Tuner - DiabloSport Predator for LB7 (2001 - 2004.5)

[Heartbeat Hauler]

I purchased this tuner used and sent it to DiabloSport to have it unlocked. Never used it, I purchased EFILive instead. Tuner is in the box with the manual. Will take $280 shipped to the lower 48.

JP

[Heartbeat Hauler]

Anybody? Counter offer?


JP

[Mark Rinker]

I bought a used Diablosport 'Predator' LB7 programmer on Ebay a few years back, not realizing the the sellers claims were false that it would work on my truck without being VIN-unlocked.

After losing a month getting it from the seller, and to/from Diablosport in the mail and paying an additional $90 to have it VIN-unlocked, I used it on the 40-hp tow setting on my 2001 K2500. It worked okay, but had a tendancy to 'surge' slightly on cruise control. No mileage increase, but it did keep the truck from downshifting uneccessarily towing in hilly conditions. My overall reaction? 7.5 on a 10 scale. The ease of installation and ability to read and reset SES light is a big part of this overall reaction. The tune is rough around the edges.

Some many months after selling the '01 truck, I again mailed the unit back to Diablosport and paid yet another $90 to VIN-unlock it. I then used it on the tow setting with my 2004 Kodiak. However, the cruise control surge was still there, and way more noticeable. I attributed it to the lower gear ratios.

Recently, the unit quit working altogether due to a broken wire, right where the cord enters the handheld unit. I then contacted Diablosport online, requested yet another RMA.

After 48 hours - I received this email:

We can inspect your U7180 for you however to update the unit to the latest 9r03 revision the unit would require a hardware update which is not yet available to the public. Warranty will always cover software updates however hardware updates are not covered under warranty so there would be a fee involved which I do not know yet. If you would like to send your Predator in for repairs please follow the instructions below. Thank you.

Please send your DiabloSport product in with a copy of your receipt showing the unit was purchased to avoid being charged $99.95 for non-warranty repairs. The turn around time is 7-10 days on average (not including shipping time). Please ship the Product to the following address making sure the RMA number is CLEARLY on the outside of the package. If the RMA is not on the outside of the box the package will be refused.


WTF? A shipping, generally available software revision level requires hardware that is not yet available? Sounds like some serious bull**** to me. So, my unit is now broken AND obsolete...

What revision number is the software on yours? What is the product ID and serial#? What date was the unit reflashed and VIN unlocked?

[DmaxMaverick]

I bought a used Diablosport 'Predator' LB7 programmer on Ebay a few years back, not realizing the the sellers claims were false that it would work on my truck without being VIN-unlocked.

After losing a month getting it from the seller, and to/from Diablosport in the mail and paying an additional $90 to have it VIN-unlocked, I used it on the 40-hp tow setting on my 2001 K2500. It worked okay, but had a tendancy to 'surge' slightly on cruise control. No mileage increase, but it did keep the truck from downshifting uneccessarily towing in hilly conditions. My overall reaction? 7.5 on a 10 scale. The ease of installation and ability to read and reset SES light is a big part of this overall reaction. The tune is rough around the edges.

Some many months after selling the '01 truck, I again mailed the unit back to Diablosport and paid yet another $90 to VIN-unlock it. I then used it on the tow setting with my 2004 Kodiak. However, the cruise control surge was still there, and way more noticeable. I attributed it to the lower gear ratios.

Recently, the unit quit working altogether due to a broken wire, right where the cord enters the handheld unit. I then contacted Diablosport online, requested yet another RMA.

After 48 hours - I received this email:

We can inspect your U7180 for you however to update the unit to the latest 9r03 revision the unit would require a hardware update which is not yet available to the public. Warranty will always cover software updates however hardware updates are not covered under warranty so there would be a fee involved which I do not know yet. If you would like to send your Predator in for repairs please follow the instructions below. Thank you.

Please send your DiabloSport product in with a copy of your receipt showing the unit was purchased to avoid being charged $99.95 for non-warranty repairs. The turn around time is 7-10 days on average (not including shipping time). Please ship the Product to the following address making sure the RMA number is CLEARLY on the outside of the package. If the RMA is not on the outside of the box the package will be refused.


