The people I talked to all offered to send written documentation, each read Ford documents verbatim, the written warranty paperwork provided by Ford when you buy your truck backs it up, the written Federal law backs it up. The person at Ford not only read me the documents word for word, but offered an explanation and then answered my questions. I specifically asked her, point blank "will installing an aftermarket performance chip void my warranty." Answer: "absolutely not."

I suggest you call some people at Ford and get the truth in writting. While the dealer can deny a warranty claim because your extensive modifications broke something, they cannot simply void the entire warranty. Talk to any of the following, especiall Mike Vaughn as he handles warranty information.

Jennifer Antone
Customer Satisfaction
1-313-3372613

Peter Olsen
ConsumerConnect
1-313-3238028

Christian Vinyard
Department: ConsumerConnect
1-313-5947899

Mike Vaughn
Department: Automotive Consumer Services Group
1-313-3372786

Jerree Martin
Department: Automotive Consumer Services Group
1-313-3372699

You have nothing written and your conversation with Ford (I assume you called their consumer affairs) contradicts everything written Ford has. Then you come here, post it as fact that chips void your warranty when it fact they do not. You chase several threads posting the exact same sentence (in direct conflict of our written guidelines), you simply post "chips void your warranty" as the only response to several threads, which contradicts Ford written warranty policy and Federal law, and then you wonder why you get the reaction you got?

And then, to top it all off, you post the remark that "after market spark plugs" void the warranty. Next you'll say if you don't use Ford approved water in the windshield washer tank, or Ford canned air in the tires that your warranty is void. I'm sorry, what would you think if someone told you that that after market spark plugs void the warranty? Would you take it seriously?

I cannot believe you drove the truck like a Sunday driver after adding $5000+ worth of performance parts plus labor. Over modification broke your truck, not a chip which changes shift pressure, engine timing and fuel curves. You even posted on this site that you've driven the truck in excess of 130 mph. Motives? How about anger?

Furthermore, you call anyone who doesn't agree with you a "brown noser", and then post stuff about the "reply with quote link being conveiently gone". This isn't important enough to waste my time on modifying the Perl code that operates the boards simply to prevent quoting (besides, it would diseappear site wide).

This has taken up more of my time than it should have already... I consider it pointless until you have written documentation. I don't believe you'll ever get it.

Ken Payne
[img src="/dcforum/User_files/webmaster/usaflag.gif" valign=top align=left] Ford Truck Enthusiasts Admin

 

If you guys or whoever was smart enough why didnt you just put youre regular factory chip or computer back in. then report the problem to factory how the hell would they even know you installed it on youre computer just wondering why you dind tdo that???

 

because if the computer stores an error code for the aftermarket chip, you would need to clear the error code also. and I am not sure how to do that on the newer computers. I know that I could do it on my older truck with one of those code scanners, but I am not sure that someone makes a code scanner that works on the newer vehicles <shrug>

 

Wutang,

In this case hec183 had too many other mods for his truck to run right without the chip. You are right The chip could be pulled in most cases before reporting problem to dealer. Point is ...
you don't have to!!! I'll take any dealership to court that tries to void my warranty because of an aftermarket chip....and win!!

'93 F150 XLT 2WD Supercab
5.0, AOD, K&N, Gibson
And SOON to be Superchipped!!!!

 

You can clear error codes by disconnecting the battery for 20+ minutes.

Ken Payne
[img src="/dcforum/User_files/webmaster/usaflag.gif" valign=top align=left] Ford Truck Enthusiasts Admin

 

Thanks Ken...forgot to mention that in the midst of my ire.

Wayne

 

I was told this by a dealer tech. Said lots of the guys in the Mustangs didn't realize their computer stored a code if the engine had been over-revved but disconnecting the computer solved it.

Ken Payne
[img src="/dcforum/User_files/webmaster/usaflag.gif" valign=top align=left] Ford Truck Enthusiasts Admin

 

I have more than one truck. Yeah the 130+ one is a "Sunday Driver" at the track. Yes you can post more data than me ... so what. NONE of the people you listed have heard of you and do not handle warranty information. I contacted Ford twice since your last spiel and they all say the same thing A CHIP VOIDS A WARRANTY. All anyone has to do is call Ford; they said it was a "dealer decision". As for Vortech, go to their web site and it will tell you a supercharger WILL NOT void a warranty unless it is being used for racing. So you can prove the positive because I can't prove a negative. All your posturing and chest thumping doesn't change anything.

 

The 130+ truck IS NOT, in YOUR OWN WORDS, the other truck. You specificially stated that the Supercharged truck with the exact modifications you mentioned, the Supercharge and the Superchip, is the one you drove 130+ mph:

"I was "stuck" with a Diablo chip when I purchased a Vortech V-2 S trim. Vortech makes no effort to even offer customizing a chip
to remove top end and/or rev limit. Apparently the only chip mfg. offering or able to do this is Superchips. The Diablo chip, after installation, allowed hard aceleration but had a constant hesitation as rpm/speed increased. True to form the engine cuts out at the factory preset 95mph. To get around this I had to purchase a Superchip, custom programmed chip. When your foot hits the floorboard it has about the same acceleration (seriously smoking tires) as the Diablo, however, it is fairly smooth and strong to over 130mph (pretty scary in this big truck, only did it once).

