will i void my warranty?

[Essex4x4]

I want to put a magnaflow exhaust on my 06 XLT 4x4 V6 and i was wondering will this void my warrenty? I also would like to do an intake if i can find one.

[Donner]

The short answer is yes, until you go over the stipulations in the warranty with the issuer. Some might preclude you from making any changes, however vague they might be, you still want to discuss this with the issuer (finance mgr?). Is it a Ford warranty? I increased tire size w/o asking or discussing, no one made a deal of it. Technically, they could have... their main concerns were no changes to the suspension; do regular maint'nance.

[Essex4x4]

Yes it still has around 6,000 on the factory warranty, i bought it in january with 28,000 and extended the warranty to 75,000 miles

Guess your right i need to talk to ford... I hope they say yes cause if they say no that would suck and i will be very upset

[Donner]

They shouldn't have any issues with it... but if you're in So Cal near any markets where fabrication/altered vehicles is expected, just tell them your plans and more than likely they will say go for it... you should be okay to do mods.

[A Wise Guy]

I have had mine in the dealer since installing my 77 series K&N and my Magnaflow and nobody said a thing about it. Since I am the 2nd owner of the truch I guess they would have to prove I changed stuff out and that I didn't buy it that way when I bought my extended warranty. Now if you were to do under drive pullies and had a problem with your crank shaft I bet you would get the shaft.

[Donner]

It depends on the dealer too... our local dealership has more modified vehicles than any I've seen... That's the one exception I would make, I would probably choke somebody if they told me my warranty was voided (expired now) due to mods... Actually, I'd just make a small scene. But the dealerships in So CA and No CA seem to be pretty fair.

[Essex4x4]

since i am not getting a definite yes or no i will be calling ford and asking them

[Donner]

You're right to do so, only they can tell you how to proceed.

[ZZ]

Originally Posted by Essex4x4

since i am not getting a definite yes or no i will be calling ford and asking them

As a former Ford Service Mgr. I have seen a lot of pissing contests over "voiding warranties". I agree with Essex, check with Ford and see what they say ASK FOR THEIR RESPONSE IN WRITING! Don't rely on what someone at the dealership told you.

I ain't no attorney (but I have been in court as a defendant and an expert witness more than once) but Ford writes the warranty terms and servicing dealers have the responsibility the service the vehicle in accordance with those terms. With the example of installing a cat back exhaust I would love to have a Ford dealer tell me I invalidated my warranty but doing it. I would have them choking on their own vomit in court. In most of the situations I have been involved in, it depends on what part failed and why did it fail? If the cause was the modification, you are hosed. If not they would have to prove that the mod was the cause or significant contributing factor. Most challenges with this subject come from Service Advisors and Service Managers not knowing their ass from their elbow or lacking common sense when it comes to making a potential legal statement that a customer has "voided their warranty".

[Donner]

ZZ, once your vehicle is brought in for service, as you know, the inspection is made to see if there are any potential violations. When I take my vehicle in for service (when it was under warranty) every mod is pointed out, and it is notated on the service work order. It, at that point, is in writing - if the vehicle's problem is warranty related, and the dealer fixes the issue, it's a done deal. Also note that all contracts are not issued by Ford, but if it was, you MUST speak with the finance mgr to go over the details of your contract at the dealership where you purchased the vehicle. What addendum will you receive when you say "get it in writing"? The addendum is the completed service work orders.

[ZZ]

Originally Posted by Donner

ZZ, once your vehicle is brought in for service, as you know, the inspection is made to see if there are any potential violations. When I take my vehicle in for service (when it was under warranty) every mod is pointed out, and it is notated on the service work order. It, at that point, is in writing - if the vehicle's problem is warranty related, and the dealer fixes the issue, it's a done deal. Also note that all contracts are not issued by Ford, but if it was, you MUST speak with the finance mgr to go over the details of your contract at the dealership where you purchased the vehicle. What addendum will you receive when you say "get it in writing"? The addendum is the completed service work orders.

I agree with you if your are purchasing a vehicle with mods or one's to be installed by the dealer than getting it in writing is certainly a good idea. Dealers selling service contracts are most often just the agents selling the contract. The liability for the coverage is through the company representing the contract. Getting the dealer to sign an addendum may give the dealership some liability but not necessarily the insurance company.

If a dealer does perform a repair that could have been disqualified that can be in your favor due to implied liability. Meaning that if the dealer fixed it once without disqualifying a repair due to a mod, you should be able to do future repairs without disqualification. The same implied liability can be a risk if dealers do no charge repairs of any kind that are not warranty without a disclaimer that the repair is a one time consideration.

These are letigious days I'm afraid. I hope I don't appear critical. The reality is that these things are subject to interpretation, human judgment and individual business practices. Being informed, question what you are not sure about and getting things in writing are the best way to minimize disputes and liability.

[Donner]

Exactly... the only thing about a warranty is no one will provide a line-item explanation of what is or is not acceptable outside of something basic like "Regular oil changes are required." Dealers won't sign an addendum, that's why you gotta keep your work orders. And our service mgrs here will tell you up front and provide a [work order/printout] showing you addressed your concerns and their response. [our local service mgr is an off roader, and the second in command has a lifted f250(?). So they know about mods - and ya can't bs these guys - if a mod caused a problem, they'll know.]

[aaronajb1981]

look up the magnuson moss act. this is the law that its againt the law for a dealership to tell you that it voids the warranty. The only way they can refuse the warranty is if the exhaust or in-take directly relates to the problem.

Look at the link for the actual act.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson-Moss_Warranty_Act

[Donner]

The problem is that most people walk away from contestable issues. They just here "No" from a dealer, and that's it. There is also negligence. If you fail to care for your vehicle or fail to operate it in the intended manner, and it states this in your warranty that you must, the policy issuer is able to deny any claim. Then the "Intended Manner" becomes contestable.

[Essex4x4]

Wow i kinda thought this thread was lost. I like the details that all of the recent posters have issued, I went to the dealer i purchased my 06 at and the finance manager, and sales managers both basicaly described the problem that i would run into. And you folks have completely covered it. Here is basically what they said: If I change the exhaust or intake and there is a problem with the engine that directly links to the exhaust or intake i am screwed, so for now i am leaving it stock.
I rolled over 32,000 on my Odometer last week and i have the extended 75,000 warrenty. I don't want to screw anything up so, for now at least mechanicaly she will stay the same.

I have a few other mods but for now i don't want to change anything that hurts or in anyway will bring an argument about my warrenty. I find that avoiding the whole issue alltogether is better than causing a problem.

Once again i would like to thank all of you guys for helping me to make an intelligent decision.

[Donner]

Warranties, ah! Good job!