Page 1 of 1

"New" Predator already contains backup

Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 10:25 pm
by djpinaz
I just purchased a Predator from a reseller and it appears that the unit has been used previously as it already contains a backup. How do I get my factory tune written to the device?
Also, it's a revision behind but will not let me update without re-writting the original backup to the vehicle (which is not a backup from my vehicle).
Help! I have a new CAI installed but hoping to get an updated tune to support.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

D

2005 V6 Mustang
BBK CAI

Predator
v.9r01

RE: "New" Predator already contains backup

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 7:53 am
by 06MonteSS
you can't....

you need to return it to whomever you purchased it from and:

A) have them restore the original backup to their vehicle... or...

B) if you did indeed buy it from a store/dealer, have them send you a new one.

C) if they won't give you a new one or make it right, contact your credit card company and dispute the charges so you don't have to pay for it, assuming you have a valid receipt.

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:31 am
by djpinaz
That was my fear. After I got it home I noticed the screen had some minor surface scratches but not being familiar with the product I didn't realize what I was in for. Unfortunately the reseller made a comment that it was the only one in stock so I'll probably have to wait for another one to come in.
Unfortunate as it's a pretty big national Mustang shop that's based out of Phoenix.

I assume running stock tune with a BBK CAI shouldn't be a problem.?
Should I run the highest octane I can until I can re-tune?

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:34 am
by Vas@Diablosport
Running this CAI with a stock tune may be o.k., but can possibly give you some drivability issues as well.

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:53 am
by djpinaz
Seems like there would be a way to do a factor defaults refresh on the tuner that would remove the current vehicle backup as I'm sure at this point the reseller or Diablo isn't going to trash the device.
It's probably one of those "I could tell you how but then I'd have to kill you" type secrets...

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:45 pm
by crono2120
Unfortunately if Diablo made it so easy as one could just pass around a single tuner and tune as many vehicles as possible before the tuner physically burned out and stopped functioning, they would have gone out of business a long time ago, making updates and support impossible of course. It's just good business. As far as buying used, like anything else you'd buy used, sometimes you don't get your money out of it. I hope you didn't pay much. It's sad people screw each other over, but if the previous owner kept a tune on his own vehicle, he shot himself in the foot IMO.

$369 can fix your issue, and it's money well spent. I personally strongly recommend not running a CAI on your Mustang. The S197's have proven extremely sensitive to tune/hardware compatibility. If you run a CAI without the ECU knowing exactly what's going on, you risk damaging your ride, or on the less dramatic end you would likely lose power. The only CAI's I know for sure that can run without being tuned are K&N and S&B. I don't know jack about the BBK CAI though. Just throw your stock stuff back on to be safe and spend the green for the tuner, then I'm sure the Diablo boys will hook you up with whatever you need to make the tune work with what you have.

Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:43 pm
by djpinaz
Thanks crono. Totally understand the licensing concerns.
I didn't buy used and I think (and hope) the reseller didn't realize what they gave was a used unit (for whatever reason). They immediately swapped the unit out today for a new unit.
Saw some results but ran into big problems tonight. I'll post separate but will probably have to get Diablo on the phone in the morning.

Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:47 am
by BrutalMetal
What a Lame Shady Mustang Parts Dealer selling used Predators as New? you should report them the the BBB!!