Dealer detuned my GT!

[littleblueGT]

I took my GT to the dealer as I noticed the tranny started slipping in 4th gear, just like it did before they rebuilt it last time.They performed the "quick learn" as a few of the perameters were out, and removed some fluid. I usually keep the tranny fluid at the max when hot, and checked when the vehicle is level. The mechanic said it should just be over the lower hot line when hot. We took it for a test drive and of course it didn't slip.They were also going to fix the drivers side key lock, but had to order the electric latch. The car seemed sluggish on the way home from the dealer. The next day we went to lunch and the wife said why is the car so slow. I have a feeling the dealer pulled the timing,or changed the boost to crutch the trans problem. I have 8k miles left on the warrenty. Has any one else had this happen? It seems that these tranny's aren't good for more than 30k miles at a time.

[bobs turbo pt]

thats stinks !! bring it back !!

[dgc333]

We have 60K miles on out 03 PT GT turbo. Not a hint of trouble with the tranny.

[robert2183]

Originally Posted by littleblueGT

I took my GT to the dealer as I noticed the tranny started slipping in 4th gear, just like it did before they rebuilt it last time.They performed the "quick learn" as a few of the perameters were out, and removed some fluid. I usually keep the tranny fluid at the max when hot, and checked when the vehicle is level. The mechanic said it should just be over the lower hot line when hot. We took it for a test drive and of course it didn't slip.They were also going to fix the drivers side key lock, but had to order the electric latch. The car seemed sluggish on the way home from the dealer. The next day we went to lunch and the wife said why is the car so slow. I have a feeling the dealer pulled the timing,or changed the boost to crutch the trans problem. I have 8k miles left on the warrenty. Has any one else had this happen? It seems that these tranny's aren't good for more than 30k miles at a time.

Are you sure they didn't disconnect the battery? And also - if they quick-leaned the tranny ... then it 'erased' your driving style it had memorized. The PT auto tranny adapts to how you like to drive, if it knows you like to drive fast, then it makes up for that (or so I've heard). I didn't actually think they could change parameters and DETUNE a PT. If they could actually do that, I think that someone with a Chrylser mechanic 'friend' would have some wild, out of control PT Turbo. As far as I know - Chrysler has the PCM tuning on lock down. Best of luck to you, and I'm sorry I'm not very knowledgeable. Just passing along what I've heard. Hope your PT livens back up!

~Robert

[littleblueGT]

I forgot to mention that that they did a computer "update" after we did the test drive. The engine ran fine when I took it to the dealer, and it ran fine when the mechanic and I took it for a test drive (I drove). Working on the latch isn't going to change engine performance, but a PCM "update" can. I asked the dealer if they could have given me an update for the low output turbo version instead of the GT high output version, and I was told that the updates are against the Vin number, and changing the performance lower was against the law.All I know is the car ran strong when I drove it to the dealer, and ran like crap when I drove it home from the dealer. They said they would check for codes, but if they put in the computer "update" there won't be any codes! If there is a Chrysler mechanic on this forum let us know exactly what they can do programming the PCM,legal, or not.

[04PTGT]

Originally Posted by littleblueGT

I forgot to mention that that they did a computer "update" after we did the test drive. The engine ran fine when I took it to the dealer, and it ran fine when the mechanic and I took it for a test drive (I drove). Working on the latch isn't going to change engine performance, but a PCM "update" can. I asked the dealer if they could have given me an update for the low output turbo version instead of the GT high output version, and I was told that the updates are against the Vin number, and changing the performance lower was against the law.All I know is the car ran strong when I drove it to the dealer, and ran like crap when I drove it home from the dealer. They said they would check for codes, but if they put in the computer "update" there won't be any codes! If there is a Chrysler mechanic on this forum let us know exactly what they can do programming the PCM,legal, or not.

Robert 2183 is correct. Drive the car for a while and see if it improves. The UPDATE is not a detune I just checked them in the system. Most updates are improvements or mandatory emission changes. Anyway give it a while the post back if no change.

Just FYI Chrysler PCM in not locked down anymore. I can tune them all day long. You just need the right equipment. It is out there.

[04PTGT]

Here is the part where the lawyers speak up …

Notice

Federal and many state laws prohibit the removal, modification or rendering inoperative of any part or element of design affecting emissions of safety on motor vehicles used for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. Violation may result in a fine of up to $27,500 per vehicle. Mechanical and/or electronic performance parts cannot be use used on vehicles used on the streets or highways. These parts may be used only on vehicles used solely in sanctioned off-highway events. No other applications are intended or implied.

[Taggert_LOA]

since your a new owner have you checked the hoses and vac lines to see if you have a boost leak? maybe after they serviced it they forgot to tighten something up.

[littleblueGT]

I drove the GT for a week while waiting for the new door latch to come in, and there was no change! When I took it in to have the door latch replaced I talked to the manager, and he instructed the tech to reprogram the update. The service rep didn't know that and stated he had several techs look at it, and none could find the problem. He took the car for a test drive and when he returned stated the GT was running strong. On the way home I couldn't believe the power, but then before I got home the engine light came on. I found that they had pulled the orange line off the turbo! I attached the line and reset the computer, and the power was back! They didn't know that they had fixed it by redoing the update to the PCM, and resorted to pulling the line that operated the waste gate to get me out of there. They pulled the same thing 5 years ago when I bought the car. During the test drive there was power up the but, then when I got the car after they "washed and filled the gas tank" I never saw that power again. I took it back 3 times for them to find why the power was gone. The old tech during the last visit said "you're the guy that was upset about the power loss 5 years ago, well the orange line came off and we just put it back on". Funny that the same day he told me about it the same thing happened again.