New C6 owners.... Interesting reading here...

[Glennm27]

As a soon to be owner of a new C6, I have been reading as much as I can about these cars and their history so far since their introduction in August 2004. Below is one of the most interesting things that I have come across and it is from March 27, 2008.
Glenn
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A GM bulletin will be distributed to Dealers shortly.

GM's New Software:

GM is rolling out a new procedure that can identify when a non-GM calibration has been installed in a vehicle. The new process checks a log to see what calibrations have been added. If the calibration does not have an official GM part number it, it is instantly identified as a tune or other calibration not supported by GM. If the log contains a GM part number the process digs a little deeper to find a series of numbers buried in other modules. This confirms that the part number is not a mask for a non-GM calibration. If the calibration is found to be a NON-GM calibration, as from a tune, GM is advising dealers that the warranty repair on the powertrain will not be honored. The dealership will need to provide proof if a powertrain failure has occurred that the calibrations are GMs before any repair is performed.

Furthermore, since GM can not determine what the impact of a non-GM calibration effect will have on the entire powertrain. GM will void the remaining powertrain warranty. This means engine, trans, drive shafts and differential will no longer be covered. This process has been tested on different Corvettes and other GM vehicles including Diesels. The process correctly identifies cars with non-GM calibrations.

This also addresses those that think re-flashing the ECU before taking it back to the dealer is not detectable…..it is.


If you have not installed a tune or engine modification, don’t do it if you value your warranty. The consequences are giving up the 5 yr 100,000 mile powertrain protection. If you have a tune already installed then be upfront if you encounter a problem.

It goes back to the old saying; if you want to play you have to pay......or be willing to at some later date

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UPDATE 3/29 @ 1616
Here is some more very interesting info posted at Corvetteforum.com

If interested in reading more, Click ======> HERE (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1981426)

[Bill Burkholder]

Glenn, is this done through the OnStar system or is it something that will show up in service??

[C5pilot]

From what I've read, this is still only plausible speculation at this point. I wouldn't be surprised either way. It was only a matter of time before car manufacturers implemented checksums into their programming. It's the logical thing to do. Should be interesting for sure.

[Silver O Six]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[hcvone]

The "hackers" I am sure will have something to counter this, may take them a little time. I saw someone had a little devise out to reset mileage on most GM cars/trucks, what will they think of next. ;)

[michael brigidi]

This is very interesting and good to know. Not that I'm planning any mods. but a must know for all C6 owners thinking of mods. thank glenn

[LLPavorsky]

you change the steering wheel on a Z06? What part of the warranty does that void?

[Joel Fellman]

Why Lee? Thinking of adding a Yugo steering wheel on your Vette?? Pretty classy!!

[LLPavorsky]

Why Lee? Thinking of adding a Yugo steering wheel on your Vette?? Pretty classy!!

Know where I can get one?

[carboman]

Know where I can get one?

Right here

http://www.yugoparts.com/interior.htm

[Glennm27]

Glenn, is this done through the OnStar system or is it something that will show up in service??

I would think all this info is stored in the ECU.


There has been an update to the origional post above with alot more interesting info.

[JT-C6]

I can't imagine they would bother doing any queries via OnStar. It would be a service event type thing where it would occur by a dealer trouble visit. Their first steps would be to query the various computers to make sure they are running official GM code.

I read a related article about this on CorvetteForum last night. The article said that the general position is that GM has specs and expected values that things are certified for. When people start doing mods to increase horsepower and also have computer code changes to increase the values, they are possibly exceeding specs in some areas of the car. Certain parts may wear faster or break easier, even though GM may have had computer code controls in place to minimize this. I can see their point to a degree and yes, you have to pay to play. This really means that any tune could void a warranty which could really end up being one expensive $100 tune. Literally, people could get a tune to simply firm up shift points or other simple little changes and end up voiding something far more valuable to some.

The article also said this would apply to C5's too (although very few would be under anything except an extended GMPP warranty at this point in time).

[Rick and Arleen Ball]

Wow,
The General is becoming pretty strict.
They should do like they did in the late 60s with the Z-28.
Offer their own performance upgrades over the counter.
Headers, induction systems etc.

[Keith Pladsen]

I used the stock replacement of the K&N filter for about 50 miles and went back to the GM standard filter. In talking with Steve at Bryners, it would have scerwed up the intake sensors over time and good bye warranty.

