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Old 11-01-2001, 10:49 PM   #1
EaH1022
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Question what will void?...

hello, i am thinking about gettin a new 00-01 2.5rs. i was wondering what kind of modifications (general) i can do to the car that will not void the warranty? like intake, exhaust, kit, lights, chip, etc... cause people have always told me that u cannot touch your engine for the years until your warranty is over or else it will void. maybe except an intake.
im not soo learned in this area. much help is welcomed

oh, i heard about having the dealership intall parts for u so that the warranty wont be voided as well. whats the deal with that? im sure that it will be more expensive. but yeah.

thanks.
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Old 11-02-2001, 10:33 AM   #2
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I just sent SOA an email asking them....I'll let you know.
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Old 11-02-2001, 01:16 PM   #3
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Dear Mr. Culliton:

Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site again. I hope that you have been enjoying your WRX!!

First and foremost, get that nasty word VOID out of your vocabulary. The ONLY way your warranty from Subaru will be VOIDED is if you take it out of the country.

Now, for the facts. We do not recommend the installation of any aftermarket parts in any of our vehicles. Doing so, will NOT affect your warranty. But, any problems caused would not be covered by your warranty from Subaru.

For example, an air freshener is an aftermarket product. Therefore, we would not recommend that you install one in your WRX. But, it is really not going to cause any problems, so there would be no harm or problems caused.

Finally, this is your WRX. Therefore, you can do as you deem appropriate. But, if the installation of an aftermarket part causes a problem, you would be responsible for paying for the repairs.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us again. Have a great weekend!!

John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
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Old 11-02-2001, 02:11 PM   #4
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Very Cool Email...
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Old 11-02-2001, 02:29 PM   #5
AKSubie
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Thumbs up Verey cool!

That is a very cool email.

In general, he is mostly correct, I have contacted one of the service reps at my dealer and he has stated pretty much the same thing, that unless that part IS (or for some "could be") the culprit that caused the failure or problem, then your covered. Although if you go in with an aftermarket S/C hooked, they can't make you pay to fix the steering column.

The only part that is not right (at least in some dealers eyes) is that I have read that some dealers are so picky, that they wouldn't even work on a car with a bunch of aftermarket stuff. It may be good to see how your dealer feels about mods, the majority are OK with it.

Although it's Definitely nice to hear it from the horses mouth.
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Old 11-02-2001, 07:23 PM   #6
steppin16
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the dealer is never that nice when it comes to my mods... system and air filter
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Old 11-03-2001, 03:33 AM   #7
HndaTch627
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i've never understood why subaru is so picky about their warranty except one thing. The qulaity of their parts is not the best. Having worked in the busiest Honda dealer in the midwest for over a year now you can bet i have seen my fair share of modified Honda's. Now if their modification has caused the problem then the customer is responsible for paying for the repairs, but how can you say a aftermarket rim cause your first gear to strip?? i know this hasn't happened but it's just an example. I know of quite a few people that have had transmission problems DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALERS before they did any modifications to the car and have been denied warranty coverage. Now tell me how in GODS name this is a correct business dealing?? I find it VERY odd that Subaru Offers a FREE year memeship to the SCCA and encourages you to race flying their name($200 bonus for winning) yet if you break your car autocrossing it is your fault?? Explain to me how this works out?? I see a possible lawsuit following that piece alone. If subaru would get with it and design a halfway decent trans then they wouldn't have the problems they do. DSM AWD's never experience NEAR this many problems. Sorry i know this is long but i am afraid that i am not going to be able to get my trans fixed if or should i say WHEN in the future. Till then we will see...good luck all.