WTF? A shipping, generally available software revision level requires hardware that is not yet available? Sounds like some serious bull**** to me. So, my unit is now broken AND obsolete...

What revision number is the software on yours? What is the product ID and serial#? What date was the unit reflashed and VIN unlocked?

I don't see any BS. They cover the software for the life of the product (or the company). If it is "obsolete", it will be of your choosing. Should a product mfg be responsible for physical failure, after the warranty period? I don't think so. Diablosport keeps no marketing secrets. The warranty is pretty clear, and is visible prior to purchase. The policy for the VIN lock is also transparent prior to purchase.

That said, if the only problem with the tuner is a broken wire, fix it or have it fixed locally. Or, give it away, being it is no good to you. I'll pay the shipping.

[Mark Rinker]

Re-read the post from DiabloSport more carefully. I am not looking for a freebie hardware fix - they are saying my hardware is not compatible with the latest software revision I am requesting.

The latest software revision corrects known issues for the LB7 Kodiak. After requesting an RMA, and being willing/prepared to pay for my hardware repair and the software update, I am informed that 1) the latest software revision for U7180 will not run on my hardware, 2) the hardware is not 'generally available the public' (Although you can buy a new U7180, rev 9r03 on the internet from authorized dealers...so the hardware is out there already...) and 3) they cannot give me a price of what the upgrade it will cost?

In other words, what I hear them saying between the lines is... "Your hardware is obsolete, so please re-buy a new unit (...for the same product U7180 that you already own and have paid over $200 direct to DiabloSport for RMA upgrades to...) from one of our dealers for full price..."

I think another $99 and send me a new unit/hardware with the latest software would be appropriate. Even $150 would be acceptable, and a thank you nod to a good repeat customer.

I think some frustration with their policies towards repeat, paying customers is warranted, unless I am missing something here.

[DmaxMaverick]

I didn't understand it that way. I read over your post, and Diablosport's doc's as well. As far as I know, the hardware is not obsolete. They told you what they did, because you told them yours was broken. Of course, they would repair and upgrade at the same time. I've sent mine in for a reflash, and it was returned the same as I sent it, plus the software flash. They tell me now, mine is still upgradeable, and it is one of the first models (less than a year after they were released). I will be sending mine in again soon for the latest upgrade, at no charge (except for shipping). I don't think they will have to replace any of the hardware, unless it has been damaged.

If the only thing "wrong" with yours is a broken wire, send it to me. I can repair it and return it, for the cost of shipping. I repair electronics all the time, and one more wouldn't be a problem.

[Mark Rinker]

Thanks for offering - although I am qualified for the re-solder job.

Maybe I have read the response to my RMA request incorrectly, but my take is that I can send in my broken unit for repair, but it wouldn't return with the requested software upgrade.

however to update the unit to the latest 9r03 revision the unit would require a hardware update which is not yet available to the public



I have emailed support@diablosport.com and expect a clarification soon.


Thanks for weighing in. More soon...

[DmaxMaverick]

I don't know. Perhaps they have a release later than what they told me about a month ago. I can't imagine what they could improve. I've only heard of a couple failed units over the years, and mine has always been flawless. More features, perhaps? Why they would say "not available to the public", is a head scratcher. I hope they don't expect you to send it in and wait until it is available. Maybe not available to their distributors and the DIY'ers. I'll look into it. Also, they can be reflashed from your own PC. The software is a free download, and all you need is a serial data cable. I haven't done that, but may get into it.

Anyway, good luck with the repair. I didn't want to sound like I was insulting your intelligence with the offer. We just never know. I know a brilliant computer programmer who writes for NASA, Boeing, and the like, but he can't make a pot of coffee or tie his own shoes.

[Mark Rinker]

True that.

I wrote/sold software for 15 years, but prefer to work with mechanical 'hardware' these days, and envision websites, not build them.

Kinda like camping. It used to be more fun to sleep on the ground. Any more, I'd rather sleep in my own bed. :)

[Heartbeat Hauler]

Mark,
I've been away for awhile and just got back into town. Anyways, I will plug the tuner in tomorrow (Tuesday the 3rd) and get that info for you. Sorry for being slow on the response.
JP