[hcvone]

I used the stock replacement of the K&N filter for about 50 miles and went back to the GM standard filter. In talking with Steve at Bryners, it would have scerwed up the intake sensors over time and good bye warranty.
Only if the filter is over oiled would it ever cause a problem, I have used these type filters for over 20 years and never had an issue, in fact GM Performance sells these type filters for GM cars/trucks and they go as far to say them will not cause any warranty issues. :)

[LLPavorsky]

Sounds like any of us that have done mods could have a serious problem if we experience any major failures. C5 or C6!

What are The "After Market" Companies that we love going to do?

[Keith Pladsen]

HCVONE, was just going by what Steve Fisher said when I was just down to Bryners. He said no issue with Vararam and some others were ok, talked about Corsa, he said would actually install and would not void warranty either but you right on the over oiling but he mentioned that even correctly oiled you could be opening a door to void warranty. Just the messenger. Keith

[hcvone]

Keith, Bryner is pretty good about warranty issues :)

[Glennm27]

Keith, Bryner is pretty good about warranty issues :)

That is true, BUT with GM tightening their belts, you can not expect any dealer (especially Bryner) to "look the other way" on something that should not be a warranty issue. If you know what I mean.

I certainly would not expect Bryner to put themeselves in jeopardy by making a repair under warranty that maybe shouldn't have been.

GM apparently is going to make those kind of things tougher to do and it would not be fair for any of us to expect any dealer to try to skate around a warranty issue.

[Rick and Arleen Ball]

That is true, BUT with GM tightening their belts, you can not expect any dealer (especially Bryner) to "look the other way" on something that should not be a warranty issue. If you know what I mean.

I certainly would not expect Bryner to put themeselves in jeopardy by making a repair under warranty that maybe shouldn't have been.

GM apparently is going to make those kind of things tougher to do and it would not be fair for any of us to expect any dealer to try to skate around a warranty issue.
I AGREE 100% with that Glenn.

[hcvone]

That is true, BUT with GM tightening their belts, you can not expect any dealer (especially Bryner) to "look the other way" on something that should not be a warranty issue. If you know what I mean.

I certainly would not expect Bryner to put themeselves in jeopardy by making a repair under warranty that maybe shouldn't have been.

GM apparently is going to make those kind of things tougher to do and it would not be fair for any of us to expect any dealer to try to skate around a warranty issue.
It's not just Bryner, many dealers do this, I have taken different cars/trucks that one dealer would not repair under warranty, take them to another dealership, and they are fixed under warranty. Just like some dealerships will not touch a car that is drag raced, as the owners manual states in the first few pages under abuse, Bryner repairs them under warranty, is that different than a dyno tune voiding a warranty?

[C5pilot]

It is what it is. I'm not going to waste my time worrying about what might happen if I try to enjoy my car more than some attorney thinks I should.

Bottom line: I'm going to treat my car as if I'm the one who paid for it.

[Glennm27]

It is what it is. I'm not going to waste my time worrying about what might happen if I try to enjoy my car more than some attorney thinks I should.

Bottom line: I'm going to treat my car as if I'm the one who paid for it.

I agree, me too.

I am also going to treat my car so I don't pay for what I shouldn't have to. :D

I am pretty sure mine will be fast enough right out of the wrapper for me.

[hcvone]

I agree, me too.

I am pretty sure mine will be fast enough right out of the wrapper for me.

You say that now, but time will change that I am sure. ;)

[Mike Campbell]

What I'd like to know is why,when you get a new Corvette, you also get a CD that shows you all the features on your new car & how to enjoy "taking your car to the track?" And, to much chagrin, tell you the car is a "high performance sports car" designed & built for competitive enjoyment. Sounds like we are just doing what we're supposed to do, right??? ;tt Personally I think they are doing a little "doublespeak".... And this in an election year! ;jj

[hcvone]

What I'd like to know is why,when you get a new Corvette, you also get a CD that shows you all the features on your new car & how to enjoy "taking your car to the track?" And, to much chagrin, tell you the car is a "high performance sports car" designed & built for competitive enjoyment. Sounds like we are just doing what we're supposed to do, right??? ;tt Personally I think they are doing a little "doublespeak".... And this in an election year! ;jj
You are right Mike, it shows all the great things, then you read the owners manual and they tell you you may not have a warranty if do this that and the other thing, in one of the owners manuals it says "club events" can void your warranty, they must be talking about the slow drag races, or maybe car shows will be the next thing that voids warranty. I guess using your 4 wheel drive in the snow is the next thing. I wonder it that covers exploding Escalade's in your garage, oh yea that was covered.;)

[carboman]

Thanks to black boxes and On Star GM can see what you are doing or have done to, or with your car whenever they want. I can see it now. You're driving your brand new Z06 at around a road course when On Star calls, "Mr. Smith, we've detected an excessive "G" load on your vehicles suspension along with excessive speed and stopping force, you are in violation of your warrranty effective immediately" Have a nice day and thank you for choosing GM for your automotive needs.

