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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

⚠️ Before We Tune, Read This

If questions or issues pop up, this is where we’ll point you first.

 


PCM Tuners Terms & Conditions

We put this document together based on thousands of customer interactions. Our goal is to be upfront and transparent about what to expect when tuning and modifying your vehicle. We strive to be fair and reasonable, and we expect the same from you.

Yes, we know it’s long. You should still take a moment to read it because if something comes up, we’ll refer back to this.

 


Media

We like to document our work through text updates, videos, social media, and emails. If you do not want your vehicle featured in any public content, let us know before we begin work.

 


Payment Methods

Our preferred payment methods are cash, check, and Zelle.

💳 We accept cards and app-based payments, but a processing fee applies.
✔️ If paying by check, we may verify funds with your bank before accepting it.

 


About Tuning

🔹 The tune we install does not change over time.

  • Disconnecting the battery, clearing codes, or using diagnostic software does not remove the tune.
  • Only a reflash using specialized tools and software can modify the tune (car dealers and tuner shops).
  • If something changes after tuning, it’s likely a mechanical or electrical fault—not the tune itself.
  • Once that issue is fixed, your vehicle will perform as expected.

Tuning can expose weak points in your setup because you’re asking the engine to work harder. These items are key to long-term performance.

    • ✅ Regular maintenance
    • ✅ Quality oil & parts
    • ✅ High-octane fuel (91+)

🚨 If your car has mechanical issues, get them fixed before tuning.

❗ Tuning is a process

  • You are paying for our time and the use of our hardware, software, and facilities.
  • You are NOT paying for a guaranteed outcome. 
  • The manufacturer spends thousands of hours and millions of dollars to develop their tune calibration. 
  • We spend about 4 hours on a tune calibration. We might miss something. It’s the nature of tuning and you may have to come back. 

 


Warranty

There isn’t one.

By nature, tuning increases performance beyond factory settings. Because of this, we do not offer any expressed or implied warranties on any products or services, including:

  • Aftermarket parts
  • Tuning services
  • Dyno testing
  • Reflashes or installations

We are not responsible for theft, damage, or failures of any part of your vehicle before, during, or after tuning. This includes, but is not limited to: engine, transmission, turbochargers, superchargers, injectors, clutches, sensors, catalytic converters, boost pipes, or electronic control modules as well as paint, rims, interior, exterior, glass, mirrors, tires, or anything else.

That said, we take pride in our reputation. Our experience, customer satisfaction, and online reviews speak for themselves. We do our best to deliver great results, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

 


Subcontractors & Third-Party Services

We work with external tune writers and third-party providers for labor, hardware, and software.

  • Any issues related to their work are their responsibility—not ours.
 
 

What You Should Know & Accept

✔️ Power & torque gains are approximations—just like manufacturer-quoted specs.
✔️ Fuel efficiency varies based on driving habits, maintenance, and tire pressure.
✔️ We are not responsible for costs related to any faults found before, during, or after tuning.
✔️ We love tuning, but we also value our time off. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM.
❌ We are closed on weekends and holidays and will not respond during those times.

 


Remote & Mail-Order Tuning

📌 Ask questions before purchasing a remote or mail-order tune. Your vehicle must be in good condition—no warning lights or mechanical issues.

🔹 No refunds on remote or mail-order tunes due to factors beyond our control.

🔹 If an issue arises, we will troubleshoot for up to one hour using scanner readings, datalogs, and details you provide.

🔹 If we cannot resolve the issue, you must take your vehicle to a repair shop at your own expense.
✔️ Once fixed, we will resume tuning at no extra cost (within 90 days).

 


Pre-Existing Conditions

We do not provide labor, materials, or support for issues related to existing OEM or aftermarket parts.

🔹 Tuning and modifications can expose underlying issues that weren’t noticeable before. If something starts acting up after a tune or install, it’s likely the part was already on the verge of failure.

That is not our responsibility.

