Dealer says adding CAI will void my engine warranty...
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I sent an e-mail to Airaid about this...their reply so far...
So, I'll call and see what he's talking about. I assume it will be about the Manguson- Moss act of 1975.
Originally Posted by airaid
Hello Thomas,
Give me a call and I will explain how the laws work and how what ford told you is Against the law.
Talk to you soon
Give me a call and I will explain how the laws work and how what ford told you is Against the law.
Talk to you soon
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From: 39466
What about this:
New Vehicle Warranties And Your Rights
No aftermarket part or accessory that is properly installed on your vehicle will entirely void your original vehicle manufacturers warranty. According to the provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, It is the dealership's responsibility to prove that your modification directly caused or affected the failure you are trying to resolve. With that said, some dealerships are more performance-oriented than others and are more willing to work with customers.
Warranty-related materials, published by the new vehicle manufacturers, state that the installation of aftermarket parts have no effect on the warranty unless such equipment causes the problem that leads to the warranty claim. Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts. I.E., just because you install an exhaust system, your suspension failure warranty claim cannot be denied. If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership, point out the provisions of the this "FEDERAL ACT". For more information call your vehicle manufacturer or click on the link above to go directly to the Federal Trade Commission's website to find out more about this law.
Is there even more information available to me?
Yes, SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has extensive information about this issue. Check out their information in the following categories:
(1) Warranty Denied?
(2) Unfair Warranty Denial?
SEMA also keeps track of illegal / unethical practices by dealers regarding this area. If you should have to go to court or to arbitration to settle your warranty complaint, contact SEMA with the details.
What else can I do?
In large cities, there are always other dealers you can do business with. It's a good idea to find out about the most cooperative performance-oriented dealer available to you by checking with clubs, local groups, etc.
If you live in smaller communities, make sure that an uncooperative dealer knows that they are giving you plenty of reason to take you business elsewhere.
If you should have to do that, write the "manufacturer" to tell them that their dealer's activities have caused you to buy from another car company!
No aftermarket part or accessory that is properly installed on your vehicle will entirely void your original vehicle manufacturers warranty. According to the provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, It is the dealership's responsibility to prove that your modification directly caused or affected the failure you are trying to resolve. With that said, some dealerships are more performance-oriented than others and are more willing to work with customers.
Warranty-related materials, published by the new vehicle manufacturers, state that the installation of aftermarket parts have no effect on the warranty unless such equipment causes the problem that leads to the warranty claim. Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts. I.E., just because you install an exhaust system, your suspension failure warranty claim cannot be denied. If you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership, point out the provisions of the this "FEDERAL ACT". For more information call your vehicle manufacturer or click on the link above to go directly to the Federal Trade Commission's website to find out more about this law.
Is there even more information available to me?
Yes, SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has extensive information about this issue. Check out their information in the following categories:
(1) Warranty Denied?
(2) Unfair Warranty Denial?
SEMA also keeps track of illegal / unethical practices by dealers regarding this area. If you should have to go to court or to arbitration to settle your warranty complaint, contact SEMA with the details.
What else can I do?
In large cities, there are always other dealers you can do business with. It's a good idea to find out about the most cooperative performance-oriented dealer available to you by checking with clubs, local groups, etc.
If you live in smaller communities, make sure that an uncooperative dealer knows that they are giving you plenty of reason to take you business elsewhere.
If you should have to do that, write the "manufacturer" to tell them that their dealer's activities have caused you to buy from another car company!
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From: Land of Corn and Huskers
Make sure you keep your OEM air intake and replace it in case you have to take it into the dealer, that way they can’t deny your warranty. They have to prove you had a CAI installed.
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If you have a piston crack or a rod break, or some such internal failure and the dealer says it was caused from running lean and the CAI contributed, how can you prove that it didn't. That's the problem. It becomes an opinion thing rather than provable fact.
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Jim
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Yup, dealers will say this - but they actually have to prove that your aftermarket part caused the failure in question...very hard for them to do. Just remove the CAI and tune before taking it in for service and you should be ok. Some will claim that a dealer can tell...not sure but my local dealer never said a word about the CAI and Edge tune I had on my ;05 F-150. It takes about 15min to remove the CAI and about 1 min to reinstall the stock tune....I'm a firm believer that I bought the truck and it is mine to modify (within reason) and am not going to let a dealer dictate what I can/cannot do to my truck
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They can refuse to fix it unless you pay for it. Few of us have the money or time to tie up in a legal battle to maybe win, maybe not. As to them being able to tell if you had a CAI, I don't think so, but on a tuner, they have software that will recognize any change to the PCM. They just have to have a reason to run it. I think I read where Ford requires them to run it if you have an engine or transmission failure under warranty.
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Jim
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BJ - good point...but most CAI's and tunes are dyno tested and as long as you stick with a reputable aftermarket dealer (Edge, etc.) you should be OK. I never had any issues with my AF1 CAI/Edge tuner combo and ran it for 4 years. Also, if you were to experience drivability or trip a CEL, it would only be prudent to remove the CAI/Tune and work it out with the dealer you purchased it from...not continue driving the vehicle until permanent harm occurs.
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From: Burleson/Athens/Brownsboro, TX
BJ - good point...but most CAI's and tunes are dyno tested and as long as you stick with a reputable aftermarket dealer (Edge, etc.) you should be OK. I never had any issues with my AF1 CAI/Edge tuner combo and ran it for 4 years. Also, if you were to experience drivability or trip a CEL, it would only be prudent to remove the CAI/Tune and work it out with the dealer you purchased it from...not continue driving the vehicle until permanent harm occurs.
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Jim
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The irony of it all is that as long as the owner is not ******* it, the tuner can extend the life. Makes it more efficient and helps the tranny run cooler.
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Jim
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I spoke with David Edelman at Airaid. He did specifically cite the Magnuson-Moss act. He also said they stand behind their product 1000%. If the dealer can prove that their product caused the failure, they will work with the dealer to get it fixed.
Good enough for me.
Good enough for me.
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From: Southern, CA
They can refuse to fix it unless you pay for it. Few of us have the money or time to tie up in a legal battle to maybe win, maybe not. As to them being able to tell if you had a CAI, I don't think so, but on a tuner, they have software that will recognize any change to the PCM. They just have to have a reason to run it. I think I read where Ford requires them to run it if you have an engine or transmission failure under warranty.
