I was curious to know what kind of responses members have had when taking their modified vehicles in to have work done at Ford?

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back,
3" exit Y-pipe, Hellwig rear anti-sway bar.

 

I chatted with a local Ford service writer on doing mods on my truck. He told me exhaust and K&N are the only acceptable mods. Computer chips can be a no-no. He told me if I took the truck to have any warranty work done on the electrical system or engine, "be sure to take out the chip before bringing us the truck." And headers will void warranty too. I had JBA headers put on my old Chevy when it was at 18,000 miles. A month later, I had a blown intake gasket. And of course, I shelled out $300.00 out of my pocket because GM wouldn't touch it otherwise.

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1999 F250 LD S/C XLT 4x4
5.4L, 3.73, 4R100 trans.
Flowmaster 40 series, K&N, Poweraid, Superchip, Rancho RSX shocks, Stull billet grille, 2-PIAA Pro80XT's (120W), 2-KC Daylighters (150W)
265/70 R17 BFG AT KO's on 17x8 American Racing Atlas rims
Kenwood 7007 CD, Alpine 3342 Signal Processor, Alpine MRV-F353 5Ch. Amp, Pioneer TS-A6865 3-way speakers, Lightning Audio 1 Farad Capacitor, MTX Thunderforms. CompuStar alarm/autostart.


[This message has been edited by Jupiterak (edited 08-20-2000).]

 

Hey Jupiterak, I was out and about last night. I kept an eye out for an F250 Light Duty. Never saw one. Then again i did not know what color to look for.

I am really itching for a chip, but, I have an extended warranty. Which dealership did you go to? I'll be out this weekend.

 

My service writer told me pretty much the same thing as Jupiterak's did. Basically, anything that can be put on with very few bolts is ok. Anything that requires removing and replacing a lot of bolts or plugs in is a NO NO if it involves a component directly linked to the add on. Like Jupiterak's intake gasket/header scenario. I have dual exhausts and when I complained about a vibrating plastic engine cover, they said we'll look at it but it's probably because of the dual exhaust. That's more than likely the case so I will fix the noise myself.

 

Tundra: if you really want that chip, then go ahead and put it on. I added one on my diesel after putting only 500miles on it. Of course I asked at the Ford dealership here about chips too. Always ask the head service manager, the other guys that work there, including parts-guys, mechanics & salesmen, don't know jack!!! I was told that "IF" my computer ever fried then I was responsible for replacement of that part only. I also talked w/Mike T over in computer chips section about the liklyhook of the chip frying the computer. Chances are VERY slim. This is my second truck w/a chip.

Max Mitchell: usually when I pull up to the Ford place, a couple of the salesmen come out to check out my truck and find out what new stuff I've added. One time they even wanted to take pictures!! As far as having work done at Ford: the only things I've ever had to have done were warrenty or recall things, and I've never had any problems. My last truck had a flowmaster cat-back, superchip and K&N air filter.

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2k F250 CC SWB 4x2 6 speed Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, rear privacy glass
TT Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards, mud flaps
265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd, rechargable MagLite
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip, Stepshields, Ventshields on windows, rubber bed mat
rugged liner bedliner on tailgate, quick disconnect jumper cables
unaFORDable (decal on tailgate)

 

I took the Expedition in a few times for them to try and find a problem with the A4WD. All the mods listed below (except gears) were installed and functional... including chip. Not one of the 3 different dealerships ever said anything about any of the mods.


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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, 285/60R16 Goodyear Eagle GT IIs and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

My Servive Manager told me that the Superchip did not void the warranty. He did tell me that any problem that is associated with the chip wouldn't be covered under warranty. The problem that he said was most associated with the chip is that the check engine light would stay on. If you bought your chip from Performance Products, then Mike Troyer would have add the piece of law that states that it will not void your warranty.

Superchargers and headers will void your warranty. Any modifacation made directly to the engine will void out the warranty. Just thought I would share what little knowledge I have on the subject.

Snow white

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2000 White sport
4.2l V6 5spd
K&N filter
e-mail: XLR8@f50guy.com
Superchip
Single in dual out 40 series Flomaster

As soon as i can afford it: Airaid FIPK

 

Actually, not even headers will "void your warranty", but pay close attention: if they have been Jet-Hot coated, or otherwise coated with another similar ceramic coating, then they cannot cause damage to any part of teh vhiecle from their heat, the only potential problem caused by headers. Of cvourse we also recommend using locking header bolts, so you don't have to go back and re-torque the header bolts 10 times during the first 90 days as well.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that only if an aftermarket part can be *proved* to have actually caused damage can a warranty claim be legally denied. So as long as they cannot *prove* that your headers actually caused damage to your vehicle, they cannot *legally* be the source of a denied warranty claim, although we all hear those horror stories, and some of us have been subjected to them.

This is exactly why it is so very important to know your actual legal rights under the law, and not be subjected to the whims of some jerk at a dealerhsip who thinks it's funny to play games with your warranty.

