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Old 07-05-2001, 02:39 PM   #1
glilly
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Default modifications and warrantys

I just read a topic regarding the S4 and how having a chip & exhaust does not void the warranty. I don't think so. As I understand it, any aftermarket modification will void the warranty for that related part, as well as if not more if it cuases additional failures. So what;s the truth? I bought my WRX just so I didn't have to worry about losing my warranty, for I had no plans for modifications. But, the more I read these posts about chips, exhaust, intakes, etc... Now I know the exhaust should be fine, and maybe the intake. But the chip?! As I said, I probably won't be doing anything (except wheels, tires & body kit), but i'd like to know the real truth.
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Old 07-05-2001, 03:21 PM   #2
iBlueVirus
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i am not sure of this, but I thought i read this somewhere. They don't care what you do to the car as long as it's legal and the damages done are not due to the aftermarket part(s), you are okay.
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Old 07-05-2001, 03:46 PM   #3
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Right .. as long as the modified/aftermarket part isn't the culprit in whatever you're getting fixed, you're all good. However, some dealers will try everything they can to blame the aftermarket parts for anything that goes wrong with the car.

In my case, they tried to say that my weapon-r intake is what caused my stock clutch to feel sloppy and chatter after 6500 miles. Needless to say, that didn't hold up very well, but they tried.
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Old 07-05-2001, 03:47 PM   #4
iBlueVirus
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oh yeah, they'll try EVERYTHING to blame it on you. thinking that you know nothing about cars... Darn these dealers...
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Old 07-05-2001, 04:33 PM   #5
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Default chip

What about the chip upgrades? Wouldn't that be an instant void of the warranty, due to the fact your basically changing the parameters of the cars vital functions (more boost, fuel, etc...) How would yuou prove that the chip didn't cause any engine or even transmission problems (the extra power)?!
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Old 07-05-2001, 04:38 PM   #6
gavin
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They can only void your warranty if they can prove that your modification caused whatever failure you are experiencing. If you chip it, I wouldn't count on getting any engine/exhaust/possibly some drivetrain work covered, unless it's a recall.
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Old 07-05-2001, 06:31 PM   #7
Conduit
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That depends how willing you are to get legal help. If you use a quality chip and tuner that can/will help you back it up in court, if need be, then you may be ok. I have a friend here that has a PhD in engineering and also a JD. He has helped a few local import guys in cases like this, and in every one, the dealership dropped it (bad PR, and it really _wasn't_ related....exhausts causing engine knock, etc.)

All that being said, I HATE involving the law, since it's rarely as much on your side as you may think.

My rule: Don't modify your car if you don't want to learn to work on it. It's your project, take responsibility for it.
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Old 07-05-2001, 09:59 PM   #8
Subies
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Actually, no aftermarket parts voids the warranty right away. But, if something is wrong with your WRX and getting it checked by Subaru, and if Subaru can prove that the aftermarket caused the problem, then it's not Subaru's responsibilty to fix it.

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Old 07-05-2001, 10:31 PM   #9
jmott
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your dealer wont have to prove ANYTHING.
they WONT prove anything.
90% of Dealers will blame an aftermarket part if there is the slightest chance in hell it could have caused the failure.

and what will you do about it?

hire a lawyer and go to court while your car sits around unfixed?

your best bet is to hide modifications from the dealer when possible, and when not possible discuss it with them ahead of time. and get things in writing if you can (but they probably wont want to do that)
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