[terryjm1]

Over Easter weekend I installed lift spacers on the front of my 2017 GMC Canyon and some add-a-leaf springs to the rear spring packs. The front spacers caused the camber to change up front, meaning I would need an alignment.

So, today I called a local repair shop and explained I needed a front wheel alignment, explaining exactly what I did and what needed to be done. It really is a simple adjustment. For my Land Rovers and Triumphs I have done it myself using the “eyeball” technique many times. With them rarely seeing more than a couple thousand miles a year, I’m not too worried about minor tire wear.

But, the Canyon is our road trip vehicle, so getting it exact is more important.

I asked the technician what the cost would be. Here is what I was told, “The mechanical alignment would be $89 but if we have to flash the computer it will be another $69.” I said, I am confident there would be no need to flash the computer to do a wheel alignment. He said, “Well, you will have to sign off that if any check engine lights come on you won’t ask us to fix it for free.”

I have been doing work on cars for many years. I have never heard of a need to “flash the computer” for a wheel alignment.

Am I missing something here?

 

[Rick Krueger]

I have seen in the past on a lift over 3.5 inches on my Jeeps that the sensor under the passenger seat that is what reads the sway/pitch yaw (???) of the vehicle could need to be zeroed or recalibrated after a lift but I haven't heard of anyone needing to have it done in the Colorado yet.
In the Jeeps it would make the traction control kick in and do strange things on off ramps etc.
Hope this helps.

 

[terryjm1]

Thanks, at least I know there was some sense in what he was saying.

 

[HOOLIGAN]

I’m 9” higher than stock on my 18 Coronado for over 1.8 years and never had a check engine light come on for the lift.

 

[Lee1]

I did 2.5” front level and 1” blocks in back 6 months ago and haven’t had check engine light come on.

 

[Papa Smurf]

Over Easter weekend I installed lift spacers on the front of my 2017 GMC Canyon and some add-a-leaf springs to the rear spring packs. The front spacers caused the camber to change up front, meaning I would need an alignment.

So, today I called a local repair shop and explained I needed a front wheel alignment, explaining exactly what I did and what needed to be done. It really is a simple adjustment. For my Land Rovers and Triumphs I have done it myself using the “eyeball” technique many times. With them rarely seeing more than a couple thousand miles a year, I’m not too worried about minor tire wear.

But, the Canyon is our road trip vehicle, so getting it exact is more important.

I asked the technician what the cost would be. Here is what I was told, “The mechanical alignment would be $89 but if we have to flash the computer it will be another $69.” I said, I am confident there would be no need to flash the computer to do a wheel alignment. He said, “Well, you will have to sign off that if any check engine lights come on you won’t ask us to fix it for free.”

I have been doing work on cars for many years. I have never heard of a need to “flash the computer” for a wheel alignment.

Am I missing something here?

He doesn’t have to “flash your computer”. He may have to recalibrate the steering rack module or reset the steering angle sensor. Welcome to modern technology!

 

[terryjm1]

Fortunately, when I took it in to the shop, someone else checked me in. No discussion of “flashing” took place. Toe was out a little, nothing else.