ECU flash counter / reset.
 

Hey all,

I couldn't find an answer about the OFT and if anyone would be able to tell if you flashed the ECU if you flashed it back to stock using an OFT before bringing it to the dealer.

Some sources say flashing to stock resets the flash counter while others dont and I'm just not sure where the truth is regarding it. Thanks in advance <3

It's possible for them to find flash counts, but i heard prevailing opinion here, that most dealerships won't check for that or don't have skills/knowledge in most cases how to check flash counter. Imho you should be safe enough if flashing back stock firmware prior dealership visit.

Talking to Subaru and Toyota techs and looking at techstream dealer software their does not seem to be a flash counter in these ECU.


It possible it does exist but the dealer level techs and software they have access to doesn't show any flash counter


Note Ecutek tune system does insert a flash counter in its embedded licience info but this is ecutek flash counter not a manufacturer flash counter.




It possible for dealer to detect tune left in ecu by checking the CVN calibration verification number like a checksum ( different to the calibration ID like ZA1JB01C), but often they don't understand how to do this or even know how to check it.




just flash it to stock with OFT you will be fine and the CVN will be stock


True story


Person traded in their car GT86 to Toyota Dealer and left E85 tune in ECU and E85 in tank.


Toyota dealer sold it to new owner neither they or owner realised it was tuned to E85 or had E85 in tank.


New owner then needs to refuel so in goes petrol .


Car starts to run like crap so they return it to dealer


Dealer spends weeks trying to find problem. they replace many components like 02 sensor, injectors fuel pumps and more trying to fix the fuelling issue. they contact Toyota head office as they want to replace ECU (they still haven't worked out its tuned) as they now think ECU faulty.
Toyota corporate contact a local tuner to ask about car. The local tuner is contracted to look at car, they reflash it to stock and happy days.


Toyota dealer is amazed that standard ecu can be accessed and reprogrammed.




This may be different at Subaru as they are more familiar with tuning due all the tuned WRX and Libertys. Toyota have not had a car that aftermarket tuners tuned here for many years so thet are not even expecting tunes in standard ecu

Thank you for the detailed reply I really appreciate it. My Subaru dealer had told me they wont work on my car if I tune it or did anything to it / they would know. And also that it would void any and all warranty on the car.

I have the v2 OFT from my previous brz and I recently upgraded and just wanted to stage 1 to make it a bit smoother but have been super hesitant to even attempt it in fear of the dealer checking and denying me service. And the answers have been so hit or miss.

I dont want to commit any kind of fraud I'd like to point that out. My previous brz was tuned and they knew that because I told them and flashed it to stock after removing all my aftermarket parts which is when they told me about tuning the new one.

Thanks again Steve your info is always great!