do modifications void your warranty?

[psxchelly]

hello. I just bought an '04 GT 40th anniversary ed. I like it quite a bit better than the 05 GT.

I have been reading all the posts here and it seems that the most popular thing to do is get a cold air intake. I was considering Steeda or K&N. However, my question is this... I purchased the extended warranty becaues my drive to work is about 100 miles round trip every day. If I start to mod the car, will it void my warranty?

thanks
michelle

[ModMech]

No. Regardles of what the manufacturer claims, and the dealership backs, according to the "Magnuson Moss Act" you can modify your vehicle in ANY WAY you choose, and the manufacturer must honor ALL aspects of you warrenty UNLESS the MANUFACTURER can PROVE the failure was DIRECTLY CAUSED by your modifications.

Basically, prove in court, so in almost every case, mod as you want. But, be prepared for some questions if you do things like add a supercharger.

[nfg2184]

Problem with that is, once you mod things on your vehicle, you're also sacrificing reliability. Your vehicle was built to handle it's parts, not another companys. Performance parts push your engine, forcing it to increase performance moreso than it was originally intended to. Plus dealerships are A-holes, they'll look for every excuse possible to void your warranty.

If you wanted to mod a car, you shouldn't have boughten one brand new, especially now that you're considering changing brand new parts out. Is it really worth it having to go to court to fight to have a dealership repair your vehicle? Just sounds like a headache to me...

[TorinoGT69]

Actually extended warranties can and will be voided by aftermarket modifications. Read your warranty exclusions. If there is no exclusion for aftermarket modifications then ModMech is right. But almost any modification can be linked to some type of failure therefore voiding that portion of you warranty coverage. But if all you want is a cold air kit that should be no problem and you could put mufflers or cat back exhaust because most warranties do not cover the exhaust anyway.

[psxchelly]

i wasnt really looking to do anything extensive. Just better exhaust than the factory one, and maybe a cold air intake. Not looking to race, just improve the little engine I have.

I suppose there are no modifications to achieve slightly better fuel economy? I think right now i am in the low 20's, and that is 95% highway driving too.

[GTStang]

The vehicles warranty can not be voided by by any modification unless the can directly prove that the modification caused the problem. But this only really helps you when your in court cause you local Ford dealership/garage can be as big a dicks as they want.

[fbodymustangdude]

Ya im goin to go with GTSTANG on this one, as long as the mod you put on dosnt directly affect the system that failed( ie putting a K&N intake on your car and than your power steering goes, ford cannot void your warranty.
But be aware of power adders such as super or turbo chargrs or ne type of nitrous because those will completely void your warranty

[GTStang]

Originally Posted by fbodymustangdude

Ya im goin to go with GTSTANG on this one, as long as the mod you put on dosnt directly affect the system that failed( ie putting a K&N intake on your car and than your power steering goes, ford cannot void your warranty.
But be aware of power adders such as super or turbo chargrs or ne type of nitrous because those will completely void your warranty

Honestly power adders don't straight out void your warranty either. It's like if your tie rod ends broke they can't blame that on the S/C. But if you broke you manual tranny. Even thought it may not be the S/C fault... good luck proving it wasn't ya know?

[importeater5_0]

if you have the dealership install the parts then it wont void the warrenty, it might cost alil more but you dont have to worry about voiding your warrenty

[GTStang]

Originally Posted by importeater5_0

if you have the dealership install the parts then it wont void the warrenty, it might cost alil more but you dont have to worry about voiding your warrenty

You think a Ford Dealership is going to install a Vortech S/C kit? Let alone do you think they know how to?

[importeater5_0]

well no there not gonna do superchargers, but theyll do bolt ons

[dampachi]

I don't think they'll even do bolt ons...they try to void warranties because people have short throw shifters...

[MARS]

Originally Posted by importeater5_0

if you have the dealership install the parts then it wont void the warrenty, it might cost alil more but you dont have to worry about voiding your warrenty

That's true! But in order for the dealer to install parts, they must be manufactored by FORD. In most cases it is simple bolt-ons. Ive even heard cases where they voided a warranty because of aftermarket rims and tires. So if you have aftermarket rims and tires and you start having problems with your suspension, I suggest you put the factory rims and tires back on before you take it in!!