'll see a larger opportunity for aftermarket tunes - remember the Q3 has only been here in the NAR for a year, not the additional 4 years the car has been out around the world -