So... the question is, where you untruthful ng then, or now? I smell a rat.

I didn't expect the people you called to know who I was. I have a list of Ford contacts. They are listed as press contacts for warranty information/issues. Given that I have about 300 phone numbers inside of Ford, I haven't contacted the vast majority of them.

[ul]
I contacted Ford twice since your last spiel and they all say the same thing A CHIP VOIDS A WARRANTY.
[/ul]

You are not telling the facts. Here is Ford's own words:

IF AN "AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE DEVICE" CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE POWERTRAIN NECESSITATING A REPAIR, AT PRESENT OR IN THE FUTURE, A RESULTING REPAIR IS NOT REIMBURSABLE UNDER WARRANTY.

No statement saying it voids the warranty. Simply a statement that if an aftermarket part causes damage, that damage isn't covered. It DOES NOT void the warranty. It only means the repair caused by the aftermarket part isn't covered which is exactly what happened in your situation.

Please give me the names of individuals who said a chip voids the warranty.

[ul]
All anyone has to do is call Ford; they said it was a "dealer decision". As for Vortech, go to their web site and it will tell you a supercharger WILL NOT void a warranty unless it is being used for racing.
[/ul]

You just stated that you drove the truck 130 mph at the track. In your own words, your actions

[ul]So you can prove the positive because I can't prove a negative. All your posturing and chest thumping doesn't change anything.[/ul]
[/quote]

You have yet to offer any new information and still nothing in writing. Why? Because Ford WON'T put it in writing because its illegal to void an entire warranty because you added an aftermarket part.

Until you can supply something in writing from Ford, I view your postings as nothing more than misguided vengence you have directed at me (which is odd since you didn't buy a chip from us) since you ruined your engine. You can say I'm posturing, but I say you've got a chip on your shoulder (no pun indented) and you're looking for someone to blame because you crapped out your truck.

Discussion is over until you have something in writing from Ford, otherwise, bark at the moon.

 

just to add a few thoughts and questions
1. how can superchips say the chip will not void the warranty , dont they just sell the blank and leave it up to the selling dealer to do the programming any which way they like ????
2. how can they say it is carb approved for the same reason??
3. the topic was raised about adding boost pressure , ford sets an overboost code at 26lbs many chips will let you hit 30+ (psd)
4. the PPIII also leaves a code
5. the new 4 bank chips that are out do not leave a code (psd again)
6. why will ford replace a turb that has failed due to improper cool down times with out any fuss but when someone like me who has guages, turbo timer, etc come in for a Oil leak at the turbo base just the mere presance of a Exhaust brake will void the warranty??
7. yes there are some dealers out there that will sell , even install aftermarket goodies, chips, etc and warranty the truck with no problem but there are also a lot that will void the warranty.
8. everyone refers to the MM act is it really that good??
9. I believe that ford states somewhere that you cannott add boost pressure or ecessive back pressure as this will void warranty
10 in closing choose what you do to you vehicle and realize that the dealer may just try to screw you. also remember that there are losts of message boards and information at your fingertips researche before you do
11 I am against mods and worrying about the dealer heck NO
my current ride and mods
2000 F250 PSD SC 4x4 auto, 8' bed, sportmaster tonno, lund moonvisor, bugshield, ventshades, painted door handles and mirrors, custom slide in camper tiedowns bolted to the frame,elect brake controller airlift bags, on board compressor and custom controls, Turbo lifesaver, Aic, sony stereo with q-logic sub box and amp, tinted windows all around, banks trans temp, boost, egt guages in an autometer a pillar, manual tourque convertor lock up switch, $50 exhaust brake, light wired to run when tls active, $12 bright box, illuminated logos front and rear, Billett grille and bumper insert, wastegate disconnected , 3.5" straight pipe exiting in front of the tire, and most importantly A superchip 70/120 Flip chip

 

>just to add a few thoughts and questions
>1. how can superchips say the chip will not void the
>warranty , dont they just sell the blank and leave it up to
>the selling dealer to do the programming any which way they
>like ????

The dealer cannot program a chip "any which way they like". We have a large selection of programs supplied by Superchips or Diablo. When a person purchases custom programming or a request is made for something that isn't always considered custom, we submit the request to Superchips/Diablo. They do ALL the coding, we program the chips with their code. Also, when custom programming is done to the customer's spec, the customer is required to sign a release form.

>2. how can they say it is carb approved for the same
>reason??

See above.

>3. the topic was raised about adding boost pressure , ford
>sets an overboost code at 26lbs many chips will let you
>hit 30+ (psd)

Actually, its 24lbs.

>4. the PPIII also leaves a code
>5. the new 4 bank chips that are out do not leave a code
>(psd again)

The primary reason for 4 bank chips is to avoid having to reprogram chips due to dealer reflashes. Sure has saved me and my customers some headaches.

