Warranty issue

Question: will an exhaust system void the warrenty? Isn't that a little against the law like the "magnuson moss" law that was passed in 1974 ? It states that it is illegal to deny warranty work or void warranty due to a aftermarket exhaust instalation. Anybody have any input.

I don't know of anybody that has had it denied due to an exhaust. I have heard rumors on other sites - but I really discount them as just that - rumors.

Where you getting ready to do something that would cause you concern - or just freaked cause of all the stuff that they do deny for.

Ron

Ford seems to be OK with the exhaust mods, as long as you keep the kitty.

Dave

RE: Warrenty issue

I am concerned b/c the servise dept at my ford dealer is saying that b/c of the exhaust mod they my void my warrenty and deny warrenty work. My truck needs a new turbo. Its a 2003 go figure.

cj036.0 said:

I am concerned b/c the servise dept at my ford dealer is saying that b/c of the exhaust mod they my void my warrenty and deny warrenty work. My truck needs a new turbo. Its a 2003 go figure.

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They can't do it. If they do it's lawyer time. Do you still have the kitty in place?

cj036.0 said:

I am concerned b/c the servise dept at my ford dealer is saying that b/c of the exhaust mod they my void my warrenty and deny warrenty work. My truck needs a new turbo. Its a 2003 go figure.

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What exactly did you change? Cat back or turbo back? Think it's time to go over his head.

Ron

Turbo back by magna flow 3.5 " to 4" magna flow even says it will not void the warranty what should i do.

cj036.0 said:

Turbo back by magna flow 3.5 " to 4" magna flow even says it will not void the warranty what should i do.

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Have a civil talk with the dealer and find out what the reasons are for not covering the turbo. If this is a common or at least a known replacement issue on the '03 trucks, then you should be o.k. Find some info/tech. write ups on the turbo issue and bring it to the dealer as...dare I say...."ammunition", if they try to say your exhaust "caused" the problem. You might want to call Magnaflow and ask for a copy of the warranty protection guarantee and bring that with you to the dealer. Bring a copy of the Federal Magnuson-Moss Act and highlight portions that pertain to your issue. (You might ask a lawyer for advice/assistance, most will for a nominal pre-determined fee.)

This is an example of the portion of the law that protects you:

Tie-In Sales" Provisions
Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following is an example of prohibited tie-in sales provisions:

"In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty."

More clearly and pertaining to your issue...

"In order to keep your new Ford truck warranty in effect, you must use Motorcraft filters, oil, parts and, in your case, an OEM Ford replacement exhaust. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Ford Motor Company, voids your warranty."

So....the only sticky part is the "kitty". See, the feds don't like you not having one on your rig. (Sort of illegal.) Ford also says "off-road" equipment voids the warranty. I don't think you can do much w/out the cat on your truck, being it would be for "off-road use only". Frankly, I don't see why you need a cat on a diesel anyway. It does nothing. Ford didn't even put them on some years. You could use that approach also. I don't see how lowering the EGT's at the turbo and reducing neg. pressure on the turbo could have ill effects. They know it helps the turbo last longer. Sound like they just don't want to pay. I think you have some ammo and a strong case for getting the work done. Do others agree?

One more thing. If you don't have a cat on there now. Put one on and take it elsewhere. If they already have your truck in the computer as being "voided" or the problem has been written up, I don't know what to suggest. I'm sure someone has an old removed stock 6.0 exhaust they'll sell you cheap. Just weld it back together. If you don't want to do that, see if Magnaflow offers the pipes to put a cat on and buy it. Put the cat back on and they can't say crap. They'll have to prove it wasn't ever on there. Don't let them take pics!?!?

I very seriously doubt they can void your warranty for lack of a cat and make it stick. Unless they can show the removal caused the turbo to go bad, and they can't, they will not have a leg to stand on. This turns into a true mexican standoff - are you willing to call a lawyer and force the issue or will you roll over and take it in the behind?

They can do absolutely anything they want to if you won't take a stand.

That particular portion of the Magnuson Act will really not be relevant in this situation because they are not saying you are voided for using some other brand part but for removing something they put on. The off-road argument is along this same line - it wont fly to support their plan to void you. The off road modifications that relates to is putting ON off road parts that significantly change the configuration of the vehicle beyond what the manufacturer envisioned or designed. Simply removing a part that would make an otherwise truck "street-legal" isn't it.

Dont back down on this - if they argue all you need is a nice letter from a lawyer and they will more likely than not back down. The problem is like I said - if you dont fight them, they win even if they are wrong.