Does getting any APR work...?

[DarkCloudNebulae]

So, if the technician tries the cruise control switch and is then prompted for a 4-digit code, he would then know that you have installed an aftermarket ECU and would probably blame it for your buggered gearbox (or whatever).

The question is, is it possible to completely hide such an upgrade from prying eyes?

It doesn't do anything to "prompt" you. it simply sits there looking like nothing is happening (and does nothing but cruise control things) until you enter the correct code via a somewhat complex method... the pin is also individual, so you would have to try thousands of combinations before you got it, and it does not do anything if the wrong code is entered... there is demonstration video on the APR website that illustrates how it works... might be worth a watch!

DCN

[Maverick]

So, if the technician tries the cruise control switch and is then prompted for a 4-digit code, he would then know that you have installed an aftermarket ECU and would probably blame it for your buggered gearbox (or whatever).

The question is, is it possible to completely hide such an upgrade from prying eyes?

He wouldn't be prompted for the 4 digit code. You have to enter the 2-6 digit code before it let's you know that it's there. So unless you know for sure APR is there and are willing to try every combination of 2-6 character pin numbers there is no way for them to find out short of removing the ECU (drilling out the rivets) from the car and sending it off to be checked.

[bmck]

It doesn't do anything to "prompt" you.
DCN

I see. Thanks.

[astro]

Hey thanks for all your help, looks like its helped a few other people too. i also watched the video also, nice work from the guys at APR aswell!

[DarkCloudNebulae]

If you are interested in APR, even if your not decided I recommend you ring or email Guy or James at APR (they are in QLD as you two are) and talk to them, I asked them almost identical questions as to you, they were most willing to answer everything I asked, patiently and promptly.

DCN

[MaccaTSI]

Also, one more thing.. you can probably get your car serviced under warranty at the same place that installed the chip e.g. European Autotech in Mona Vale do APR installs and VW Warranty servicing.

When I enquired they said for any problems or servicing they can be your first port of call. Then you don't have to worry about the dealer finding out.

[Deano]

their is a flash counter that can be read via the VAS, a car will read Flash-0 wen delivered from factory and will count Flash-1 if your ECU has been updated by a VW dealer, wen an APR Flash is carried out it will read the flash status and put the same value on the ECU as it previously was. so if it was 0 then after an APR flash it still reads 0 . I used to work at a dealership and have tried this.

[Lima]

Im very curious about this... last thing id want is to void a 6 yr warranty!!

But id love the xtra powerrrr!

Get a Golf R.

[Nath]

Hmm yeah that'd be nice but $2K for APR Stg 1, or 10-20K extra for the R....

[schoona]

Lack of patience is huge with you guys. The APR flash is going to be exactly the same system as hte mkv, search the mkv forum and look at the ins and outs of chipping there.

Also, you are spending ~ 50k on a car, thats not a "tight budget", be patient, get the R and then reap all the rewards. Mk6 GTI is a nice car, not a big enough step up from the mkv though, especially with the imminent Golf R being such good value. On paper at least, we haven't driven it yet.