Power Modules (tuning boxes)

[Lucas_R]

If you went in for warranty work on a blown engine it might have been a different story. The ECU's are so smart in these cars that im sure VW can download details of boost, fuel pressure etc if they dig for it. Ferrari could download this type of data from their F50 20 years ago.

If your car went in for rattles they probably didn't even lift the bonnet, let alone plug it into any diagnostic machine.

I've never read of anyone being caught out on the warranty after pulling it out. I had my car in for some warranty work a few weeks ago,minor rattle stuff, and they never said a word.

[mattaus]

The JB4 is a more advanced unit - it connects to OBDII and can take control of AFR's, puts menus in the OSD.. among other things (similar features to a flash tune). It's not due for release any time soon. I'm guessing it'll be late this year, just going from how George (the developer) has been talking about it - every time someone asks, there's not even a rough guesstimate let alone a fixed date.

OK, thanks for the info. I'll go with whatever is available when I am ready to purchase.

[Martin]

I've read a lot of forums regarding whether any of the tunes leave a trace once removed. The general consensus is that with apr there might be a trace but very hard to pinpoint unless they dig for it.

There is no uncertainly about it - all ECU firmware flashes result in the ECU flash count being incremented and this is dead easy for VW to spot (they can't see what was previously flashed into the ECU And why).

[mattaus]

There is no uncertainly about it - all ECU firmware flashes result in the ECU flash count being incremented and this is dead easy for VW to spot (they can't see what was previously flashed into the ECU And why).

The JB1 unit is not a flash though so no issues like the APR tunes, correct?

[sparkyboy69]

Correct


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[jazzyjames999]

I've had the newspeed on my R for the past few months. Very happy with it, there is a very noticeable difference. I'll keep it til warrant runs out and go apr after.

[LunchboxVRS]

I have the apr tune in my polo gti 6R. I had the issue with the clutches shuddering into 2nd on the odd Occassion (once a month) I mentioned it at services but the couldn't replicate it. at around 35000km it got more consistent (and annoying) I Took it into VW and they ran a program to check and said the couldn't replicate it but in there words "reset the transmission" it seemed OK for a couple of weeks the started to creep back in. I hate them check it at the last service again and was told they found the fault and had
Please "reflashed it" with new software. This is where I believe they discovered the tune. it was ok again for a week or two but then started to shudder in reverse. I took it back and was told it was defiantly the clutches. I was then told it would cost $3k. I explained that the problem existed before my warranty expired and had been in multiple times which where all documented. They they said that they wouldn't cover it due to the tune. Lucky for me I have extended warranty with another company and that will cover the repairs but tune aside I'm pissed that the strung it out until the warranty expired the tried to sting me. If they where going to use the tune as a reason not to give warranty they could have denied it straight up. Add to this the engine rattle which I was told was a roller on the cam chain that there is a TPI on and it was a problem yet. I complained every service so it was documented. As soon as warranty expired it was the jamming piston on the cam chain and they didn't recommend me driving it. Funny how it has made the same noise on cold startup for the last 2 years but now it's an issue.
So yes they will find a flash tune. And they will try to shaft you on warranty at any chance.

[Greg Roles]

If you went in for warranty work on a blown engine it might have been a different story. The ECU's are so smart in these cars that im sure VW can download details of boost, fuel pressure etc if they dig for it. Ferrari could download this type of data from their F50 20 years ago.

If your car went in for rattles they probably didn't even lift the bonnet, let alone plug it into any diagnostic machine.

For the record, to my knowledge only the Audi R8 and RS / S series down to 5 have this non erasable tracking enabled. I have not heard of VW using that system as yet, but I'm not the be all and end all, and companies keep this VERY quiet....

As for piggybacks, even if left in place they do not trigger TD1, have plenty of people who risk it now at the dealers, even though I recommend at LEAST putting in the dummy plug in place of the box itself, so the car at least drives stock. I have seen tunes flag TD1 at Audi, yet a box - no flag, as the ECU itself is otherwise stock. Given the need a mechanic can find the loom, but so too, ideally you take the whole thing off each dealer service. I can't comment on the JB system, but this is true for any standalone plug in boxes, even the crappy fuel only ones.

Is this an absolute warranty guarantee, who knows. It is however the best current option you have, apart from leaving it stock.

[rosslm]

Just a heads up fitted a JB1 to my Wolfsburg yesterday default Map1 4.8 boost no other mods. Fitting was a pretty straight forward however the lower plug 'D' best accessed by removing the lower engine cover. I would recommend raising the front on ramps for safe access, Do not jack up the car and crawl under with only the jack for support. I tied up the wiring harness with velcro straps and fixed the box between the air filter and battery again with velcro to secure it, looks like an OEM fit. Performance gain is pretty amazing I can't see myself wanting more than this talk about a sleeper. Drives just like normal slow and smooth to incredibly quick what a fantastic car. The chassis and drive are so good it just revels in the extra power. Fuel use same as normal depending on driving style for me 7.6-8.0 outer suburban. My average over 4500km now 8.0 at the pump.

[car_nut]

Just a heads up fitted a JB1 to my Wolfsburg yesterday default Map1 4.8 boost no other mods. Performance gain is pretty amazing I can't see myself wanting more than this talk about a sleeper. Drives just like normal slow and smooth to incredibly quick what a fantastic car.

+1 to that but same JB1 is fitted to my 2015 Polo GTI. Safety boost set to 4.6 (recommended 4.0 for Polo, George Smooth has given up on me) with fuel setting 25%. I don't want more power than this. 1500 ks with it fitted and no problem, driving as much as possible to preserve the DSG clutches but it's too much fun not to give it a good boot full occasionally.