GM Reflash Vs. Intense PCM
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Joined: 07-04-05
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From: No where man
All a dealership tech can "see" during Service Programming is the file part numbers themselves. NOT the contents, tables or settings witin the calibration. Since the HPT edits do not alter these calibration numbers- there is absolutely no way for a dealership tech to "detect" you have anything but a factory tune. To them it "looks" like you have the the genuine article. The real concern is if they decide to reflash your PCM- overwriting your edited files and losing your custom tune. Whoever created the tune in HPT would have to reinstall it.
HTH
WopOnTour
HTH
WopOnTour
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From: Phx, AZ
Originally Posted by srt-killer
What if you were to keep your original pcm and just pay the core for the new one, so if any thing serious does happen than just switch the two out, do another relearn in your driveway, so than there is know way it could void your warrenty. right, sounds good.
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From: Phx, AZ
Originally Posted by WopOnTour
All a dealership tech can "see" during Service Programming is the file part numbers themselves. NOT the contents, tables or settings witin the calibration. Since the HPT edits do not alter these calibration numbers- there is absolutely no way for a dealership tech to "detect" you have anything but a factory tune. To them it "looks" like you have the the genuine article. The real concern is if they decide to reflash your PCM- overwriting your edited files and losing your custom tune. Whoever created the tune in HPT would have to reinstall it.
HTH
WopOnTour
HTH
WopOnTour
I agree with you that the tech guys wont see squat but just cuz they can't doesn't mean someone else cant. The situation may never arise but it can't be discounted either.
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Joined: 08-26-04
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From: RTP, NC
Originally Posted by turboeco
My car is going in for inspection/emissions, when I get my Intense Stage5 pcm back.
It better pass emissions, otherwise I don't know what the f*ck I'm gonna do!?!
It better pass emissions, otherwise I don't know what the f*ck I'm gonna do!?!
Is your emissions a sniffer or odb2 test?
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Joined: 09-25-05
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From: Edmonton, AB
Originally Posted by OniMirage
if you keep your factory settings saved away as a backup assuming the intense kit works in this manner then a dealer should have no quick direct way to see if the settings were changed. BUT like many applications or software, there is an initial boot log for each install. In the case with the car an initial log should theoretically be loaded if the car is turned on after the battery died or just some simple power loss. The computer would search for its default boot log and load the settings specified from the initial launch and this may be where an issue can occur. Now I am not positive that this is how it works but it is normal as far as software applications go.
It would look like this,
initial startup :: Car initial startup log settings - saved and is only modified to save boot logs after the car is turned on successfully. future boots come from the updated file
new file created - done initially by the pcm on the car updated settings file saved and constantly updated
You would create a backup file from HP tuner software
HP tuner software would modify the updated settings file and this is where the computer would load all your hp glory when you turn on your car
Now lets say your car has an issue. You load your backup file and go to the dealer. Without digging into the computer too far or even suspecting anything they simply try to fix the issue. They fix this issue you go home then load your modified file. So they shouldn't see your modifications.
But let's say your car has a real serious issue and they take more time checking it. In theory with more time and more diagnosis they may stumble on information about the modified pcm settings since the initial boot log was always saving the modified boots. Hm?
Now I am not saying that this is actually what happens cus I have never seen the software or how the pcm is updated. But srt killer did bring up a good point and hopefully some of these tuners can shed some light on the issue
It would look like this,
initial startup :: Car initial startup log settings - saved and is only modified to save boot logs after the car is turned on successfully. future boots come from the updated file
new file created - done initially by the pcm on the car updated settings file saved and constantly updated
You would create a backup file from HP tuner software
HP tuner software would modify the updated settings file and this is where the computer would load all your hp glory when you turn on your car
Now lets say your car has an issue. You load your backup file and go to the dealer. Without digging into the computer too far or even suspecting anything they simply try to fix the issue. They fix this issue you go home then load your modified file. So they shouldn't see your modifications.
But let's say your car has a real serious issue and they take more time checking it. In theory with more time and more diagnosis they may stumble on information about the modified pcm settings since the initial boot log was always saving the modified boots. Hm?
Now I am not saying that this is actually what happens cus I have never seen the software or how the pcm is updated. But srt killer did bring up a good point and hopefully some of these tuners can shed some light on the issue
Originally Posted by zinner
Is your emissions a sniffer or odb2 test?
First time I'm having to get it done, used to not have emissions. I believe it is a SNIFFER, I live in PA. From what I heard they just put the sniffer in at idle, right? I assumed since my exhaust was still legal, (just a catback) that it would def. pass. Its not like they're taking it WOT or anything. Shouldn't the car pass easily, since the sniffer is just at idle?
