Article states : "...the software and code that run these ECUs are proprietary and protected by copyright law.In
short, they don't want outsiders messing around with that coding, and
believe unauthorized modifications could lead to malfunctions and car
accidents."
This particular bru-ha is over the software written into the vehicle control modules. Changing a line of code, or modifying certain operational parameters is akin to tweaking the distributor timing, installing headers, or swapping a carburetor on an older car. Even back then, these things would usually void the warranty. The issue is
after the warranty expires, the manufacturer no longer has any say in what is done...so they should just shut the f up. What they are attempting is to keep anyone for modifying the programming
period....warranty or not. They can already tell if the program has been modified on a vehicle, and that's all they need to deny ANY warranty work, even thought your warranty issue might have nothing to do with a modified PCM. Windshield wipers/power windows/left brake light quit working? Sorry...you voided your warranty by reprogramming the PCM.
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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"