>6. why will ford replace a turb that has failed due to
>improper cool down times with out any fuss but when someone
>like me who has guages, turbo timer, etc come in for a Oil
>leak at the turbo base just the mere presance of a Exhaust
>brake will void the warranty??

Legally, they can't. Dealer service departments can be finicky, and Ford has certainly gained a reputation in recent years for lousy service.

>7. yes there are some dealers out there that will sell ,
>even install aftermarket goodies, chips, etc and warranty
>the truck with no problem but there are also a lot that will
>void the warranty.

They can't void the entire warranty, at least not legally. I just had a customer get transmission work done with a Diablo chip installed. The problem was completely unrelated to the chip, the customer let the dealer know the chip was installed and had the repair covered. I suspect that dealers that claim the warranty is voided are the same types of dealer that try to get out of flat-rate warranty work because it isn't profitable enough.

>8. everyone refers to the MM act is it really that good??

Yes. Otherwise you couldn't refill your own toner and inkjet cartridges, add non-Ford oil filters, use HP paper in a Xerox copier, etc. The problem is many customers blindly believe it when the law is pushed or outright violated. Or they give up, think its not worth it to stand up for their rights....

>9. I believe that ford states somewhere that you cannott add
>boost pressure or ecessive back pressure as this will void
>warranty

Where and in what words?

 

well
I must have found a good chip programmer
cause it is done the way I wanted it and I DID NOT sign a thing other than the check I sent as payment
So I guess it does pay to shop around.
I will work on finding the quote from ford

 

I wouldn't say that's the mark of a good programmer... just careless.

The ONLY time the release needs to be signed is if its custom code (ie, nitrous, superchargers, etc). Standard codes don't need it. Let me put it this way... someone had to sign it, and if your programmer didn't require you to then he did it himself. You can't get custom code without someone signing, either you, or the programmer.

You may want to look at your warranty card with the custom chip... you should find a disclaimer that basically says the same as the release. With a custom chip, the ball is in your court.

 

the programmer has many more years than most working with diesel engine programming including the 444 in the big trucks So I trust that he knows the limits,
how can ford sell a truck one year at 215 hp , 235 , 250 and 275 hp without changeing anything but the program??
also I found the statement by ford , this i as posted by a member on another board
However, Ford has warned their dealers that exhaust brakes (and hot-rod chips) will void the warranty on Fords.


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSM # 10389 states: "Some aftermarket products may cause severe engine and/or transmission damage. There are various manufacturers offering devices to increase turbocharger boost, exhaust brakes to increase stopping/hauling capacity or other such devices to increase the power/torque of the 7.3L DIT. Severe powertrain damage may result from use of these aftermarket products, which will not be covered by the Ford warranty."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
also I recall reading not to long ago in one of your posts that superchip doesnt make a flip chip I think it was about the same time I had already ordered mine from my programmer
please tell the whole story not just the sales pitch

 

>the programmer has many more years than most working with
>diesel engine programming including the 444 in the big
>trucks So I trust that he knows the limits,
>how can ford sell a truck one year at 215 hp , 235 , 250 and
>275 hp without changeing anything but the program??

No saying there was anything wrong with your programmer or the code selection. Just saying that he probably signed the custom sheet himself. You are correct about the program changes by Ford to produce more HP.

>also I found the statement by ford , this i as posted by a
>member on another board
>However, Ford has warned their dealers that exhaust brakes
>(and hot-rod chips) will void the warranty on Fords.
>
>
>quote:
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>SSM # 10389 states: "Some aftermarket products may cause
>severe engine and/or transmission damage. There are various
>manufacturers offering devices to increase turbocharger
>boost, exhaust brakes to increase stopping/hauling capacity
>or other such devices to increase the power/torque of the
>7.3L DIT. Severe powertrain damage may result from use of
>these aftermarket products, which will not be covered by the
>Ford warranty."
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As with the chip TSB, this does not say it voids the warranty. It says if the part causes damage Ford won't pay to repair it. In order words, if the product causes damage that repair isn't covered. But, it doesn't void Ford's warranty. No where will you see anything that says an aftermarket product will void the warranty. The mere addition of the product does not void the warranty... example: adding an aftermarket oil filter does not void the warranty, but if that filter failed and caused you to spin a bearing Ford would not cover the repair. The warranty would still be intact and Ford would be obligated to cover later repairs not caused by the filter. You can use "chip", "exhaust brake", "intake", "intercooler", etc. in place of the word "filter". The results are the same, if the part causes damage, that damage isn't covered but the rest of the warranty is intact....

>also I recall reading not to long ago in one of your posts
>that superchip doesnt make a flip chip I think it was about
>the same time I had already ordered mine from my programmer
>please tell the whole story not just the sales pitch

Superchips makes the flip chip, its Diablo that doesn't. For 2003 its all going to external units (such as the Hypertech) for both Superchips and Diablo. Ford is getting rid of the accessory port.... :-( Supposedly, you'll get able to get both a fixed programmed unit and a user adjustable unit. You ought to see the Hellion unit from Diablo... handheld, diagnostic tool, OBD-II, live data and internet update capabilities plus I hear that programming capabilities will be added to it soon.... too bad the price is so high but it is second to none....