IDK, I'll be mighty pissed if it fails. I have no clue what I'll do, as I already sent in my stock pcm to be flashed.
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From: eh
Originally Posted by turboeco
First time I'm having to get it done, used to not have emissions. I believe it is a SNIFFER, I live in PA. From what I heard they just put the sniffer in at idle, right? I assumed since my exhaust was still legal, (just a catback) that it would def. pass. Its not like they're taking it WOT or anything. Shouldn't the car pass easily, since the sniffer is just at idle?
IDK, I'll be mighty pissed if it fails. I have no clue what I'll do, as I already sent in my stock pcm to be flashed.
IDK, I'll be mighty pissed if it fails. I have no clue what I'll do, as I already sent in my stock pcm to be flashed.
Here in BC our sniffer is at idle and a simulated drive test where the car is reved to a maximum of 3000 RPM while the rollers lift to simulate a hill.
If no playing of the fuel, timing, air etc was done under 3000 RPM you should be ok.
I am guessing most of the changes in the PCM are done for the upper RPM to max out the power while leaving the lower portion alone for driveability. If this is the case you should be ok.
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From: RTP, NC
Originally Posted by turboeco
I just looked it up, my county is an OBD and gascap check.
I'm guessing I'd rather this than a sniffer? So as long as I have no CEL's relating to exhaust I'm good?
I'm guessing I'd rather this than a sniffer? So as long as I have no CEL's relating to exhaust I'm good?
yep
In fact most new scan tools have a function to tell you if you will pass an OBD2 emissions test, at least my autotap and Hptuner does.
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From: No where man
Originally Posted by OniMirage
right the normal tech guy simply wouldn't have the system needed to do that but what about the engineers that design the stuff and could easily see anything within the system. With all software or hardware there is always a developer that will have more access or resources to view such information. The HP tuner software to us as consumers is unique but to a dev. it would be nothing. In the case of a big issue where GM may be involved with paying compensation for damages I am sure they will get their best people to look into the issue. But this is something that will likely never ever happen.
I agree with you that the tech guys wont see squat but just cuz they can't doesn't mean someone else cant. The situation may never arise but it can't be discounted either.
I agree with you that the tech guys wont see squat but just cuz they can't doesn't mean someone else cant. The situation may never arise but it can't be discounted either.
Again, the point is, at almost any level of GM you can expect to be in contact with they will not be able to detect you have made any changes. I suggest you get HP Tuners yourself if you want to see what I mean.
WopOnTour
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From: No where man
Originally Posted by zinner
yep
In fact most new scan tools have a function to tell you if you will pass an OBD2 emissions test, at least my autotap and Hptuner does.
In fact most new scan tools have a function to tell you if you will pass an OBD2 emissions test, at least my autotap and Hptuner does.
Those flags you see on the scanner just tell the emissions test techncian that the Inspection Maintenance "flags" have been set- and the system is ready to test. It doesnt mean it will pass. When the PCM is reset or when certain DTCs are cleared the statistical baselines used for some higher functioning diagnostics are also cleared. Until they restablish themselves an emissions MAY fail, as the diagnostic executive might be in an unrealistic schedule (quick learn) in order to re-establish the baselines.Technically the vehicle would need to be operated to the guidlines of an "OBDII Drive Cycle" repeatedly until those flags are all set. But that certainly doesnt mean it will PASS.
Originally Posted by turboeco
My car is going in for inspection/emissions, when I get my Intense Stage5 pcm back.
It better pass emissions, otherwise I don't know what the f*ck I'm gonna do!?!
It better pass emissions, otherwise I don't know what the f*ck I'm gonna do!?!
Wop
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Joined: 04-03-05
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Originally Posted by turboeco
First time I'm having to get it done, used to not have emissions. I believe it is a SNIFFER, I live in PA. From what I heard they just put the sniffer in at idle, right? I assumed since my exhaust was still legal, (just a catback) that it would def. pass. Its not like they're taking it WOT or anything. Shouldn't the car pass easily, since the sniffer is just at idle?
IDK, I'll be mighty pissed if it fails. I have no clue what I'll do, as I already sent in my stock pcm to be flashed.
IDK, I'll be mighty pissed if it fails. I have no clue what I'll do, as I already sent in my stock pcm to be flashed.
Yah my dad works at goodyear and its an OBD2, he said as long as the check engine light is not on and the drive cycle is clear that you'll pass emissions.
Thanks a lot guys! I'll be driving my car around for a day or two after reinstalling the PCM. As long as I don't throw any codes, I'll be taking it in for inspection/emissions.
I'll keep you posted on how Stage5 feels.
I'll keep you posted on how Stage5 feels.
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