I had a customer take their truck into a Ford dealer in Havre, MT for an inoperative power door lock switch. While the hood was open(?) the service manager told the customer that he would not process any warranty claim until the cold air intake kit was removed. Can this be real? Remove the cold air intake or I won't fix your power door lock switch.

 

Absolutely. It didnt come that way from the factory. It makes no difference if they are related or not. If you modified that, who knows what else you modified....eletrical stuff maybe????

 

what a joke!

 

WHAT?!!!!
Does that mean if I get a new radio they sould not warranty a bad turbo? That's a joke! If the problem to the truck is not related to the mod. (or be proven to cause the problem) then FMC and their dealers have to warranty the problem.

 

I dont make the rules, i just know that from what ive read, if FoMoCo decides they dont want to warranty something, they just need a decent reason not to do it.

 

I'm no warranty expert but isn't there an act Moss or something, that says they have to prove the mod caused the failure?

 

I could understand if he went in for an engine/powertrain issue, but not for power door locks. Why was he looking under the hood to fix a door lock?

A few years ago the FORD Dealership that I Don't buy from any longer...was giving me smilar problems with replacing the air pump for the leveling system on my wifes Expedition because I installed an electronic brake controller for towing my boat. He said it didn't come with the vehicle so he wasn't going to warranty a part that the aftermarket piece could have affected. I pulled the owner's manual out and showed him where it explained how to install this brake controller with the SUPPLIED FORD HARNESS that came with the vehicle. Then I showed him the receipt for the Brake Controller that I purchased in the parts dept. at his dealership. Total Moron! He said.."Ok I'll take care of it THIS time". I went and spoke with the Service manager and he just laughed and I don't know what he told the Service Writer, but his attitude was very different afterwards. I go elsewhere for Fords now.

Yes FORD would have to prove that the "Mods" caused the failure for them not to cover the warranty item, but they can also Flag your VIN as being modded for future claims so I've been told.

 

you have to take it to them on friday afternoon at 3pm

 

Dealer goes postal? I would've been going postal... hell, my truck has more than a dozen radios, a computer, emergency warning equipment, and all sorts of toys. Removing my aftermarket stuff is a month-long adventure. Not happening if I need warranty service.

 

I just took my truck in yesterday for a check engine light and the dealer told me to bring in the stock air filter housing(I have an Afe) of buy one at the parts counter. He explained that some sensors may get a bad reading, what ever, I just took the the stock unit.

 

all part of the 6.0L game Ford plays. Since they won't stand behind the quality of this engine. They use whatever excuse possible to get out of responsibility for the problems. Perfect case in point why I won't buy another New Ford Vehicle. I'd rather buy something out of warranty and save the money.

 

I did remind him of the Magnuson-Moss act and the service manager said "So send the FBI after me". Just absolutely unbelieveable how obnoxious this guy was to both me and the customer.

Luckily Bully Dog got a hold of a local dealer and had them remove and reinstall the cold air kit for this customer, at no charge. That local dealer (Western Trailer Sales) was first class to both me and my customer.

 

I'd find a new dealership to deal with or go right up the chain of command with a complaint.

 

let me reassure you, that is not fords stand as far as honoring warranty issues. If a modification causes a failure, only that failure is not covered. If you have a cold air kit, only things affected by it would be included.Whoever that dealer is needs to lay off the caffeine.

 

Remarks like that (in RanchRodsTX post) from service personnel will certainly change customers minds about their next vehicle brand purchased. That's short term thinking on their part. Of course, when a person has nothing intelligent to say they typically make a smart remark like that.


That remark warrants a letter to Ford, they need to be made aware of that persons attitude. The FBI won't come after him, but his employer might want to have a talk about attitude and customer service.