Apologies in advance on this-- I realize it's been addressed to some degree here already. The consensus seems to be that all one needs to do is remove the device prior to any dealer service, and they will never be the wiser. My concern, though, is that somehow (!) the car will "know" it's been tinkered with and fink on me to the dealer. Does anyone here have insight/experience on this subject?

 

Ridiculous Fear.

 

Yeah, I'm kinda coming to that conclusion. I tend to overthink things...

 

FWIW, Just received the following response from Soler:


"The controller is untraceable and does not register anything on the ECM/ECU (not a tune). Ultimately, you can always disconnect it if you want to be extra careful but it all works within OEM calibration and again, there is no way to tell via a computer or scan.

Additionally, there are laws that protect consumers with modifications that have nothing to do with a warranty claim. They would have to prove the controller was the reason for the claim. No worries there.

Over five years on the market and we have not had an instance of a single warranty claim denied from one of our products.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know."

 

Honestly your shouldn't even need to remove it for service as it is not changing anything in the tune, it is just recalibrating the throttle position sent from the pedal to the ECM. But, yes, to be safe, remove it before service, and there is no way to know it was there.

 

I don't remove mine for service, just set it to the OEM setting, mostly so the pedal response won't take anyone by surprise.

 

Thanks!

 

After building cars for over 40 years, the best advice I can offer is

If you even are remotely worried, don’t do it. Drive the car stock and enjoy it. Little changes aren’t worth the worry you will feel whenever you need service.

That being said… I’ve pulled into a dealer with head, cam, gears, etc for warranty work and all the service guys said was “Wow, amazing car…. “

You live once, do what makes you happy and don’t look back,

 

I think this is as good as the advice can get. When the device works correctly, it does not do anything that should damage that car. But there is risk, however small, that it will cause damage. And there is a risk, however small, that, if it is found by a dealer, a warranty claim would be denied (if the ECM, for example failed and had to be replaced) even if the device did not cause the failure. The Warranty Manual is pretty clear that installed devices that affect vehicle controls may result in denial of a claim for affected components.

The throttle control connects directly to both the throttle pedal position sensor and the ECM. So, its in a position to cause damage to control systems if it does not function as designed. Not saying the risk is large - just do it with an understanding of what does and the devices to which it connects.

 

Thanks!

 

This is the way

 

@drwoof, thanks for asking this question. I took delivery of my C8 five days ago and it's been back to the dealership twice for a Check Engine light. I ordered the Soler controller the day I purchased the car and now I'm reluctant to install it.

Comforting to know I'm not the only one concerned about a warranty claim being denied.

 

As noted, I do tend to overthink things... If I were a multi-millionaire, I'd not give it a second thought. But I'm not, and the cost of even a 'simple' repair these days can easily run into the thousands. I'm going to talk to the dealer (a very good one in Northern Calif.) and ask them. Would expect a qualified answer, but if they honestly don't give a rip, and wouldn't make big deal about it, that message will come through. (And yes, with a hat-tip to Andybump, I understand the risk that would remain, nonetheless... will make the call after the talk.)

Thanks to all for you responses!

 

Also, douglasM5, really sorry you had to take your brand-new car back to the dealer so quickly! Bummer. While some do trash-talk the C8 (and some have admittedly had terrible QC and/dealer experiences), I'll note that I've personally had Honda products (two, one Honda, one Acura) that had 'issues' early on, and needed attention. The Acura even needed a clutch replacement --twice-- before 5K mi. Once everything was sorted out, both cars went well over 200K. The odds are they'll get you all squared away, and you'll have years and years of enjoyment with your Vette. Mine is my first, and while it hasn't been perfect, I'm satisfied. It never fails to put a (huge) smile on my face, and as you'll soon notice, people really like the car. I'd not thought about or expected this, but it is an added bonus. Was out yesterday, after not driving the Stingray for around 3 weeks. Two thumbs-up from strangers in non-Vette vehicles, one 'Nice ride!' at the gas station, and one little wave and smile from a young lady on the sidewalk (and I'm a geezer!). I don't need the attention, necessarily (or maybe I do?), but it does make me happy to see other people light up. Combined with (to me) breathtaking performance, it's winner.

 

@drwoof, Thanks for your support! I sold my business of 34 years in December so I'm an old guy too. My friends couldn't believe I'd bought a Corvette but I justified it because I'm tired of Corvettes passing me in my M5 on track. When you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

I own several BMWs and this is my first Chevrolet that wasn't a truck in my fleet. The Check Engine light issue is disappointing for sure but hopefully the dealer will get it sorted out soon. As for getting attention, I got two enthusiastic waves and a shout out while I was test driving the car! And several more since then. Who knew?

It was encouraging to read that the controller leaves no fingerprint behind. I look forward to installing it after the car becomes more reliable.

Thanks again for starting this post. I found it very helpful.

 

I am thinking about the Solar for my ZO6. Mostly for security reasons, did any of you get it for that reason?
And does it work?

 

Mark's sensible and considerate approach is the same one I take. I leave the controller connected but select the OEM mode when the car is taken in for dealer service.

 

If you are worried about the dealer knowing it is installed, a simple solution other than removing it. The controller works without the display connected, removed the display and tuck the wire under the carpet. Set the controller back to factory settings before dropping the car off.

 

I deviated from the install video and tucked the wire behind the firewall carpet so it is not visible. Your idea to remove the display makes great sense.

 

I didn't get it for security reasons but it is an added benefit. I've had Soler Throttle Controllers on my performance cars for years and they are awesome! I've told a couple of dealers that I have them on and not one has flinched or said anything about them being an issue. You literally are not doing anything other than adjusting the throttle signal to the throttle bodies. I understand the previous post about voltages going through the throttle, etc. Soler has been selling these for years and I've not read a single story about this affecting anyones warranty, anywhere. Don't even think about it, just get one. I used to be a non believer. thought it was voodoo BS........"My foot is my throttle controller!" I was one of those guys.........then I finally said screw it because I kept reading about it and just bought one. 10 seconds into my first drive my jaw dropped.........switched from OEM to SPORT and OMG, wow, I felt like I gained 150hp (to be clear the car is 0% faster than stock, but it FEELS so much more responsive and faster......you know exactly what it's doing but it doesn't matter). Those that are not believers simply haven't tried one. I'm telling you it is THE single best cheap "mod" you can make, period. I will never have a performance car without one. I drive my Z06 in Comfort 9, which is much more aggressive than stock but not as aggressive as SPORT (there are so many more modes you can program exactly how much response you want), but it's just feels so smooth and fast and is sooooooo much better than stock.