How dangerous is it to actually get a tune?

I'm super interested In the svc tune but I have the ford esp warranty and have only had my truck for three months. I feel like it needs to be woken up more but I worry about the potential hazards of having something go wrong and the tune effecting the warranty. Does anyone know if any trucks have had problems with the tune? Are if using a lower octane could be more problematic?


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suprspinner said:

I'm super interested In the svc tune but I have the ford esp warranty and have only had my truck for three months. I feel like it needs to be woken up more but I worry about the potential hazards of having something go wrong and the tune effecting the warranty. Does anyone know if any trucks have had problems with the tune? Are if using a lower octane could be more problematic?


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There are "potential hazards" whenever you modify the factory settings/tune. That being said, I have had the 5Star tune in my Raptor for 3 years now and I love it, never an issue or code.

I need a tune in my life.

I had the 5 Star tune in my 2010 raptor and had no issues arise from the tune. And now on my 13 I have the SVC tune. It all depends on the dealer but if you have a picky dealer just flash it back to the stock tune before you take it in. But as far as problems arising from the tune if you go with a competent tuner which for raptors right now it seems 5 star and SVC's are the big ones you should be without any problems. If still scared flash it back to stock when it goes in.

Supposedly the dealer can see something was plugged into the truck, but i think its a lot of work to figure out what was used

Anything can happen when modifying your vehicle. That being said look at my signature line. I have gone mod crazy. Stick with 5 star or SVC and I cannot imagine there being an issue. Got a 5star tune the day after I drove it new off the lot. Never an issue. The tunes are awesome! Couple them with exhaust or CAI, or both, and it will make a noticeable difference. One side note: You can reflash and return the truck to stock settings for the dealer, but they are not stupid, and can tell quite easily if the truck has ever had a tune on it. Remember dealerships are completely worthless!! The only reason you go there is to buy the truck or have something covered under warranty. Never go there for anything else unless you have some kind of special relationship or know the owner/manager. These are specialty trucks that need special care. The majority of dealerships are absolutely clueless about them and how they work.

If you are concerned about voiding your powertrain warranty, don't tune. Period. If the dealer finds out and you have a powertrain issue, they are very likely to deny warranty coverage. The rules are pretty straightforward.

Having said that, the chances of a tune causing an issue are very low. 5* and SVC have solid reputations, and they protect those by not doing anything crazy. There's been people tuned for years with no issues. That is the most common occurrence.

BUT - know what you are risking. I have the 9yr 125K ESP plan from Ford, and if my nav breaks or my power seats, I'm covered. But if I have an engine problem, and they find out I was tuned, I am PREPARED to pay for it. I won't be surprised. I won't be coming into the forums to say how evil Ford is for denying me warranty coverage. Go in with both eyes open and enjoy your tune.

You can get the 5 star tune from Stage 3 Motorsports with up to a 6yr/100k powertrain warranty. It covers up to $20k incase the dealer ever declines it based off a tune.

Zboater is correct. Just know what your situation is going in. 90% of the warranty issues will still be covered. Just not the parts you modify.

Would it even be worth going back to the stock tune if the dealership can so easily tell it's been changed? And thank you all, have there been any serious problems with our engines or transmissions where they would need to be fixed so extensively?


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