Nothing can happen if they don't have a program to load over yours.

 

Bill,

The emissions test would typically only be part of an inspection procedure, right? So if he's just going in for an oil change..

Never mind - just re-read the post.

 

They can mess up a pin, all sorts of stuff. I've watched how non shalantly (sp) they do their thing.

 

Let's say I leave it on L2 and they flash the PCM when it's in for an oil change. Can't I just return to stock afterwards and overwrite the new file with the stock file that's stored in the Evolution? Am I missing something here?

 

The edge would have to be returned to stock before the reflash took place for the edge to work properly. That's where people run into problems.

 

I still don't get it. The Edge didn't change. Only the PCM changed. The Edge is just sitting there monitoring PIDs, so what would bother it?

 

Once again, I refer you to what happened to Casper's. Get it straight... the EPA doesn't care that you need to make a living and have families to feed, as long as you starve to death in an unpolluted environment.

 

Here's the problem...

In order to achieve such fast programming times, the Evolution accesses only a small portion of the memory, leaving the rest untouched. However, ALL the memory is related to one another and a change in the unmodified portions can render the rest inoperable. Let me put it this way...

There are 3 sections of memory. A, B and C. We change C. A dealer reflash would change A, B and C. Let's call the stock calibration "1" and the reflash calibration "2". In the grand scheme of things, this is what happens:

Stock
A:1 - B:1 - C:1

Evo programmed
A:1 - B:1 - C:1(mod)

Reflash while Evo still in level x
A:2 - B:2 - C:2

Returned Evo to stock after reflash
A:2 - B:2 - C:1

As you can see, the last one has now caused an issue because the Evo mismatched the part of the calibration. This causes the truck to become disabled and will ultimately require the dealer to reflash the PCM again. This is why you must always return to stock (or by some means disable reflashing the PCM) before going to the dealer.

Hope this clears everything up.

Bill

 

So are other (I won't name) custom tuners who members have used on this website succeptable (sp) to these regulations?

ETA: Casper's was breaking the law with their tunes though. Legal custom would remain available, correct?

 

Great explanation, Bill! So... if my PCM does get flashed with an Evolution program loaded, I should call Edge and have the unit "reset" so it can initialize and suck out the new file when I plug it back in, right? (And hope that the new file is supported)

 

Basically the fact is this... If you don't have a CARB EO# (Exemption Order) and you are modifying ANY part of the emissions system (yes, this includes reprogramming the PCM) you are technically breaking the law. EPA has strict guidelines on emissions tampering and up until recently has has been punishing the consumer for engaging in such activity, particularly in California.

Manufacturers have been hiding behind the "Not Legal for Sale or Use in California Except for Off-Road Vehicles) disclaimer to continue to sell their products and left it up to the customer to assume responsibility for compliance with federal regulations. Well, those days are over.

EPA vs. Casper's set the precedent and thrust responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the manufacturer. Gone are the days of "Off-Road Use Only". If the target vehicle is a production, street legal vehicle, then you either comply with CARB and EPA regulations or prepare to get your nuts whacked.

This is not going to turn out well for the aftermarket industry or the performance enthusiasts. The liability of getting fined (or worse) is too great. Like they say in the movies... "Smoke 'em while you got 'em!"

Just as a note: This really needs to be in a new thread.