Ford Performance Tune Install SoCal

[wetidlerjr]

If you do the Ford tune yourself or have it done by an unauthorized installer, the tune and the equipment with it will not have a warranty. It will not affect any other warranty.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/PDFS/fpp-warranty.pdf

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[Dgc333]

That is what I thought also, but I haven't read anywhere that you are not allowed to install it yourself? Or maybe I missed that on the fine print? Either way, the only way they would void your warranty is if there is anything that failed that they can trace back and prove that it is due to the FPP tune. Worse case scenario if that did happen, they can only deny warranty on that failed part. They can't deny warranty on the rest of your vehicles components. Dealerships doesn't have crystal balls and can say that will fail in the future due to your tune.. By that time, I'm sure you will already have the stock tune back into the vehicle ? and they won't be able to tell that you had a performance tune installed before, well unless you left the tunner itself plugged in the truck.

Hope that made sense since I kinda just babble through the whole time

The Ford Performance warranty document is quite clear that if you want the warranty the tune must be installed by either a dealer or an ASE certified technician. It's not in fine print, right in the first paragraph in the performance pack section of the document.

Granted they can only deny a warranty claim if the failure was caused by the tune but if a tune induced failure was to occur the most likely area would be the engine and that is a mighty expensive non covered failure.

Even if you swap back to the stock tune the dealer can still see that the ECU has been modified. There is a counter that keeps track of everytime the ECU has been flashed and when the last time it was reset (is cleared DTCs). If this info does not agree with what is in Fords database for your VIN then it is an unauthorized modification and you could be denied a claim. If you do not go through the process to register the FP tune it will show to the dealer as an unauthorized modification. There is a service bulletin that describes the diagnostic decision tree if an in authorized ECU modification is suspected.

FWIW, even the generic equipment used by the inspection station I have my annual inspection done at prints out on the report the last time the ECU was flashed and how many start cycles have occured since the DTCs have been cleared.

If you are willing to take the risk of having a warranty claimed denied you are likely better off getting a tune from someone other that Ford Performance, especially if you are making other mods to the power train since those folks can/will modify the tune to take full advantage of the mods. The FP tune is what it is and will not be modified for your specific mods.

 

[Ace]

The Ford Performance warranty document is quite clear that if you want the warranty the tune must be installed by either a dealer or an ASE certified technician. It's not in fine print, right in the first paragraph in the performance pack section of the document.

Granted they can only deny a warranty claim if the failure was caused by the tune but if a tune induced failure was to occur the most likely area would be the engine and that is a mighty expensive non covered failure.

Even if you swap back to the stock tune the dealer can still see that the ECU has been modified. There is a counter that keeps track of everytime the ECU has been flashed and when the last time it was reset (is cleared DTCs). If this info does not agree with what is in Fords database for your VIN then it is an unauthorized modification and you could be denied a claim. If you do not go through the process to register the FP tune it will show to the dealer as an unauthorized modification. There is a service bulletin that describes the diagnostic decision tree if an in authorized ECU modification is suspected.

FWIW, even the generic equipment used by the inspection station I have my annual inspection done at prints out on the report the last time the ECU was flashed and how many start cycles have occured since the DTCs have been cleared.

If you are willing to take the risk of having a warranty claimed denied you are likely better off getting a tune from someone other that Ford Performance, especially if you are making other mods to the power train since those folks can/will modify the tune to take full advantage of the mods. The FP tune is what it is and will not be modified for your specific mods.

Well I guess I need to read the instructions more often. ? I agree. If that what it says then make sure to have a dealership and or an ASE tech to do the tune. I'm assuming FPP want this to make sure the tune is installed properly. But in all honesty, it's a waste of money to have it done by someone else. If you can follow direction with basic computer skills, you can do this yourself. But I guess it's the price you pay to have that "peace of mind" knowing you are covered under warranty.

In the OP's case, finding a dealership/performance shop that he can have a good relationship with is a plus. And if a dealership is willing to go above and beyond to out of their way to prove that a cause of a failure to a component is due to the tune, I'd probably go to another dealership. Not all dealership are created equal and not all are mod friendly.

 

[splatrd]

Wow, and the kit is discounted to $645.00 right now! I just can't see if they are ASE certified or not....

Found even better price.
2019-2021 Ford Ranger 2.3L M-9603-REB Engine Air Filter & Tuner +45HP - Ford Truck (blueovalindustries.com)

 

[Dan0]

Well I guess I need to read the instructions more often. ? I agree. If that what it says then make sure to have a dealership and or an ASE tech to do the tune. I'm assuming FPP want this to make sure the tune is installed properly. But in all honesty, it's a waste of money to have it done by someone else. If you can follow direction with basic computer skills, you can do this yourself. But I guess it's the price you pay to have that "peace of mind" knowing you are covered under warranty.

In the OP's case, finding a dealership/performance shop that he can have a good relationship with is a plus. And if a dealership is willing to go above and beyond to out of their way to prove that a cause of a failure to a component is due to the tune, I'd probably go to another dealership. Not all dealership are created equal and not all are mod friendly.

This is a good conversation for those interested in the performance tune.

