texshot said:
Please beware that my son works for a gm dealership and he says they now are able to detect any type of device that is used to remove or adjust the governor on these vehicles and that it voids your warranty. ?Just thought ya'll might like to know what we have been told by our son. ?Believe me he knows that his dad's best position is on the floor and over 100 while driving. ?That's why he drives a dodge no governor.
Texshot,
I hear that same line from my brother-in-law who is a service manager and has worked for most of the major auto manufactures at one time or the other. As long as the mod is not the cause of the failure of a part under warranty they have to repair it, it's da law
This was sent to me by one of the most respected speed shops here is Houston:
THE TRUTH
Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty ? Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer?s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well. Which provide further protections for vehicle owners.
In other words, that means a dealer can?t wiggle out of his legal warranty obligation merely because you install aftermarket equipment. To find out if any aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle?s warranty, check the owner?s manual. It is likely the language you are looking for appears under a heading such as ?What Is Not Covered? Although the language seems negative, remember your vehicle manufacturer is simply saying he does not cover the aftermarket products themselves. He is not saying that the products would void the vehicle warranty.
VEHICLE DEALERS OBLIGATIONS
Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that you?ve installed aftermarket equipment ? a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.
An example of how ridiculous this can get is the man who was denied warranty coverage by a dealer on his power door locks, because he had improved his exhaust system! Sounds nuts? It really happened ? because that man did not know his rights and challenge the dealer?s decision.
Fact: A dealer must prove ? not just say ? that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.
YOUR RIGHTS
Point out to the dealer the provision of the Magnuson-Moss Act- Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he can?t ? or his explanation sounds questionable ? it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.
Fact: If you are still being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct complaints to the FCT at (202) 326-3128.
DODGE MOTORS
?Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment.? ? 1997 Warranty Information supplement to Dodge
Owner?s Manual:
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
?If a Chevrolet part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship not related to (on aftermarket products) or the labor to install it. Chevrolet would be responsible for covering the failed part.? ? Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
FORD MOTOR COMPANY:
?Installation of a non-genuine Ford item does not, in and of itself, render warranty void.? ? Ford Owner Relations Division
FEDERAL LAW
?In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by means of a written warranty shall. . .fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood language the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules . . . require inclusion in the written warranty of any . . . exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty.? ? Magnuson-Moss Warranty & Federal Trade Commission improvement Act. Section 2302(a)
Motorsport Technologies Inc.