[Glennm27]

No one is saying "don't take your car to the race track." Read the supplied info above again.

People are suggesting how tuning can void a warranty. Tuning a 505 horsepower Z06 which has half shafts for instance that have been designed to match up accordingly to a 505 horsepower car. NOW, You tune the car to add 50 horsepower, slap on drag radials, a half shaft snaps and still expect the warranty to cover it. THOSE are the kind of things they are trying to avoid. You can't blame them.

[carboman]

Except that GM also voids warranties when participating in club racing, competition and or timed racing events. That covers E-town, SCCA autocross, Pocono and just about any event where you get to drive your car on a closed course.



No one is saying "don't take your car to the race track." Read the supplied info above again.

People are suggesting how tuning can void a warranty. Tuning a 505 horsepower Z06 which has half shafts for instance that have been designed to match up accordingly to a 505 horsepower car. NOW, You tune the car to add 50 horsepower, slap on drag radials, a half shaft snaps and still expect the warranty to cover it. THOSE are the kind of things they are trying to avoid. You can't blame them.

[Glennm27]

I guess everyone will interpert things the way they want. I will take my car to the track and drive as it was made to be driven.

With no modifications, there will be no problems with warranty work. That's my interpretation and I can't see anyone denying a warranty claim on a 505 horsepower car saying it was driven too hard.

I could understand the insurace company having a problem with broken body panels at the track, but no the GM warranty so long as the cars computer shows no signs of alterations.

To each their own interpretations. I am not spending this kind of money for this kind of a performance car to use strickly as a street driven transporter. It was not designed for that. I'll use it for what it's designed for.

[carboman]

I guess everyone will interpert things the way they want. I will take my car to the track and drive as it was made to be driven.

With no modifications, there will be no problems with warranty work. That's my interpretation and I can't see anyone denying a warranty claim on a 505 horsepower car saying it was driven too hard.

I could understand the insurace company having a problem with broken body panels at the track, but no the GM warranty so long as the cars computer shows no signs of alterations.

To each their own interpretations. I am not spending this kind of money for this kind of a performance car to use strickly as a street driven transporter. It was not designed for that. I'll use it for what it's designed for.


I agree 100%, Corvettes were built for high performance use but I wouldn't push the on star button with a broken car in the Pits at Pocono or E-Town though.

[Gorgon]

I can totally understand GM's position on tunes since they will affect tolerances. With GM offering 100,000 mile powertrain warrenties they need to be a little more stringent. They are likely going to be paying a lot of money in warranty work to begin with. Will they use On-Star to query this info? Doubtful. I would expect this to be a tech query as well when a car comes in for warranty work. GM has enough money woes without trying to organize a database of all the code loads on all GM cars that they can monitor.

My C5 has 132k miles on it, catback, cold air box and LS1 Edit. I'm not worried about warranty so I'm going to race it. ;bt Of course I've gotten the itch for an new '08 since my car has so many miles on it. Drive the C6 daily and flog the C5 on the weekend? Good idea! :)

Leon

[Mike Campbell]

The is a way around this.;tt Buy a spare computer. The car goes in, you pull out the highly tuned one & put in the spare. That way nobody gets burned. Except you for the cost of the extra computer. ;yn

[Frank Gonzalez]

The is a way around this.;tt Buy a spare computer. The car goes in, you pull out the highly tuned one & put in the spare. That way nobody gets burned. Except you for the cost of the extra computer. ;yn

Not really. GM gets burned. If you modify the car and then it blows up it is up to you (or your tuner-good luck) to face the music and pay the repair charges.

What you are advocating is dishonest. Where are your ethics?

Frank Gonzalez

[Mike Campbell]

Lighten up Frank, I was only kidding.:rolleyes: Keep in mind a spare computer costs more than almost every warranty problem you could conjure up. Unless you roll down a cliff or get hit by a lightning bolt and I think then your insurance should cover that. ;yn