When I started the thread I was trying to get lucky, and maybe, just maybe, someone locally had the install done.
The install would be a snap (DIY), but you void the warranty that comes with it..Covered above. I have flashed my Harleys many times at risk of warranty problems.
Not willing to go there again.

Mountune will do the install for $130 IF you purchase from them. They were out of stock when I was looking to buy , and I wasn't aware of there policy. It seems they are Ford Performance approved, but I could never find out if they are ASE certified. They were a little difficult to communicate with.

 

[awd.nv]

I don't know if it was mentioned but I thought ECU tunes were banned in CA this year? Are dealers still willing to install this in CA? Or maybe because it is from Ford it is ok. That or will you need to revert back for each smog test and pay the dealer each time if you want to keep your Ford warranty?

Just things that come to mind.

 

[Dgc333]

I don't know if it was mentioned but I thought ECU tunes were banned in CA this year? Are dealers still willing to install this in CA? Or maybe because it is from Ford it is ok. That or will you need to revert back for each smog test and pay the dealer each time if you want to keep your Ford warranty?

Just things that come to mind.

The Ford Performance tune has a CARB exemption so it is legal in CA.

 

[SVTRondogg]

+1 for Mountune. They are listed in the FPP directory and also makes parts for FP

https://performanceparts.ford.com/wheretobuy/directory

 

[Bdubb]

+1 for Mountune. They are listed in the FPP directory and also makes parts for FP

https://performanceparts.ford.com/wheretobuy/directory

Good to know, I will go this route, maybe we can get a deal for 2 DanO?

 

[Dan0]

Good to know, I will go this route, maybe we can get a deal for 2 DanO?

Think you have to go it alone Bdubb. I bought mine from Levittown. They said I had to buy from them.
When I was checking out Mountune I emailed the manager at Ford Performance about their being approved.
His reply was the exact wording listed before. Ford dealership/ASE mechanic. Left me scratching my head,

The search goes on

 

[Dan0]

Think you have to go it alone Bdubb. I bought mine from Levittown. They said I had to buy from them.
When I was checking out Mountune I emailed the manager at Ford Performance about their being approved.
His reply was the exact wording listed before. Ford dealership/ASE mechanic. Left me scratching my head,

The search goes on

Correction, the person I emailed with was a Ford Performance info supervisor.
Any Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, Shelby Dealer, or A shop where the work is being performed by a ASE Certified Technician (or Red Seal) can perform the installation.
If Mountune has an ASE tech performing the install on your kit, you are all set.

 

[Bdubb]

Correction, the person I emailed with was a Ford Performance info supervisor.
Any Ford Dealer, Lincoln Dealer, Shelby Dealer, or A shop where the work is being performed by a ASE Certified Technician (or Red Seal) can perform the installation.
If Mountune has an ASE tech performing the install on your kit, you are all set.

So it's your understanding that Mountune may not qualify as an "ASE" designated shop?

So they'd be on the official Ford Performance parts dealers list, but then wouldn't be "qualified" (for warranty purposes) to install them?

Yeah that actually sounds like something Ford would do!!

I will call em tomorrow and see what's what.

 

[Bdubb]

I talked w Mountune today they said they were "ASE".

I asked if there was somewhere online where that was documented, or if they had some sort of certificate...they said "not really"...but if there were any problems Ford could "just call them"...not exactly confidence inspiring...although I know they are a very legit shop. But that's not my concern.

They quoted $135 for the instal on top of the component price.

 

[Dgc333]

I talked w Mountune today they said they were "ASE".

I asked if there was somewhere online where that was documented, or if they had some sort of certificate...they said "not really"...but if there were any problems Ford could "just call them"...not exactly confidence inspiring...although I know they are a very legit shop. But that's not my concern.

They quoted $135 for the instal on top of the component price.

The way it works if it is not being done by a Ford dealer is you will need to send a copy to Ford Performance of; the receipt for the kit, receipt for the install and a copy of the ASE certification of the tech that did the install.

I have installed the FP tune on two vehicles. I purchased the tune from Levittown both times. My son is an ASE certified technician and he manages an automotive service center. So I had my son generate a receipt for an hours labor on the shops computer system and I made a copy of his ASE certification.

There is an email address in the Ford Performance warranty document that you send all that stuff to. In both cases I had a confirmation email back from Ford Performance that the warranty was registered to my VIN within a couple of hours.

Montune may take care of that for you but I would ask and if they don't make sure you get the receipts and a copy of the ASE certification of the technician that did the work.

FWIW, it is not the business that is ASE certified it is the individual technicians that get the certification. My son has a display in the waiting room of his shop that explains why ASE certified technicians are important and then has the framed certificates of all his employees that are certified on the display. There are about a dozen spealties a tech can be certified in.

 

[Dan0]

I talked w Mountune today they said they were "ASE".

I asked if there was somewhere online where that was documented, or if they had some sort of certificate...they said "not really"...but if there were any problems Ford could "just call them"...not exactly confidence inspiring...although I know they are a very legit shop. But that's not my concern.

They quoted $135 for the instal on top of the component price.

This was my concern also. Pretty basic, like Dave explained.

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