I just purchased an AFE cold-air-kit and a Gibson cat-back-exhaust for my 2002 Ford Expedition and the Dealer(Service Dept) has informed me that this will void the warranty? Why do the companys that sell these products say in thier advertisments that this is 50 state legal and will not affect the warranty. Any Suggestions or advice ??

 

There is alot of discussion about this. I believe the general theory is, as long as the aftermarket part itself doesn't cause any damage (ie, new intake doesn't seal and lets dirt into the engine) then you should be covered under warranty. But it depends on your dealer too. I think as long as you get good quality parts and install them correctly you should be ok.

 

If you install the cat-back, you void the exhaust warranty. The airbox, as long as it seals, shouldn't affect anything unless you disturb a sensor.

 

This is taken from the Truck Performance site:

"No properly installed product on your vehicle will void your original vehicle manufacturers warranty. However, if you experience a problem with an uncooperative dealership point out the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement 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 about this law.

It has been established that a dealer may not deny warranties for new vehicles, unless the warranty claim results from the installation of specialty equipment. In fact, 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 warranty claim. Nonetheless, some dealers have improperly denied warranty claims even though the claim had nothing to do with aftermarket parts.

SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is very interested in hearing about any cases that have gone to court and any opinions that have been issued from courts on this issue. It is their hope that they will be able to use these court opinions to encourage the vehicle manufacturers to properly instruct dealers on the appropriate circumstances for denial of warranty claims. If you are currently having issues with a dealer over a warranty claim, please contact us for SEMA’s contact information on this issue."

http://www.sema.org/content/?ID=8124...DMoss+Warranty


Rich

 

Ford is not the only auto maker that takes issue with aftermarket parts. GM does also. Especially Exhaust. The "50 State Legal" that
most parts have advetised is 50 States Emissions Legal.

Before making any changes read warranty and contcat FORD for clarification IN WRITING since definintions can vary from dealer to dealer.

 

All I got to say is I hope you have DEEP Pockets to fight Ford if they do deside to void it. Not saying that is right for them too, but it has been done. And don't expect any help from the aftermarket companys.

 

1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))

This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of this law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle makers brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge.

The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty.

Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:

 

To those folks who took the time and interest in my problem with a Dealer claiming to void my warranty if I installed a Gibson cat-back exhaust and a AFE cold air induction. To Wheel MA1, Jaraxle, Triton 2002, TLD and Shorebird Thank You very much and if you should have any other info on dealers voiding warranties and how to get around them please, forward any info to me