That is why we talk so much about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, not just in the context of it being safe to use the Superchip under warranty, but other aftermarket parts too! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Acts covers *ALL* aftermarket parts, whether they are appearance or performacne parts makes no difference, it all gets down to whether or not that part did *damage* to the vehicle.

We advise talking like Tina said, directly to the Service Manager, and if that doesn't help, then get the name & phone number of that dealership's "Zone Rep." from the factory, as they *know* the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and as soon as you let them know that you know it too, and what your rights are, the games end very quickly.

Also, here is a link to SEMA, of which this web site is a member by the way, and these are the folks who we can basically thank for getting the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act enacted!
http://www.sema.org/fedleg/warranty

Good luck!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

 

Alright it took me a while to find this, but it is federal law!(copied off the website)


Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket speed equipment, with only two exceptions: the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage, or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. In recent documents produced by the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association ), a trade association representing specialty automotive parts manufacturers, the following quotes have been extracted:
"The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle. This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

"Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim. In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law.

"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."

 

tundra,

I went to Cal's. And definitely get the chip. My F250 'lightduty' is white, you'll be able to spot it because it has expired temporary tags. Very long story; dealership lost title, so waiting for duplicate title.

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1999 F250 LD S/C XLT 4x4
5.4L, 3.73, 4R100 trans.
Flowmaster 40 series, K&N, Poweraid, Superchip, Rancho RSX shocks, Stull billet grille, 2-PIAA Pro80XT's (120W), 2-KC Daylighters (150W)
265/70 R17 BFG AT KO's on 17x8 American Racing Atlas rims
Kenwood 7007 CD, Alpine 3342 Signal Processor, Alpine MRV-F353 5Ch. Amp, Pioneer TS-A6865 3-way speakers, Lightning Audio 1 Farad Capacitor, MTX Thunderforms. CompuStar alarm/autostart.

 

Ok Folks, any experience with the Airaid?
I have chip and Airraid, no other Performance mods, My check engine light came on and stayed on ( right after almost running out of gas and then refueling BTW) and I am wondering if I should pull the Airraid and chip before taking it in for service???????????? I didn't check it out before I bought it to see if it was "legal" I do notice some gains, but mostly the Superchip, makes my V-6 a "hoot" to drive.


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Y2K F150 4x4 XL Med Torredor Red
4.2 5 speed,AIRAID, SuperCHIP,
3.55 LS, Leer camper shell, bedrug,
Ranchhand Rover Brushguard 2X Off road lights
Tint/alarm/ aftermarket keyless entry/locks
2m radio, CB, 3 Scanners
regulator@f150driver.com

 

Hey, I talked with a service writer at Ford Lincoln Mercury about my straight pipes BEFORE hand, on 5th just as you leaver/enter town on the Glenn. He said it was fine, nothing to worry about. Needless to say, I signed up for my 20k mile tune-up there. I will be stopping by tommorrow to be sure.

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99 Black Lightning
factory tonneau cover, 100k mile warrantee, bed/under liner,

1/4
2.145 60' 8.789@82.71 (1/8) 13.603@101.05 1/4 same run
straight pipes, 'Major' rear lights, no chip

 

Regulator: Disconnect your battery, remove your chip, turn on your head lights (drains all stored up power), turn off head lights, connect up the battery and drive your truck a while. If the check engine light comes back on, take it in to Ford. If that Airaid is easy to remove, you may want to take it off at the same time you remove the chip. I dont think the chip is causing your problem but w/out knowing how your service manager is going to react, I personally prefer to not get into the hassel. You probably just got some dirty gas (lets hope) Let us know what happens.

[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 08-22-2000).]

 

REGULATOR: I concur with Tina about the reset. It has worked for me a couple of times.
With my 2000 Expy, I too have the Airaid and a Superchip, as well as a Jardine cat-back exhaust. I have taken it to the dealer without issue.

If there's any chance of having engine diagnostics performed on your vehicle, then pull the chip. I believe you'll be OK with the Airaid.



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2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L 4WD, C&C group, towing package, beige leather interior, captain's chairs, 6 CD Changer, 255/70R16, all-weather floor mats

MODS
Ford Bug Deflector (2/15/00), Superchip (3/11/00), Airaid (3/23/00), Edelbrock IAS shocks (3/23/00), Jardine cat-back exhaust (4/6/00), Under Seat Locking Storage Drawer (6/6/00), MPC Rear Air Foil (7/2/00)

 

Yep, I'll try that first, I hate to take
it to the dealer period I have to remove so much stuff from my truck before I drop it off. ( ham radios, scanners, bike rack,
gear etc etc. cause they won't lock the doors, or watch the vehicle.



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Y2K F150 4x4 XL Med Torredor Red
4.2 5 speed,AIRAID, SuperCHIP,
3.55 LS, Leer camper shell, bedrug,
Ranchhand Rover Brushguard 2X Off road lights
Tint/alarm/ aftermarket keyless entry/locks
2m radio, CB, 3 Scanners
regulator@f150driver.com