Can an Autul scanner completely wipe an ECU?

Tiny
THEDINGUS777
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 99,000 MILES
So here is my issue: I brought my vehicle to the dealership to have it repaired under warranty after it had some major engine issues. I have the car towed to the dealership and have them inspect it. I get a call shortly after stating that all the diagnostic information on the vehicle has been wiped and they having seen my cheap obd2 scanner in the door pocket of the vehicle claim I had used it to reset the ECU and remove all data of me " damaging the vehicle " so that I was not held liable. I never even had the scanner hooked to the vehicle much less changed anything at all as the car never had any check engine lights that came on. So my question is as follows: is there any possible way that a basic automotive obd2 scan tool can completely reset an ECU as they claim I have done with it? Not clearing a check engine light but completely wiping all data held on the computer. Thank you.
Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 8:06 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Hi, sorry to hear you're dealing with this. You would have to have a professional level tool like GM's tech 2, HP tuners, EFI live or something like that to completely erase the calibration software. Consumer grade scan tools will just read and clear codes, some offer bidirectional control of things but not calibration writing. My advice would be to plug it in and say, okay so where's that option? Or at least call their bluff so to speak.
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+1
Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
THEDINGUS777
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you. I called their bluff but of course they are insistent with their attack. I wanted to ask for professional backing as proof incase this incident has to go to small claims court so any support I can gather is more then appreciated.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
My pleasure, you may want to Google the model number of the scanner and print it's features also to prove it doesn't do read/writes for software.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
THEDINGUS777
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Just for perfect clarification this is the scan tool that was accused of resetting the ECU. By their own words the car now says that it is on key cycle 1 (even after driving it around 5je service department ) everything is cleared from the driving history of the vehicle.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Thanks, it may have reset emissions monitors, that would be it. That's easily set into monitor ready by just driving it. Full features of the scanner at the link below.

https://www.autel.com/c/www/mk1/3239.jhtml
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
THEDINGUS777
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you again for all of your help I truly appreciate it. It is nice to know that not all mechanics are crooks and there are those willing to help someone out when they are in need. Thank you again.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 1:05 PM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
My pleasure, we're always glad to help here.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 1:12 PM

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