5-Star tuning opinions/problems/results for Ford V-10 Triton

[EricGT]

I just ordered mine.
Was on the fence. But with the group buy, I figured give it a shot.

[Polyian]

Originally Posted by EricGT

I just ordered mine.
Was on the fence. But with the group buy, I figured give it a shot.

You won't regret your decision. I took months to get past the price tag and I would never go back to stock... it's just a much better driving experience. My DW noticed within a couple of miles.

[Steeljag]

Can I assume the Five Star program makes the E 450 five speed comparable to the six speed ?

[1sttimer]

I also have been considering the 5 star tune but my coach is still under warranty and I don't want to have any problems with Ford should I need to make a claim.

I have heard both ways on whether it's ok to make the upgrade. 5star told me it was ok but Ford says no.

If the 5 star tune is so much better than the factory tune, why would Ford not make that the standard? It doesn't appear that it will do any harm---or will it?

[Polyian]

Originally Posted by 1sttimer

I also have been considering the 5 star tune but my coach is still under warranty and I don't want to have any problems with Ford should I need to make a claim.

I have heard both ways on whether it's ok to make the upgrade. 5star told me it was ok but Ford says no.

If the 5 star tune is so much better than the factory tune, why would Ford not make that the standard? It doesn't appear that it will do any harm---or will it?

There are hundreds of posts in multiple threads regarding 5 star impacts...no negative reports in the several years of postings.

As far as warranty goes, you don't tell Ford you used it and you remove the tune to take it in for any Ford service...it takes 10 or 15 minutes to restore the computer to the factory tune with no residue to indicate it was ever there. I'm still under warranty but I don't expect to visit a Ford dealer anytime soon, oil and lube I get elsewhere.
Ford will say No to any modification to any part of the chassis while it's under warranty. I would too if I was running Ford, they can't be expected to warranty modifications to their design.

[1sttimer]

Originally Posted by 5star

CrimeCrunchr & Steeljag, thank you both for your responses! Makes a huge difference in the 4-speed, 5-speed & 6- speed transmission.

Adam1219, There a ton of pros for using our tune. You'll have more power, improved torque, vastly improved shifting without compromising your factory reliability. The install only takes around 5-7 minutes. Install is also as simply as connecting and selecting program. Once programming has begun the tuner will take over and finish the process for you. With the tuner you will still have your full factory warranty. If the device ever fails there are ways to reset the coach to factory and retune with a different tuner. Many will echo the value of the tune. If you're close to our location we can always demo the tune in your vehicle for you.

5 Star, you say that your tune for the V10 will not affect the full factory warranty. When I called Ford headquarters (not just a Ford dealer), they stated that it "would" affect the warranty. What do you have in writing that states your position. If you have something can it be obtained for any future conflict with Ford?

[KC]

I can't really add any more other than to say, its well worth the price. We love ours.

KC

[5 Star]

Originally Posted by 1sttimer

5 Star, you say that your tune for the V10 will not affect the full factory warranty. When I called Ford headquarters (not just a Ford dealer), they stated that it "would" affect the warranty. What do you have in writing that states your position. If you have something can it be obtained for any future conflict with Ford?

That we do 1sttimer. In addition to documents we've linked and posted before the most concrete document is that of the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975. This act also applies to any non-factory spec tire (different weight or ply), steering stabilizer, handing fix, etc.

Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.

Nearly everyone has heard about someone who has taken a vehicle that has been modified with aftermarket parts to a dealer for warranty service, only to have the dealer refuse to cover the defective items. The dealer usually states that because of the aftermarket parts the warranty is void, without even attempting to determine whether the aftermarket part caused the problem.

This is illegal.

Vehicle manufacturers are not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket parts are on the vehicle. To better understand this problem it is best to know the differences between the two types of new car warranties and the two types of emission warranties.

