Can a dealer re-program the ECM w/o you knowing it???

[roperteacher]

Reason I ask, is that I took my truck in for regular oil change, tire rotation etc. . and It took them longer than usual to get me out of there. I left on a trip that same day pulling the horse trailer and my mileage went up 2-3 MPG almost instantly. Ever since, my read out is Higher and my Hand calc is matching it... Maybe I should go look for a sticker??? I did re-check my paperwork and nothing is listed on the paperwork regarding a reflash. ROper

 

[Mundgyver]

If your mileage went up, does this mean you be a complaining about it I would think that a good dealer would tell you I mean ask you for the permission to reflash your truck.

 

[DieselTweaker]

you can do it and the only way you could tel would to be take it to a another dealership and ask them what calabration you have, i can reflash a pcm in a matter of min's

 

[rbattelle]

My OBD-II connector is removed from it's original location and wire tied up behind the parking brake release lever. It's connected to a scan tool. There's no way they could reflash my truck without my permission, and I like it that way (don't trust 'em to do it right).

 

[RonsRig]

roperteacher,

I can understand it, especially if it is your first oil change. Mine went up too when I had my first oil change at the dealer. Maybe it helps to get out all the stuff that ends up in the oil during break-in.



I think it would be difficult for a dealer to re-coup the cost of doing a re-flash if they didn't document it. It would at least have to be on your paper work for them to get credit. You did sign it, didn't you?



I think it is just the nature of the beast. :-laf

 

[GFritsch]

To answer the original question, no I don't believe it could be done accidentally. I watched my re-flash. It required plugging a hand held computer into my truck. Taking the computer over to the dealer connect, downloading the original truck program into dealer connect then downloading the new program from dealer connect into the hand held computer. Finally the hand held computer was plugged back into the truck and the new program installed. Call the dealer and ask. It could be your dealer is doing this as general practice. Sounds like it worked out well for you.



FWIW I havn't checked for a sticker.



Greg



I too was getting great mileage before the flash and outstanding mileage after.



Just reread your post, you were asking if it could be done w/o the customer knowing--yes I suppose it could.

 

[klenger]

I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see dealers doing TSB's w/o being asked as it's easy warranty money for them.

 

[Bob4x4]

Klenger,



There is no such thing as easy warranty money :{ Look at the warranty time allowance manual .

Unless they have nothing to do.



Bob

 

[roperteacher]

This was not my first oil change. I have had it changed 5x since new. I change my oil every 3,000 regardless. I also noticed that my oil is no longer black like before!!