Mods Voiding Warranty

[swak]

I have heard mixed opinions and views on this one...

View 1:
magnusson moss act - an aftermarket part cannot void warranty.

View 2:
Even chipping your car or adding a cold air intake / minor mods can void your warranty.

Has anyone had any struggles with their respective car companies by adding mods to their cars? Looking to chip my car / add cold air and some other minor stuff.... Added extended warranty though (only because ford), so dont want to screw with that. :bigpimp:

[That.Guy.S30]

From what I understand, aftermarket parts void only certain parts of your warranty.

Example, a cold air intake is not going to void your suspension claim but it might void your engine/power train claim. I also believe that they have to prove that the aftermarket part did the damage to the claim. Could be wrong on that one.

[Hallowed_point]

I can't see how anyone can think flashing a computer can be covered by a warranty. They warranty the car under specified, tested limits. If you add 100 ft lbs torque to a 2.0 turbo or increase the rev limit to valve float, you're not getting a new engine or trans.


CAI should be fine same as catback. Don't tune/flash/chip if you're under warranty. :burnout:

Even if they have to prove it, in the meantime, you have a broken car. After dealing with honda with a legit claim I got too fed up with their "system" for fixing a transmission. Basically, you take all the risk/cost during tear down. IF they decide to cover you after, you can breathe easy. That's a big IF

It's a Ford? Oh man,, don't, just don't until it's paid off and or out of warranty.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by swak
I have heard mixed opinions and views on this one...

View 1:
magnusson moss act - an aftermarket part cannot void warranty.


View 1: Not applicable to Canada. This is a US law, and has no equivalent here.

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok
View 1: Not applicable to Canada. This is a US law, and has no equivalent here.

:clap:

[EK 2.0]

Originally posted by That.Guy.S30
From what I understand, aftermarket parts void only certain parts of your warranty.

Example, a cold air intake is not going to void your suspension claim but it might void your engine/power train claim. I also believe that they have to prove that the aftermarket part did the damage to the claim. Could be wrong on that one.


In the dealership world this is the general consensus. There are obvious exceptions with "OEM Performance' SVT, Mopar, dealer installed "factory upgrades" are exempt and covered by most dealers who have to ability to warranty parts and labor for them Canada wide.

And then you have "upgrades" that independent dealers will install. Cochrane Toyota (Tacoma Town) lifting a Taco, or FJ or Runner will warranty their parts and their time; but take that lifted truck to a dealer in the city and they won't warranty or touch any issues arising from the mods.

Also some dealers are far more lax in dishing out warranty repairs than others are. And I have yet to wrap my head around why even with 17 years of dealership life under my belt.

[eglove]

Never had issues at Ford when I take my car in. With my foST or fiST. Both are/were stage 3

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by eglove
Never had issues at Ford when I take my car in. With my foST or fiST. Both are/were stage 3 Is that an SVT or otherwise Ford approved upgrade?

[dj_rice]

Originally posted by EK 2.0



In the dealership world this is the general consensus. There are obvious exceptions with "OEM Performance' SVT, Mopar, dealer installed "factory upgrades" are exempt and covered by most dealers who have to ability to warranty parts and labor for them Canada wide.

And then you have "upgrades" that independent dealers will install. Cochrane Toyota (Tacoma Town) lifting a Taco, or FJ or Runner will warranty their parts and their time; but take that lifted truck to a dealer in the city and they won't warranty or touch any issues arising from the mods.

Also some dealers are far more lax in dishing out warranty repairs than others are. And I have yet to wrap my head around why even with 17 years of dealership life under my belt.

:thumbsup: Great post. Full of knowledge

[eglove]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point
Is that an SVT or otherwise Ford approved upgrade?

Most parts on the fiST are mountune - if dealer installed are covered. The foST were all cobb - not approved but they didn't seem to care. But never had anything go wrong with the car in 74,000KM. Tuned since 1,000km

[Hallowed_point]

^ Cool, but if you never had an issue then I don't see what you're getting at. Of course they are fine with mods until focus goes boom. They want to keep making $$$ for service visits.

[71/454]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point


CAI should be fine same as catback. Don't tune/flash/chip if you're under warranty. :burnout:



Be careful with CAI. Google the CAI Hellcat debacle that took place in the US. Basically the supercharger bearings were bad in a bunch of Hellcats and people had the warranty denied to them because they added CAI. Some eventually got it solved by changing dealerships.

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by 71/454
Be careful with CAI. Google the CAI Hellcat debacle that took place in the US. Basically the supercharger bearings were bad in a bunch of Hellcats and people had the warranty denied to them because they added CAI. Some eventually got it solved by changing dealerships.

I'll have to check that. When in doubt, don't mod it beyond wheels I guess. I've heard of Ford denying warranty for CAI on 5.0's as well.

