Cobb Stage 1 - any concern with warranty

[SD1290]

Hey All, if I’m reading it right looks like the Cobb stage 1 for just 91 premium pump gas yields about 30 hp and 30 lb ft. Do I have that right? The shifting is sport sucks so does this tune improve that as well?

my major concern is the warranty. I have a 2018 with a year left on warranty plus the ESP extended warranty. Is there any risk here of engine problems or warranty coverage denial? I’d only do the stage 1, no bolt ons or anything else.

it’s an expensive truck and I’d hate to have a problem with it.

Any thoughts appreciated

 

[MetalDaze]

The short answer is any tune will give Ford the right to deny a claim if the failure is related to it.

That said, most people don’t run into problems. But it is a risk.

 

[Quaesta]

If someone gives you the answer ask them for the winning lotto numbers as well. The truth is nobody knows. You always run the risk that a dealership will deny a covered warranty item because of the tune. However, the dealer must show that the tune is what caused the problem.

That being said I can tell you that Cobb offers a good product that does not push the limits of the engine and you should be ok. I have not have any issues with my 18’ running a Cobb Goosetuned but that means nothing to your truck.

As far as fixing the transmission, if you add the transmission tune, then yes it will fix that. (I am sure you know the standard package does not include the transmission tune)

 

[Hdaniel85]

As was previously said, the dealer has to prove the tune caused the issue. The other thing you can do is uninstall the tune before bringing it to the dealer (I assume they have ways of telling if there has been a tune or not, even when uninstalling it). They still need to prove it.

Edit: I am running a tune, no issues so far. I also have a fairly mod friendly dealer, up to including tunes/minor bolt-ons... Now if I go in with a bigger turbo and the engine is blown up, I pretty much need to accept that loss.

 

[dixonk]

Just uninstall it before taking it to the service dept. No issues.

 

[Ducc]

If you're questioning it, don't do it. I'm running a Cobb Stage 1 (Goosetuned) and I'm well aware of the fact that I may have to face the music one day. But, the thought of not fully enjoying my expensive truck until it's 10 years old was MORE daunting to me than the prospect of a denied claim. I have an "oh sh*t I messed up" fund set aside just in case as well. Can't wait to go FMIC and Stage 2 soon!

 

[FordTechOne]

This has been gone over many times on this forum, and yet there still seems to be a lot of misinformation.

First, the dealer/Ford does not need to prove that a failure was 100% caused by the tune. If the failure that occurred can be attributed to the tune, it’s not warrantable. Ford can only warranty the factory calibration; they have no idea what an aftermarket tuner went in and modified. Ford, nor any other OE, is in the business of reverse engineering and testing your modification to prove how it caused the issue.

Second, removing the tune leaves an electronic trail. Mode 9 records that information and it will be obvious that the vehicle had an aftermarket calibration installed. PCM capabilities have also advanced to the point where the PCM hardware can detect the aftermarket calibration and in some cases will set a DTC against it.

Plenty of people on this forum are running brand name tunes and issues seem to be rare. But the bottom line is that it’s important to be informed of the consequences should a failure occur.

 

[TXRaptor]

To the others who replied incorrectly, listen to what FordTechOne is saying on this topic over and over throughout this forum. You are at risk of paying for your own repairs if you tune your truck. Period.

While other outcomes are possible, do not do it if you cannot afford to pay the piper.

 

[Johnkn]

This has been gone over many times on this forum, and yet there still seems to be a lot of misinformation.

First, the dealer/Ford does not need to prove that a failure was 100% caused by the tune. If the failure that occurred can be attributed to the tune, it’s not warrantable. Ford can only warranty the factory calibration; they have no idea what an aftermarket tuner went in and modified. Ford, nor any other OE, is in the business of reverse engineering and testing your modification to prove how it caused the issue.

Second, removing the tune leaves an electronic trail. Mode 9 records that information and it will be obvious that the vehicle had an aftermarket calibration installed. PCM capabilities have also advanced to the point where the PCM hardware can detect the aftermarket calibration and in some cases will set a DTC against it.

Plenty of people on this forum are running brand name tunes and issues seem to be rare. But the bottom line is that it’s important to be informed of the consequences should a failure occur.

FordTechOne, random question realizing this is not an exact science, but your thoughts are appreciated. Suppose a 2019 experienced a cam phaser issue, would the dealer/Ford look for a tune? What’s your take on a cam phaser warranty repair on a tuned but otherwise stock truck? And what’s the approximate price to a customer for a non-warranty phaser repair. Thank you....

.

 

[isis]

Something as well known as that really can’t be blamed on the tune.