CAI and Warranty Question

[DTTrac]

I was just wondering if the CAI voids the factory warranty? My check engine light came on today and I was wondering if I should take it to the dealer or just a auto shop?

 

[Donner]

Welcome! A CAI is not a permanent alteration or modification... however, it is a modification. It is strictly up to the dealer/service department that you go to.

The CEL illuminating might have nothing to do with the CAI... I would take it to the dealer, and if they disapprove of the CAI (if it's the cause of your CEL), then you'll know how to proceed.

 

[UIN2IT]

Take the Trac to AutoZone or Advance auto.....they will pull the codes for free. the dealer will charge you $50.

If it is somehting that has to do with teh CAI then it will not be covered....if it is something else take it in.

What CAI did you get!? When I installed my "Nocturnal Perf" intake I got no CEL lights.

 

[JohnnyO]

Depends on what the problem is. If the modification is not related to the problem, then no.
If you put an aftermarket exhaust on and the power window switch craps out, it will be covered.
If the CEL is BKZ of the CAI, then you're SOL.

 

[DTTrac]

I put an K&N CAI on along with a Flowmaster 50 SUV series muffler. Thanks I will take it to auto zone to pull the codes.

 

[ucfwalker]

DO NOT GO TO THE DEALER WITH THAT ON. I dont care what anyone says (no offesnse) I had a 02 civic si with a warranty basic mods cai exhaust header etc nothing crazy. the servise adviser there in charge himself told me it would be no prob but when the warranty adviser came and checked it out he declined it and it went on the cars record as it had aftermarket work done. be safe it takes 15 mins to take it off if you ever have to take it in be safe my 2cents

 

[limited4x494]

I got a AEM CAI with water bypass valve on my 02 focus and the dealer told me i voided my warranty. good thing for my i only had 10,000 miles left on it.

 

[ucfwalker]

yep they are hardcore but with a literally 15 to 20 min swithc its not a big deal just pull the old switcharo lol

 

[BigV]

The only way I see a CAI throwing a code is if the filter was over oiled and messed up the MAF. I agree though take it off before you go to the dealer some will try and screw you with any modification. I have a K&N cai and have no code with over 1500 miles on the cai.

 

[xero2099]

they can only deny claim if they can prove the mod is causing the issue your whole warranty wont void , only what wever component they say failed due to your mod

 

[BigV]

That is true but some dealers will deny any repairs if they can you need to know your dealer so it's better to be safe. I have seen guys have warranty work denied because they find rubber from drag radials in the wheel wells. However if they do deny the work then you can sue them but who wants to go through all that for a window switch etc.

 

[mjktg99]

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

http://www.google.com/search?q=magn...ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7HPND_en

In a nutshell, the burden is on the dealer to prove that your modification caused the failure. IE lets say you had an oil leak, they can just say because you modified your truck with an air filter that your warranty is void. There has to be a direct, provable corolation between your mod and the failure.

For instance, if the it turns out your code is because your MAF sensor went bad they would have a pretty good case to deny your warranty claim because of the air filter. But that also doesnt mean your entire warranty is void, they cant do that. They just hope you are an uninformed consumer and will eat it.

Basically, just be informed about your warranty and what system your mods affect and dont just let the dealer feed you a bunch of BS.