jeremy
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Old 07-28-2008, 04:08 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HndaTch627 View Post
i've never understood why subaru is so picky about their warranty except one thing. The qulaity of their parts is not the best. Having worked in the busiest Honda dealer in the midwest for over a year now you can bet i have seen my fair share of modified Honda's. Now if their modification has caused the problem then the customer is responsible for paying for the repairs, but how can you say a aftermarket rim cause your first gear to strip?? i know this hasn't happened but it's just an example. I know of quite a few people that have had transmission problems DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALERS before they did any modifications to the car and have been denied warranty coverage. Now tell me how in GODS name this is a correct business dealing?? I find it VERY odd that Subaru Offers a FREE year memeship to the SCCA and encourages you to race flying their name($200 bonus for winning) yet if you break your car autocrossing it is your fault?? Explain to me how this works out?? I see a possible lawsuit following that piece alone. If subaru would get with it and design a halfway decent trans then they wouldn't have the problems they do. DSM AWD's never experience NEAR this many problems. Sorry i know this is long but i am afraid that i am not going to be able to get my trans fixed if or should i say WHEN in the future. Till then we will see...good luck all.

jeremy
I didn't read the entire thread, so someone may have already said this, but, it would seem Subaru is just covering themselves from the 0.01% of buyers who would take their car offroad, bounce their differentials and oil pans off of a few rocks, and try to get the dealer to fix it as a "warranty" issue. Same as if you smashed it into a tree or telephone pole, would you expect your warranty to cover it? I'm not saying Subaru is good or bad in terms of warranty repairs, I really couldn't make a claim in either direction since my car never required warranty repairs...I guess the fact that it never did is a testament to how well the car is built - up until recently I drove my Impreza 100 miles per week day for 3 years without any incidents.
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Old 11-03-2001, 04:50 AM   #9
EaH1022
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thanks for the help guys

reallie cleared up some misconceptions i had.
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Old 11-03-2001, 11:21 PM   #10
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Default quote from jet performance products web site faq

not sure what this is worth, but i got it from JET's web site

Will JET Performance tuning void my warranty?
No. Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket speed equipment, with only two exceptions: the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. In recent documents produced by the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a trade association-representing specialty automotive parts manufacturers, and the following quotes have been extracted:

"The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle. This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self-certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

"Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim. In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law.

"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."

cnsmtan
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Old 11-04-2001, 04:20 PM   #11
Stallion
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Unless you tell your dealer that you got your CPU JET tuned, they will probably never know. There are no stickers put on your cpu and no other visual changes. I had this done to my eclipse cpu and the dealer could never tell.


BUT, are you really sure you want to get your computer JET tuned. I had absolutely no improvement in performance by getting my eclipse JET tuned. Personally I think its a load of crap and a waste of 400 bucks. I had exhaust, intake and a few other little mods and they "specifically tuned" the computer for this. The first time I got the CPU back, it actually ran slower than before. I had to send the unit back to them, and after about 3 weeks of not having the use of my car, it had not gained any performance and I was out 400 bucks. Their customer service was horrible and I would not be surprised if they were scamming people who sent computers in. Dont waste your money, spend it on a better intake and exhaust.

Rick
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Old 11-04-2001, 06:41 PM   #12
cnstman
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Default you misunderstood me

i am not getting a jet chip, i just posted this for the statement about performance mods. i am getting a unichip from turbo xs very soon. this quote from jet seems to cover all mods, not just their chips.

cnstman
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Old 11-04-2001, 07:08 PM   #13
jimb
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Just use your head and be sensible with what you do. I personally think the unichip is a smarter idea than a boost controller. At least they figured out what runs safe and what doesn't. Got to keep in mind, it's only a passenger car, it's not a race car. While Subarus are generally very reliable, your running the car harder than it was designed. Make sure you have the money in hand to fix what may potentially break if you do get denied warranty on a costly repair.

-jb
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Old 11-04-2001, 11:26 PM   #14
128d
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I have a few mods on my car and the dealer seem to be cool with it, however they will probably change their tune when something breaks.
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Old 11-05-2001, 12:08 PM   #15
psoper
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So the modification thing is pretty clear, but what about the "competative event" clause, certainly track racing or stage rally could lead to uncovered component failures, but what about auto-x-ing an un-modified car ? does road rally qualify as a competative event that could lead to warranty problems?
or a poker run?
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Old 11-05-2001, 03:02 PM   #16
vickerto
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Angry Damn air freshener

Quote:
For example, an air freshener is an aftermarket product. Therefore, we would not recommend that you install one in your WRX. But, it is really not going to cause any problems, so there would be no harm or problems caused.
I put an aftermarket air freshener in my WRX. It fell into my vent, caught on fire and shorted out my car's computer!!!
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Old 11-07-2001, 03:52 PM   #17
wrx182
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Default NOTHING Will "Void" The Warranty.

