Its not supposed to as long as the upgrade part isn't directly responsible for any malfunction. But then again its Ford dealerships we're dealing with on warranty issues...

 

I just ordered a hypertech module and a "cat back" exhaust system made by Gibson exhaust. By adding this equipment to my vehicle, will it void any warrenties.

 

No the person that said it wouldn't void any warranties is wrong. I don't know about the chip, but when I was going to convert to flowmaster pipes, I called them and they said that it would void the warranty on the exhaust system. I'm sure that it's the same way with a catback system. The only thing that you can do is add things to your truck, and not replace them. Who knows, I have a friend that put pipes on his truck, nd went in to get something fixed on it, and they didn't say his warranty was void. If you go to Meineke or something, they have a lifetime warranty on all of their products anyways, so if something went wrong with the exhaust, you could just take it there and you wouldn't even have to take it to Ford.
Thomas

 

The module will definitely void the warranty if your concern can some how be related to the module. Have seen this happen many times to mustang owners.

 

I would probably replace the chip with the factory original before taking it in to a Ford Dealership for any warranty work.

 

Federal law protects your rights to a warranty even after modifications, if the failure was not due to the equipment installed, the dealer must honor your warranty. I.E. a cat-back system may void any warranty on your exhaust system in the part that was replaced, but would not necessarily void your warranty elsewhere. If your dealer gives you a hard time, I believe the legislation is called the Magnuson-Moss act.

Good Luck,

Paul

 

On this note about warranty, I could've sworn I read a few years back that adding a K&N filter to the (then) 98 Tauraus SHO would void warranty. I know I saw this on some ford literature somewhere, but why would Ford would issue such a statement?

Les

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 24-Nov-00 AT 00:29 AM (EST)[/font][p]The manufacturer cannot specify any oil filters, brand of oil, air filters etc. without either a waiver from the Magnuson-Moss warranty act (proving why those products are the only ones that can be used) or providing those products for free.

The same applies to other systems. A cat-back exhaust and a K&N filter for example are essentially replacement parts, however some changes are modifications and will void the warranty. According to Jets literature below, if it's a performance modification that the manufacturer doesn't get EPA certification on, the story may be different.

Some dealers will try to get away with anything they can, and will try to deny warranty work on a replacement part, many consumers will let them get away with it. Also, if your talking about an extended warranty, this is different from the manufacturer's warranty and different rules may apply.

The following is from K&N's website,

"Warranties on New Vehicles

THE MYTH: A manufacturer's new-vehicle warranty is automatically voided once an aftermarket part (non-original equipment) is installed.

THE TRUTH: Rarely does the use of aftermarket parts violate a new-vehicle warranty.

THE RULES: Federal law, (the Clean Air Act), requires two emissions warranties: a "defect" warranty and a "performance" warranty.

"Defect" warranties require the vehicle manufacturer to produce a vehicle which, at time of sale, is free of defects that prevent it from meeting required emission levels for it's useful life, as defined in the law.

"Performance" warranties require that vehicle manufacturer to make repairs - at no cost to the owner - should the vehicle fail to meet certain levels of emissions performance during the warranty period. This period ranges from 2 years or 24,000 miles to 5 years or 50,000 miles for most parts, to 8 years or 80,000 miles for certain emission-controlled parts (specifically, the catalytic converter, the electronics emission-control unit and the on-board diagnostic device) on most 1995 and later vehicles (check owner's manual for specifics on your vehicle).

Consumers are protected under a parts self-certification program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

If a parts maker self-certifies it's parts under this program, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the emissions warranty even if the certified part fails and/or is directly responsible for the emissions warranty claim. In this situation, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the parts manufacturer, but the new vehicle warranty is not voided under the law.

If a parts maker chooses not to self-certify it's parts, the only case where a vehicle manufacturer can void the emissions warranty is if a non-certified aftermarket part is proven to be responsible for an emissions claim.

All K&N direct replacement air filters AND all K&N F.I.P.K. kits - - Filtercharger Injection Performance Kits - - are emission control exempt and they will not void your new car warranty."

This next section is from Jet, who supplies chips and other parts...

"Will JET Performance tuning void my warranty?
No. 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, and 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."

The Federal Trade Commission also has a website, if you have trouble sleeping, read up, it'll put you to sleep right away, but some good data to have....

Bottom line is, I would expect a fight from many dealers, if you're not willing to deal with it, don't make the changes or wait until the warranty is through.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

I am going through the same thing right now getting ready to add a chip and exaust. I talked to the division manager for California Ford dealers on this one. The chip is ok, even if it wasn't you could just pop it out if you are taking your truck in and they would never notice. AS far as the exaust goes here's an example....

Let's say I'm installing a stereo in my truck. This normally would be seen as not a problem as long as I didn't tamper with the factory wiring (ie, cutting and splcing), BUT if something should go wrong with the electrical system then ford could say it was because of your modifications and you'd be SOL.

Also, anything that is permanent like welding that madifies the engine or system will void it. IE, if you weld a new exaust system on, expect for them to say something.

I've head tons of people say they went in for warrany issues with a fully modified truck and it wasn't a big deal. I've heard others say they stopped them at the door for having dual exaust. I guess it's just going to boil down to chance. Ford is going to try to swindell their way out of giving you your repairs no matter what you do...minus well have fun with it.

PS- a K&N Filter or any other filter does NOT void your warrenty.