Detecting a Smarty?

[orhusky]

I know that this has been talked to death but I got this email from a friend that wants a Smarty Jr real bad but is worried about his warrenty.

Scott:



John (Serena's Boyfriend) Wanted a Smarty Jr for his Dodge 09 truck, as it was the only unit not seen by a dealer. He contacted a local dealer here in Enumclaw. The dealer was real helpful to John, but told him that even if he bought the Smarty Jr the dealer can still tell that it was installed and removed and would void the warranty. He then mentioned that I had a 2006 with a 5. 9 cummins and the dealer told him that the dealers use to not be able to tell on the 5. 9 cummins, but that recently they have now been able to detect that a smarty has been used and will void the warranty. The dealer that John was talking with sells the Smarty, but told John that he couldn't honestly sell the unit to him and lie saying that it couldnt be detected,because it can.



This kinda bummed me out as I wanted to get one. Do you know if this is true. I called the local Dodge dealer and inquired about aftermarket chips, etc, and also mentioned the Smarty. The tech there said that Chrysler division can now detect any and all aftermarket chips, etc and add on units or ECM modifiers. They use to not be able to tell, but with modern technology they now can even on the older models including the 5. 9.



Let me know if you find anything out.



Thanks



Tony.

Is this now true or is the dealer BS'ing him? I told him he might as well get it because I let him try mine out so if it's true he his already toast!:-laf



What have you all heard, is it now detectable?



Scott

 

[Jim W]

I can not speak for the older trucks but I do know that the 6. 7L trucks can be. Smarty even places this note on their web site that the S67 can be detected.

My son has a 5. 9L, 06 QC LB with a Smarty on his and this has been to the dealer several times for axle work. He would remove the Smarty programme every time he went in and then re-install after he saw the dealer. The dealer never raised any concern over a Smarty or not.

I would check out the Smarty web site for more information on this.

Hope this helps.

 

[orhusky]

I knew about the 6. 7s being traceable but the web site still says the 5. 9 is not. Just wondering if that has changed recently and now the dealer can tell you had the smarty on a 5. 9.

 

[HBarlow]

A knowledgeable and skilled Cummins diesel tech can detect use of a magic black box, probably on any HPCR engine, certainly on the later years of the ISB5. 9 with greater ECM capacity in the case of a warranty claim on a grenaded engine.

Installation of a power box doesn't necessarily cause any flashing lights or bold statements printed out on a dealership's code reader saying "MODIFIED, MODIFIED! but a sharp tech or Dodge factory warranty manager can tell if he looks. Little things like truck odometer reading and engine operating hours no longer match or operating parameters get set to numbers different than normal and expected are the details I've heard.

A dealership tech has no reason to even look if the warranty issue is unrelated to excessive power production but if the claim involves melted pistons, scored cylinder walls, dropped valves, etc. you can expect a regional Dodge warranty rep to pay a visit and inspect the engine. A dealer may repair or replace the engine under warranty but have the cost charged back to the dealer's account when reviewed. Dealer's don't like that.

When in doubt search back through old TDR posts related to engine failure. In almost all cases the early posts complaining about an evil and unfair bad dealer and a lousy Cummins engine include a long list of horsepower upgrades in the poster's signature. Ultimately the poster ends up buying an engine or selling the truck. I don't remember an owner who trashed his truck with a programmer box slipping it by Dodge.

 

[jeepit]

My trick was in for service once during warranty and I just told the service guy I had a Smarty in it and not to do any electronic dabbling with it. He said no problem.

 

[Hoefler]

The newer trucks (09-10), any modification from stock parameters will lock up the ECM and cause a no start issue requiring a trip to the dealer by tow truck to reset or replace the ECM on your dime. Also, you will get a red flag on your VIN indicating your little episode and a voided warranty.

 

[pullya]

IMO!!! If you can't afford the cost of reparing your truck after you insall a programmer in it, then don't buy the programmer. Warranty claims are being looked at more closely now than ever before so why take the chance of getting into a long involved argument with the dealer over whether the programmer caused the damage or not. You play-----You pay.

Jay

 

[Bob Wagner]

The smarty is still undetectable on the 5,9L trucks, not so on the 6. 7L trucks. No downloader is undetectable on the 67

 

[mickeyblueyes]

The smarty is still undetectable on the 5,9L trucks, not so on the 6. 7L trucks. No downloader is undetectable on the 67

Bob, I am on the fence whether to purchase a smarty jr or not. Its more money issues than anything. I have two quick questions for you.



I have a 03 Dually,4x4,Stock except for a Turbo back 4 inch stainless exhaust. When I purchase a Smarty jr and plug it in what can changes can I expect to feel ''will a large power increase be immediately felt"? I do not want black smoke will that be a issue?



Some people claim mileage gains with these products,if you are putting more fuel into the equation how can better mileage result? Thanks for your thoughts. Michael.

 

[Buffalo]

Mickeyblueyes,



I, also, have an '03, 3500 SRW, 4X4, NV-5600, 3:73 with about 77,000 miles, on it. I tow a 6-7000 lb. travel trailer in the mountainous West.



I LOVE the Smarty Jr. !!!!! It does everything I want it to do. On the Performance (100 HP. ) mode, it is quite a bit faster than stock. When I go back to the stock setting, the truck seems much slower. Also, the EGT's never get high. Towing in the mountains on the Performance mode will give warmer EGT's. They don't get dangerously hot but, warmer than I like. So, when I tow in the mountains, I put the Smarty Jr. on the Tow mode (70 HP. ) That mode gives you plenty of towing power with absolutely NO high EGT's.



I am very pleased with my Smarty Jr. & would be surprised if you weren't. There is nothing about this programmer that I do not like & I am not associated, in any way, with Smarty. Just my personal opinion. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!!!



Good luck with your decision.



Joe F.

 

[orhusky]

The smarty is still undetectable on the 5,9L trucks, not so on the 6. 7L trucks. No downloader is undetectable on the 67

Thanks Bob, I was hoping you would chime in here! This was the information I was looking for!



Scott

 

[Bob Wagner]

I offer a 100% money back guarantee on the smarty. If you are not 100% pleased with the smarty just send it back for a money back (no restocking fee) either.



And I will also refund the postage if you decide to return.



The smarty works as advertised.



Thanks

Bob

 

[orhusky]

I will let my friend know, thanks Bob! I love mine and you could not pay me to give it up! More power, better fuel mileage, lower EGT's while towing, What's not to love!!!! OK, so I did have to upgrade my clutch to handle the power but other than that... ...

 

[Bob Wagner]

happy to help

 

[RMecum]

How about my smog check?

I have to get my first California smog check this fall. I have to remove my EdgeEZ and I think I've read the smog checker can check for "boxes". I don't know what they do if they detect one... so I guess I'll find that out then.



Will they be able to tell if I get a SMARTY? If they can't I think that's my best option after my smog check.



Mike