Straight from Subaru of America:

Dear Mr. Culliton:

Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site again. I hope that you have been enjoying your WRX!!

First and foremost, get that nasty word VOID out of your vocabulary. The ONLY way your warranty from Subaru will be VOIDED is if you take it out of the country.

Now, for the facts. We do not recommend the installation of any aftermarket parts in any of our vehicles. Doing so, will NOT affect your warranty. But, any problems caused would not be covered by your warranty from Subaru.

For example, an air freshener is an aftermarket product. Therefore, we would not recommend that you install one in your WRX. But, it is really not going to cause any problems, so there would be no harm or problems caused.

Finally, this is your WRX. Therefore, you can do as you deem appropriate. But, if the installation of an aftermarket part causes a problem, you would be responsible for paying for the repairs.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us again. Have a great weekend!!

John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
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Old 11-07-2001, 04:03 PM   #18
hkwan
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wrx182, actually they way I'm reading this letter from SOA is that if the car is left untouched with a/f mkt parts, the warranty won't be voided. If you start installing a/f mkt parts, everything that has been messed with will be void from the warranty coverage.

Anyway, this post might get moved to warranty forum.
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Old 11-07-2001, 04:06 PM   #19
Julian
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There's nothing new here. Your warranty won't be automatically voided upon the installation of aftermarket parts. It may be voided if the aftermarket parts somehow resulted in the failure. If you never make a warranty claim then your warranty will never be voided because you'll never make a claim on your warranty for it to be voided by the aftermarket parts.
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Old 11-07-2001, 04:28 PM   #20
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IT will not be VOIDED... the repair might not be covered but the warenty will NOT be voided...


And another way to void your warenty besides taking it out of the country is by racing it or taking it off road. accourding to the owners manual..


-Zach
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Old 11-07-2001, 05:24 PM   #21
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Quote:
There's nothing new here. Your warranty won't be automatically voided upon the installation of aftermarket parts. It may be voided if the aftermarket parts somehow resulted in the failure. If you never make a warranty claim then your warranty will never be voided because you'll never make a claim on your warranty for it to be voided by the aftermarket parts.
yeah, unless they determine the reason of a problem on your car was caused by the part, then it should be under warranty
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Old 11-07-2001, 07:00 PM   #22
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yup read up on the maggnsun-moss act .. very difficult to "void" a warrenty
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Old 11-07-2001, 07:33 PM   #23
Russell Rose
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Question tell me what would void my warranties

so yeah ... i just got my 2002 wrx a month ago and i have $2000 extra that i stashed away for this car ... i already bought a turbo timer but i need to know what i can n cant do to my car so the warranty wont be voided ...
i need to make more mods to my car especially with this much money its so tempting but for now my main cocern is the warranty so help me out ... thanks

rus
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Old 11-07-2001, 08:22 PM   #24
PrezzieBaby
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hey,
actually,if you're in California (or maybe even just the US) then I have a website you can go to where you can find otu all the things that legally will void your warranty....i'll try to find it and get it to ya..
Basically though, unless they can prove that it has damaged another part of your car...they cannot void your warranty because as a consumer you have the right to add aftermarket products to your car
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Old 11-07-2001, 08:22 PM   #25
PrezzieBaby
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hey,
actually,if you're in California (or maybe even just the US) then I have a website you can go to where you can find otu all the things that legally will void your warranty....i'll try to find it and get it to ya..
Basically though, unless they can prove that it has damaged another part of your car...they cannot void your warranty because as a consumer you have the right to add aftermarket products to your car
Sarah
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