Hello,

 

I’ve got a new 2021 Superb with the 2.0TSI (206kW), 6sp DSG, 4x4.

 

I’m investigating getting a performance tune  (ECU remap). Possibly a TCU remap.  There are several options available from the more reputable tuners that have been developed primarily for the Golf R community (same engine and trans). APR is one of the more mainstream options that have a variety of engine and transmission control unit software upgrades. I’m considering a “mild” “Stage 1” tune that is just software, no hardware (ie cold air intake, downpipe, etc) to begin with.

 

My question is - Will an ECU or TCU remap void the Skoda manufacturers warranty?

 

Ive asked the salesman that sold me the car and he says yes, it will void the warranty. He may be correct but I’d like some validation or perhaps you have some experience with this? Performance remaps seem to be quite common practice in the VW and Audi community so given this Skoda is part of the same family I’d have thought it should be fine..

Pretty much any remap is gonna invalidate your warranty! If you’re that desperate for more power maybe look at a removable tuning box? You would need to take it completely off before going anywhere near the dealers though but it’s probably less traceable for them than a remap which would be very obvious when they plug in to the diagnostic port.

The Manufacturers Warranty covers Non Factory Approved Engine Management / Software & Hardware.

There in Exclusions in Europe's VW Group T&C's.

 

If you know you invalidated the warranty yet make a claim on engine or gearbox / drivetrain because of failure then you know what you are doing.

They may pay your fixes, or you might have to when caught out, and in Europe people do get caught out.

 

You are as well 'pay yourself if you want to play',  no point expecting the manufacturer to (Warranty Underwriter) .

(There are engines / turbos that go pop even if standard or mapped, some are lucky and dealership staff can be deaf dumb and blind.)

 

Crash your car or have to have it recovered and a Tuning Box might well still be fitted.

A Technician or Examiner or Loss Adjuster might then see it.  As it is your insurers want to know the car is remapped or running a tuning box.

Warranties are an Insurance Policy, and anyone paying out thousands on a Warranty Claim are allowed to Investigate a ECU.

 

Exclusions in UK Skoda Warranty.

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Edited 11 August, 20214 yr by e-Roottoot

You should also inform your insurance company.

Thanks for your replies. I’ll take at the warranty section of my manual on the weekend. I don’t want to do anything sneaky. 

Cheers

3 hours ago, Roo2 said:

Will an ECU or TCU remap void the Skoda manufacturers warranty?

Almost certainly yes, but I don't actually know Australian consumer rights legislation.

9 hours ago, Roo2 said:

Thanks for your replies. I’ll take at the warranty section of my manual on the weekend. I don’t want to do anything sneaky. 

Cheers

Can’t speak for your home country but over here it’s pretty much forget the warranty if you remap or otherwise modify it and likewise insurance needs to be informed as well. 
You can try to not declare these things to insurers and the dealer but neither are stupid and in the event of an accident the investigators would likely be interrogating the ecu especially on a performance car like these and the dealer would be able to spot a remap flag on the ecu and worse case could overwrite it anyway just by doing a routine ecu software update while in for service or warranty work which would then render your remap cost wasted.

you could always be upfront with the dealer and remap it anyway but any warranty claim you tried would likely be rejected as they love to find an excuse to not pay out just like insurance would.

 

I've had to sign disclaimers each time i have had an APR remap.  APR wont allow the uploading of their maps until you do. You are on your own if the turbo goes.

11 hours ago, Bigeater said:

I've had to sign disclaimers each time i have had an APR remap.  APR wont allow the uploading of their maps until you do. You are on your own if the turbo goes.

Thanks all. I’ll reconsider in a few years when the warranty is approaching expiry.. Or when I win the lottery and don’t care. Whichever comes first.

Hi. 

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a re-map then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

16 minutes ago, DAN@ADRIAN FLUX said:

Hi. 

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a re-map then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

When did you start insuring cars in Australia?