Common Examples of Pre-Existing Issues

🚗 Exhaust leaks or rattles after installing headers or a downpipe (due to old gaskets, weak welds, or worn hangers).
🚗 Boost leaks from a failing turbo compressor bypass valve or an aftermarket intercooler with weak clamps or couplers.
🚗 Clutch slipping or transmission issues after increasing power, revealing worn clutch discs or aging transmission components.
🚗 Misfires or ignition problems from weak coils, old spark plugs, or poor wiring that can’t handle the increased demand.

📌 If time allows, we may help diagnose issues, but this is a courtesy and repairs will be at your expense.

 


Manufacturer & Warranty Considerations

The vehicle manufacturer determines how modifications affect its factory warranty.

  • We are not responsible for conflicts with dealer warranties.
 
 

Refund Policy

Reflash Tunes

✔️ 14-day trial on reflash tunes at our facility. Minor adjustments are free during this period.
✔️ If unsatisfied, we will restore your vehicle to stock and issue a full refund.
✔️ If control module removal is required, a $125 labor fee applies and is deducted from the refund.

Dyno Tunes & Custom Tuning

❌ No refunds on dyno tuning or specialty tunes (pop & bang, burble, etc.).
🔹 These are custom calibrations that require extensive labor and testing.

 


Custom Tuning Realities

🔹 Stage 2+ tuning involves research, development, and extensive testing.
🔹 You are paying for our labor and expertise—not a guaranteed outcome.

Even after completion, adjustments may still be needed. Expect some trial and refinement, as this is the nature of tuning.

 


After the Tune

✔️ We encourage you to test drive your vehicle immediately after tuning.
✔️ Minor adjustments are free within 14 days if within our software’s capabilities.
✔️ Long-term support is a courtesy, but abuse of this policy may result in denied assistance.

 


Reverting to Stock

🔹 If you need your tune removed, we can flash your vehicle back to stock.
🔹 This may involve a charge, depending on time required.
🔹 We do not travel to your location—you must bring the vehicle to us.

📌 If the dealer or a mechanic flashes your ECU for an update, you must purchase a new tune.
✔️ If the software version remains unchanged, we may reinstall the tune at no charge.
✔️ Resetting a check engine light does not remove the tune.

 


Warning Lights & Codes

✔️ We try to prevent warning lights, but we do not guarantee it.
✔️ A warning light is any CEL, DTC, or system warning.
✔️ No refunds or labor will be provided for warning lights.

 


PCM/ECM/Control Module Services & Fault Fixing

✔️ We can disable cylinder deactivation, immobilizers, or other factory features.
❌ If the issue persists, you are still responsible for labor and parts costs.

 


Emissions Readiness

⚠️ Reflashing a control module resets emissions monitors to “not ready.”

  • This does not mean your car won’t pass emissions, but monitors take time (days or weeks) to reset.
  • We do not provide additional work to get your vehicle ready for emissions testing.
 

Final Thoughts

We’re here to help you get the most out of your vehicle, but tuning and modifying a car comes with responsibilities and risks.

📌 We’ve put this document together so everyone is on the same page.

🚗 Thanks for choosing PCM Tuners—let’s make your ride faster, better, and more fun! 🚀

 


Emissions Testing in Atlanta & Surrounding Counties

We’ve put together this guide based on our experience with emissions testing in Atlanta, Georgia, and the 13 surrounding counties. Yes, you can pass emissions with a tune.

How to Pass Emissions

To pass an emissions test in Georgia, two things must be true:

✅ Your check engine light must be off
✅ All required emissions monitors must report as “ready” or “set”

You can check emissions readiness yourself with an OBD2 scan tool. It’s also a handy tool for reading trouble codes and checking sensor functions. Here are some affordable options:

  • Autel AL319 (~$30 on Amazon)
  • Hyper Tough HT300 (~$40 at Walmart)
  • Zurich ZR8 (~$100 at Harbor Freight – a more advanced option)

Most scanners have an I/M Readiness menu or button to check emissions status. Green ✅ means a monitor has passed, while red ❌ means it hasn’t completed yet. To pass emissions in Georgia, all but one monitor must be “ready.” Any grayed-out monitors mean your vehicle doesn’t have those systems—so don’t worry about them.



What Resets Emissions Monitors?

If you:

  • Clear a check engine light
  • Read a calibration file from an ECU
  • Flash a tune to your engine computer

Then, all emissions monitors will reset to “not ready” (red ❌).

