New OEM ECU flash pros/cons

[BillMcQuade]

I have been reading about the new ECU flash that is being installed during the "overheating" recall. It seems to be a mixed bag. My VIN is outside of the recall range, and I am happy with the way my ute is performing, so I'm contemplating telling the dealer not to flash my ECU at the next service. I thought people might like to share their experiences with the new flash and outline the pros/cons, as they see them.

[hvac guy]

Had mine done yesterday definitely goes better mn auto feels like i have picked up some mid range power in 1st gear

[Scale]

There was one found no differene with mine, not sure if they even flashed it.

[buffhunt]

Mine was flashed in January as part of the Engine Overheat check. I initially thought the Turbo lag was worse, but it seems to be back to normal now. (About 2800rpm it really kicks in). Fuel economy may be improved. I've only really driven it to work and home, with a couple of short 40k runs on a weekend. I think I am getting about 9.5l/100km around town. (Was 10l/100km in town). Definitely have the engine rev when changing gears, (is this what they refer to as Dashpot?) but I am used to it and the dealer has confirmed this is what it is meant to do. It appears to help keep the revs in a good place to keep power on. Bottom line, I have no obvious reason to complain.

[biggibbo]

I drove a new one the other day, and found the engine rev between gears un-nerving, so refused the ECU update to which my dealer said, its part of the recall, and has to be done. Quick argument with the service manager got me no where, so I said forget the recall. Its running sweet except for the airbag light.

I would not trust said dealer to put air in my tyres so definately not getting them to do ECU upgrades or change coolant.

[Cowboy Dave]

Mine has been running like a swiss watch since the reflash although I did also have a new manifold fitted and other good stuff done at the same time. Mine is auto though so whatever the flaring is I probably wouldn't feel it.

Gibbo I'm aware of similar arguments with other dealers where the service managers have been intelligent enough to relent and just do the coolant and testing and the new cap. It's about time these blokes realised they don't own the vehicle. I had one service bloke get all shitty that I had a scangauge and say MMAL wouldn't be too happy to see me having anything attached to the OBD port. I just gave him my best WTF? look.

[Calblitzen]

My just un plugs my Scangauge and plugs it back in when they finish. Although they don't seem to like some of the questions I ask sometimes.

[kitemanwest aussie]

Curious about a warranty claim on an engine/cooling system/etc when an owner refuses a recall related to those components. Might need some luck there.

[biggibbo]

It has over 205,000. No warranty anyway. It's running sweet, and if it hasn't overheated yet, with a lot of towing, I think I'll take my chances

[hvac guy]

Good call ^^^^

[Neui78]

Got my ute booked in for the coolant and radiator cap recall. My ute is running perfect and really don't want it messed with as far as the ECU re flash. Being a manual the whole revving between gear changes sounds really crap!

[Cowboy Dave]

So, tell them not to do it. It's your car and you're well within your rights to decline that bit.

[biggibbo]

That's what I did, and they point blank refused to do the coolant and radiator cap swap. I said no worries and left it at that.

[Cowboy Dave]

I've read of other dealers who were prepared to do half of it. Not all dealers are idiots...

[Tony]

It has over 205,000. No warranty anyway. It's running sweet, and if it hasn't overheated yet, with a lot of towing, I think I'll take my chances

I have done same, your's and mime be some of the hardest worked MN's out there and not have heating issues.

[Longranger1]

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

I agree with Biggibbo and Tony on this.

[jmjLc]

i did the same and told the dealer no ecu upgrade they also refused to do the coolant but when i picked up the car from its service they had done the coolant and cap but no ecu , was told they rang mitsibitshi and was told is customers choice if they want it done not compulsory according to our dealer , mind you i was very addamant about it , my car my choice and signed nothing,