When a vehicle is purchased new and the owner is protected against the faults that may occur by an expressed warranty - an offer by the manufacturer to assume the responsibility for problems with predetermined parts during a stated period of time. Beyond the expressed warranty, the vehicle manufacturer is often held responsible for further implied warranties. These state that a manufactured product should meet certain standards. However, in both cases, the mere presence of aftermarket parts doesn't void the warranty.

There are also two emission warranties (defect and performance) required under the clean air act. The defect warranty requires the manufacturer to produce a vehicle which, at the time of sale, is free of defects that would cause it to not meet the required emission levels for it's useful life as defined in the law. The performance warranty implies a vehicle must maintain certain levels of emission performance over it's useful life. If the vehicle fails to meet the performance warranty requirements, the manufacturer must make repairs at no cost to the owner, even if an aftermarket part is directly responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the performance warranty. This protection is the result of a parts self - certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the consumer, but by law the new - vehicle warranty is not voided.

Overall, the laws governing warranties are very clear. The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if an aftermarket part has been installed and it can be proven that it is responsible for an emission warranty claim. However, a vehicle manufacturer or dealership cannot void a warranty simply because an an aftermarket equipment has been installed on a vehicle.
If a dealership denies a warranty claim and you think the claim falls under the rules explained above concerning the clean air act (such as an emission part failure), obtain a written explanation of the dealers refusal. Then follow the steps outlined in the owners manual. However, if this fails, then phone your complaint in to the EPA at (202) 233-9040 or (202) 326-9100.

If a dealer denies a warranty claim involving an implied or expressed new car warranty and you would like help, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, you can call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the online complaint form. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busi...l-warranty-law

[5 Star]

Originally Posted by KC

I can't really add any more other than to say, its well worth the price. We love ours.

KC

Thank you KC! We appreciate your support!

[5 Star]

Originally Posted by Polyian

There are hundreds of posts in multiple threads regarding 5 star impacts...no negative reports in the several years of postings.

As far as warranty goes, you don't tell Ford you used it and you remove the tune to take it in for any Ford service...it takes 10 or 15 minutes to restore the computer to the factory tune with no residue to indicate it was ever there. I'm still under warranty but I don't expect to visit a Ford dealer anytime soon, oil and lube I get elsewhere.
Ford will say No to any modification to any part of the chassis while it's under warranty. I would too if I was running Ford, they can't be expected to warranty modifications to their design.

Thank you for the support Polyian! In the 14+ years of tuning these coaches in stock form, with mods or even those that are overloaded.... we have not had a single powertrain issue. Don't have any plans of starting anytime soon.

From a dealer perspective, quality parts will yield quality results! That is why so many Ford dealers offer Roush, Ford Performance and other tune/aftermarket products. We've all after some combination of performance, drivability and economy.

[1sttimer]

Originally Posted by 5star

That we do 1sttimer. In addition to documents we've linked and posted before the most concrete document is that of the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975. This act also applies to any non-factory spec tire (different weight or ply), steering stabilizer, handing fix, etc.

Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.

Nearly everyone has heard about someone who has taken a vehicle that has been modified with aftermarket parts to a dealer for warranty service, only to have the dealer refuse to cover the defective items. The dealer usually states that because of the aftermarket parts the warranty is void, without even attempting to determine whether the aftermarket part caused the problem.

This is illegal.

Vehicle manufacturers are not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket parts are on the vehicle. To better understand this problem it is best to know the differences between the two types of new car warranties and the two types of emission warranties.

When a vehicle is purchased new and the owner is protected against the faults that may occur by an expressed warranty - an offer by the manufacturer to assume the responsibility for problems with predetermined parts during a stated period of time. Beyond the expressed warranty, the vehicle manufacturer is often held responsible for further implied warranties. These state that a manufactured product should meet certain standards. However, in both cases, the mere presence of aftermarket parts doesn't void the warranty.