This is not the same as a check engine light! Your engine computer uses monitors to track emissions system health over time, while a check engine light is triggered instantly when a fault is detected. You can have all red ❌ monitors and no check engine light.



Drive Cycles – How to Reset Your Monitors

To change “not ready” monitors to “ready,” you must complete a drive cycle—a specific set of driving conditions that allow the ECU to test emissions systems.

The tricky part? Every vehicle has different drive cycle requirements.

🚗 Some vehicles complete drive cycles in 20-50 miles.
🚗 Others take weeks of driving in specific conditions.
🚗 Some Fords can take a month to set all monitors!

More on this below.



Georgia’s Visual Inspection Requirement

Georgia (and most other states) require a visual inspection for catalytic converters.

If your car doesn’t have catalytic converters, that’s an automatic failure—no exceptions.
If your check engine light is on, that’s also an automatic failure—even if all monitors are “ready.”



Before You Bring Your Car for Tuning

⚠️ If your tag expires soon, renew it BEFORE bringing your car in.

Why? Because if we read or flash your ECU, your emissions readiness monitors will reset.

You’ll need to complete a drive cycle to get them back to “ready,” and that can take time. If your registration is due, take care of emissions before tuning.



Does a Tune Prevent You from Passing Emissions?

No. We have plenty of customers with heavily modified vehicles that pass emissions every year. However, modifying your car—whether tuning or replacing hardware—can impact how quickly the readiness system resets.

🚦 The normal driving process should get all monitors back to “ready.”
⏳ But we have no control over how long it takes or whether your vehicle meets all drive cycle conditions.

❌ No refunds or extra labor will be provided to set emissions monitors or get a vehicle ready to pass.



Understanding Emissions Readiness

Your vehicle’s engine control module (ECM) runs self-tests on emissions systems to ensure everything is working correctly. These tests are called readiness monitors, and they require specific driving conditions.

🚨 After installing a tune, all monitors reset to “not ready.” 🚨

This is not a problem—your vehicle simply hasn’t completed the necessary drive conditions yet. However, some vehicles take much longer than others.

Why Some Cars Take Forever to Reset

  • Most vehicles: A cold start, warmup cycle, and 20-150 miles of driving should get most monitors to “ready.”
  • GM vehicles: The EVAP monitor can take weeks to reset.
  • Ford vehicles: Catalyst monitors are particularly stubborn—some Mustangs take a month to set all monitors.

If a monitor stays “not ready” for days or weeks, it might not be from tuning. It could be due to:

  • A recently disconnected or replaced battery
  • A diagnostic scan tool clearing trouble codes
  • Reflashing the ECU (either tuning or flashing it back to stock)


The Drive Cycle Myth

People often say, “Just drive 50 miles.” That sometimes works by chance, but it’s not a guaranteed fix.

Each manufacturer has specific drive cycle steps that must be followed. Some of them are… weird.

For example, some drive cycle steps might include:
🚗 Idle for 2.5 minutes with the A/C and rear defroster on
🚗 Decelerate from 55 mph to 20 mph without touching the gas or brake

Yeah, it can get ridiculous. You might need a long, empty road to complete these, and yes, people might honk at you.

The best solution?
Search online for “[your car’s make & model] emissions drive cycle” and follow the exact procedure.



Emissions Waivers in Georgia

If all else fails, Georgia offers an emissions waiver—but only under strict conditions.

🔹 You must spend at least $1,111 on emissions-related repairs.
🔹 Repairs from the previous year don’t count.
🔹 The waiver is only good for one tag renewal.
🔹 The spending threshold increases periodically.

This should be your last resort—not your plan A.



Final Thoughts

Tuning does not automatically prevent you from passing emissions, but it does reset your monitors.

If you’re getting tuned close to your registration deadline, plan ahead:

🚦 Before tuning, renew your registration if it’s expiring soon.
🚗 After tuning, check your monitors with a scan tool.
📄 If needed, look up your manufacturer’s drive cycle and follow it exactly.

By being informed and proactive, you’ll be able to pass emissions with no surprises. 🚗💨