[RickDaTuner]

If it's a decent dealership, it all comes down to what failed and how it failed.

I'd see tons of modded trucks back in Ford world, but would never deny anything based on just seeing a mod done.
If a guy brought in his car with an exhaust and intake, but had a cel for evaporate code, for sure I'd put the repair through.

But if a guy came in with the same mods and a cat inefficiency code, then I'd be a little more reserved in putting that through. Here in Canada we have CANVAP, it's the mitegating party that deals with all consumer complaints, and is the Supreme Court of all warranty decisions. Most shady dealerships will bully you into a customer pay repair, because it absolves them of the responsibility of potentially having a claim rejected by the manufacturer, and also gives them better profit margins. The other side of warranty claim denials is that dealerships get audited frequently from the manufacturers, this is to keep them in check and prevent the dealer from putting in false warranty claims for profit. In these audits if the technician working on your car didn't follow protocol 100% they will get a charge back on the work performed. I have seen personally a charge back for over $400k from the manufacturer to the dealer. That makes some service departments very fickle in giving out warranty.

My advice is that; if your going to mod a car under warranty, then you better be aware of what that mod will affect on your car, both the good and the bad, you can't just go on slapping parts because you're blinded by the madd hp it's going to give you. Then be prepared to tomhave what ever break, break. If the competent is too costly or to complex for you, then keep it stock.

As mentioned though, if it's a dealer backed part, then mod away!

[cet]

Originally posted by eglove


Most parts on the fiST are mountune - if dealer installed are covered. The foST were all cobb - not approved but they didn't seem to care. But never had anything go wrong with the car in 74,000KM. Tuned since 1,000km

Are there any dealers in Calgary that will install and warranty Mountune?

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner
If it's a decent dealership, it all comes down to what failed and how it failed.

I'd see tons of modded trucks back in Ford world, but would never deny anything based on just seeing a mod done.
If a guy brought in his car with an exhaust and intake, but had a cel for evaporate code, for sure I'd put the repair through.

But if a guy came in with the same mods and a cat inefficiency code, then I'd be a little more reserved in putting that through. Here in Canada we have CANVAP, it's the mitegating party that deals with all consumer complaints, and is the Supreme Court of all warranty decisions. Most shady dealerships will bully you into a customer pay repair, because it absolves them of the responsibility of potentially having a claim rejected by the manufacturer, and also gives them better profit margins. The other side of warranty claim denials is that dealerships get audited frequently from the manufacturers, this is to keep them in check and prevent the dealer from putting in false warranty claims for profit. In these audits if the technician working on your car didn't follow protocol 100% they will get a charge back on the work performed. I have seen personally a charge back for over $400k from the manufacturer to the dealer. That makes some service departments very fickle in giving out warranty.

My advice is that; if your going to mod a car under warranty, then you better be aware of what that mod will affect on your car, both the good and the bad, you can't just go on slapping parts because you're blinded by the madd hp it's going to give you. Then be prepared to tomhave what ever break, break. If the competent is too costly or to complex for you, then keep it stock.

As mentioned though, if it's a dealer backed part, then mod away! Totally 100% agreed. And I don't look at dealers or manufacturers as evil for getting their backs up over modded vehicles. We as tuners choose that risk.

[Rocket1k78]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point
^ Cool, but if you never had an issue then I don't see what you're getting at. Of course they are fine with mods until focus goes boom. They want to keep making $$$ for service visits.

Was going to say the same thing, how could you have any issues with them denying warranty on a mod if you dont have an issue for them to dispute :nut: Would be hilarious if there was an issue and they denied him

Its a gamble no matter what and with an extended warranty on the vehicle i would need some major hp for me to risk it.


On a side note did inrich really post this?!?!

Originally posted by InRich
I think it should be a MINIMUM payment of 20% across the board for any kinda house. Who can't save 20% nowadays, just stop eating out, drive a japanese shit box, and save, its not hard.. have some fucking discipline. Half you niggers shouldn't even be in the houses you live in now.

we can't all drive X5Ms

[revelations]

There are far too many variables to answer the basic question "will mods void warranty".

A better question would be "would this specific mod y to vehicle x cause a potential issue with any associated parts' warranty claim, here in Canada?"

Depends on:

- part modded
- modded part used
- dealer mood regarding mods
- modded part subject to recall
- manufacturer mood
- vehicle specifics (eg. NISMO GTR ECU )
- location (us/Canada)
- what type of coffee the service rep had in the morning



Someone will recall better, but I seem to remember the RX8 engine debacle of a few years back where many dealers would deny warranty for almost any BS reason they could think of.

['93 SR-V]

I'd be carful with the chip... I have a friend who was a mechanic at Ford for a number of years and he told me about the guys who would blow up their engines using tuners/chips (mostly diesels and Eco-boost engines) and then try to warranty them without luck. Apparently even if you were to set the vehicle back to stock settings before bringing it in they could often tell that it had been modified.