There are also two emission warranties (defect and performance) required under the clean air act. The defect warranty requires the manufacturer to produce a vehicle which, at the time of sale, is free of defects that would cause it to not meet the required emission levels for it's useful life as defined in the law. The performance warranty implies a vehicle must maintain certain levels of emission performance over it's useful life. If the vehicle fails to meet the performance warranty requirements, the manufacturer must make repairs at no cost to the owner, even if an aftermarket part is directly responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the performance warranty. This protection is the result of a parts self - certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the consumer, but by law the new - vehicle warranty is not voided.

Overall, the laws governing warranties are very clear. The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if an aftermarket part has been installed and it can be proven that it is responsible for an emission warranty claim. However, a vehicle manufacturer or dealership cannot void a warranty simply because an an aftermarket equipment has been installed on a vehicle.
If a dealership denies a warranty claim and you think the claim falls under the rules explained above concerning the clean air act (such as an emission part failure), obtain a written explanation of the dealers refusal. Then follow the steps outlined in the owners manual. However, if this fails, then phone your complaint in to the EPA at (202) 233-9040 or (202) 326-9100.

If a dealer denies a warranty claim involving an implied or expressed new car warranty and you would like help, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, you can call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the online complaint form. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busi...l-warranty-law

5 Star, thanks for the info. I don't doubt what you have written, however, if a manufacturer or dealer decides to void the warranty because of an aftermarket addition --- in this case a 5 Star tune --- we're talking about a considerable headache to fight the denial. It may even require hiring legal help.

Having said that, I am still interested in your product and will probably buy and install it. The constant downshifting and resultant noise we experienced last (first) trip is enough to possibly take the chance.

Thanks again for taking the time to post the reply.

[bigben]

We've installed the tune in 2 each V10 powered motorhomes. The first install (for a number of reasons) had very little affect. Called 5 Star and they without hesitation refunded my purchase $s. Felt so comfortable with the 5 Star team - that we purchased and reinstalled the tune on our '15 Thor Challenger. After 31,000 miles, we wouldn't be without it. Got a small improvement in MPG but the biggest improvements are holding CC on hills and acceleration on ramps. Mind you, its still weighs in at about 13 tons with the toad and isn't a sports car but a huge difference.

Best thing is that 5 Star understands and works with its customer making 5 Star Tune a 5 gold star operation.

[5 Star]

Originally Posted by 1sttimer

5 Star, thanks for the info. I don't doubt what you have written, however, if a manufacturer or dealer decides to void the warranty because of an aftermarket addition --- in this case a 5 Star tune --- we're talking about a considerable headache to fight the denial. It may even require hiring legal help.

Having said that, I am still interested in your product and will probably buy and install it. The constant downshifting and resultant noise we experienced last (first) trip is enough to possibly take the chance.

Thanks again for taking the time to post the reply.

You're very welcome! Happy to put that together for you. Many dealerships do stand behind quality products without issue. What you have stated is also very true. If the corporation ever decided they would wish to deny support legally, the only one that would win in the end would be lawyers.

When you're ready we can assist in making your coach much more enjoyable to drive and can vastly reduce the factory shifting woes. If I can further help in anyway let me know.

[5 Star]

Originally Posted by bigben

We've installed the tune in 2 each V10 powered motorhomes. The first install (for a number of reasons) had very little affect. Called 5 Star and they without hesitation refunded my purchase $s. Felt so comfortable with the 5 Star team - that we purchased and reinstalled the tune on our '15 Thor Challenger. After 31,000 miles, we wouldn't be without it. Got a small improvement in MPG but the biggest improvements are holding CC on hills and acceleration on ramps. Mind you, its still weighs in at about 13 tons with the toad and isn't a sports car but a huge difference.

Best thing is that 5 Star understands and works with its customer making 5 Star Tune a 5 gold star operation.

bigben, Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. We're happy to read the last 31,000 (and counting) miles have been enjoyable! Always happy to offer our support for our customers from start to finish on all of our offerings!