This is topic Voiding a Warranty in forum SSOA: "Back Porch" at www.chirpthird.com.


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Posted by DanPazich (Member # 1352) on :
 
I posted this someplace else and was just wondering what your input was on this:
"I'm sure this is a useless question, but I am just wondering if there is anything I can do to my car that will NOT void my car warranty(air intake, etc.). I just bought back in October a 2001 SS new and would like to do something to my car, but really don't want to void my warranty, although, I'm sure any little thing will void it. Also? even if the dealer would install it for me, would it void it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Getting my tax refund back and hoping I can put it to good use."
 
Posted by BlackSuperSport (Member # 1307) on :
 
It's hard to tell because every dealer is different. I've heard of dealers saying they won't honor the warrenty if you change the airbox lid or install a STB which is the most lame thing I have heard. I know of some dealers that replaced entire engines after they blew up because of racing etc; they didn't care. In all reality though check out SEMA. It's against the law to void the warrenty unless the product you installed caused the problem. Meaning if your rear end blows up & you added a STB they legally couldn't void your warrenty.
 
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
 
Check out THIS THREAD.
 
Posted by agmSS (Member # 853) on :
 

Things like cat-back exhaust systems, K&N filters, STB's, etc. will not void your warranty. Some dealers will hassle you if it's not OEM dirt on the tires, but most are very reasonable and will not give you a hard time. If you've gone into the motor with a cam or heads, swapped gears, put on a blower or nitrous, many dealers will not honor any powertrain or drivetrain warranty claims, but will honor things like power windows, radios, etc.

Like was posted earlier, the burden of proof is on the dealer to prove that your mod caused the failure, not on you to prove it didn't. If you've got one of the few bonehead dealers that will hassle you over the slightest little thing, it would probably be better to find another dealer or reputable repair shop to do your work. There's no shortage of knowledge here on this board to help you find someone you can trust.

I bought my car at Betley Chevrolet in Derry NH. They've treated me very well. I recently had to have my M6 repaired due to a busted 5th gear synchro and bent selector fork. I've got a few minor bolt-on mods (check my sig) and they know I've been to the strip a couple of times. They could have said, "Oh well, you drag raced it, so that's probably why it broke. Sorry, we won't honor your warranty." But they didn't. Whether or not they would cover it was never an issue. They fixed it and covered the whole repair. Since a 5th gear synchro failure is somewhat unusual, they took the time to thoroughly go through the entire transmission to find the root cause rather than just throw parts at it. They even kept it stored inside in a special bay while they were waiting for parts so it wouldn't have to be outside in the slop. They did an excellent job and took great care of the car for the 10 days they had it. If it had been on my dime, the repair would have cost $2,100.00.

I know NH is a long way to go and not practical for you, but there's probably a good dealer in your area that someone on the board can recommend.

I can appreciate you being concerned about it. It's bad enough to have to bring your car to the shop in the first place for warranty service, let alone having to deal with a service department's ignorance and indifference to their customers. The good dealers recognize that the service department often makes or breaks a decision to do repeat business and they're smart enough not be jerks over minor bolt-on mods.

Good luck,
Andy
 


Posted by DanPazich (Member # 1352) on :
 
Thanks all for your input. I appreciate it greatly. Further replies, suggestions, welcome. Thanks again!
 
Posted by Mike F - SSOA F99 3913 (Member # 109) on :
 
... you've got a good dealer in your neighborhood. Tom Oates Chev in Chester Spring.

Not only does he sell 'em, he races 'em. Last several years it's been the F-Body, this year a new Z06. He still runs his 3rd Gen in the American Sedan class (SCCA).

Stop in and talk to Mark in the Service dept if you have serious concerns. They are not a snotty, 'you need us' type dealership. They know hi-performance.
 


Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
 
Check out my signature. My car has been in for
warranty work, no questions asked!

Rock's as well, he had the trip odometer reset
problem and his car is as moded as mine, no problem, and we use different dealers!
 


Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :
 
no problem with warranty fixes. and i have an aftermarket filter and exhaust.
 


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