[eglove]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point
^ Cool, but if you never had an issue then I don't see what you're getting at. Of course they are fine with mods until focus goes boom. They want to keep making $$$ for service visits.

Guess I should expand. By no issues I meant that I never had an issue with the dealership when something went wrong. Couple ignition coils went on the focus ST. Had no problems getting them replaced while tuned and the car being heavily modified.

Rad fan wasn't kicking on on the fiesta and it was running hot / almost overheated one day. Car is heavily modified and they had no issues warrantying the faulty part.

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by eglove


Guess I should expand. By no issues I meant that I never had an issue with the dealership when something went wrong. Couple ignition coils went on the focus ST. Had no problems getting them replaced while tuned and the car being heavily modified.

Rad fan wasn't kicking on on the fiesta and it was running hot / almost overheated one day. Car is heavily modified and they had no issues warrantying the faulty part.

That's surprising and awesome. I guess what worries me is how much is left to dealer discretion. Which I also completely understand as a business owner.

[RickDaTuner]

Originally posted by '93 SR-V
I'd be carful with the chip... I have a friend who was a mechanic at Ford for a number of years and he told me about the guys who would blow up their engines using tuners/chips (mostly diesels and Eco-boost engines) and then try to warranty them without luck. Apparently even if you were to set the vehicle back to stock settings before bringing it in they could often tell that it had been modified.

Yup,

Power tuners, chips, all the likes are a big no, no, and any dealer tech worth their salt can tell right away if an engine was blown from modded ecu.

There are ways to virgin flash Ford ECUs, but you need to be a Ford tech to access all the information. Even then though, your left with a newly programmed ECU with no cell history, a big red flag when a car is brought in for a blown engine.

[J-hop]

People are just stupid sometimes when it comes to modding. guys buy "cool" chips that run their turbos way outside of the efficiency range creating high amounts of unnecessary heat requiring 94 to avoid detonation.

Then there is the typical kid that runs a SRM or CAI with an over oiled filter nets 0hp and wonders why their MAF keeps failing.

[71/454]

Originally posted by Rocket1k78





On a side note did inrich really post this?!?!



Yup he sure did

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by J-hop
People are just stupid sometimes when it comes to modding. guys buy "cool" chips that run their turbos way outside of the efficiency range creating high amounts of unnecessary heat requiring 94 to avoid detonation.

Then there is the typical kid that runs a SRM or CAI with an over oiled filter nets 0hp and wonders why their MAF keeps failing.

Or the elusive "chip" on non OBD1 car that adds 100 hp. :rofl:

[Hallowed_point]

Originally posted by 71/454
Yup he sure did At least we knew what he really thought. Even if his opinions were racist as hell :rofl:

[swak]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner


As mentioned though, if it's a dealer backed part, then mod away!

Great advice in this whole post, but i trimmed it to one sentence that caught my attention.

What do you mean by dealer backed part? IE. if i went to a tuner shop who warranties their work/parts?

Or do dealerships (ford, gm, honda...) have aftermarket parts that they "back" as well? Have never seen this advertised at the Ford parts desk, but might be worth some digging if that is the case. :thumbsup:

[RickDaTuner]

Originally posted by swak


Great advice in this whole post, but i trimmed it to one sentence that caught my attention.

What do you mean by dealer backed part? IE. if i went to a tuner shop who warranties their work/parts?

Or do dealerships (ford, gm, honda...) have aftermarket parts that they "back" as well? Have never seen this advertised at the Ford parts desk, but might be worth some digging if that is the case. :thumbsup:

Yes, almost every manufacture has their own performance cataloge for performance parts, here are a few from the big three

https://performanceparts.ford.com/

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/

https://www.mopar.com/en-us/store/parts.html

The parts they offer here have their own warranty, and some are labled "Competition Use Only" but you can head into a dealer that is certified in the sale and service of the performance brands to get warranty work, or installs done, that will keep your warranty intact.

Most dealerships don't ever mention it because to them its a head ache, and most manufactuers require the dealer to have a specialty trained technician to allow them the ability to work on in house performance parts modified cars.

Its more common place in the US then it is here.

[J-hop]

I wonder what the Ford racing parts are like quality wise overall. I've only ever bought one tiny Ford racing part which was a dipstick to fit around my long tubes and it was utter garbage. Was way too big for the hole in the block as it was chromed and the genius designer didn't account for the extra mm or two the chroming added so it would no longer press into the block. Ground it down to the proper diameter and then found that the silly guys had chromed the dipstick as well and this chrome would flake off every time you pulled it in and out. Ended up going with a $100 lokar which is waaay nicer.

Granted for a part like a dipstick they probably have them mass produced in some rundown factory in Korea, but hopefully their bigger stuff is better manufactured....