I have the first mod of my Stang all lined up... Getting a K&N Ram Intake Filter.

Then I got to wondering, does this void my warranty? How does that work?

 

If you have a problem in the system where the mod is installed (say you put in a shift kit and the tranny grenades), yes it could void your warranty.

As far as a filter goes, the computer will adjust to it so I doubt it could cause a problem, but if you get a pita dealer service department you might have issues if you experience engine problems.

Key is to find a good dealer service department. Some don't care how bad you mod it as they'll still get paid for the warranty work.

 

Sweet... I was hoping you guys would say that! LOL Thanks..

 

The way I understand it is that it does not VOID the warranty. It just denies a particular claim (when related to a modification).

 

That's basically what I meant, I'll bet that's what GOFISCH meant as well, and I'll bet that's how JessicaRabbitt interpreted it. But I guess I'll be corrected if not...

I believe it goes beyond a single claim as well. In my tranny example, even if you get it replaced back to a stock setup, I believe the transmission portion of your warranty would still be void. Again, it can depend on what kind of dealer you're working with.

 

I wasn't trying to single you guys out. But I remember someone else being unclear about that. So I figured I would mention it in this thread incase someone new popped in and had the same question.

 

Oh, no problem. As (my post was) written it was definitely unclear and open to misinterpretation.

 

An air filter change WILL NOT void your warranty.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, prohibits that. See Here

Also, K & N has a blurb about on their site as well.

Basically, it states that regular maintenace items (i.e. air. oil filter) cannot be restricted to a certain brand, and your warranty cannot be denied because of that.

 

A replacement air filter will not void that portion of your warranty. In other words, a filter designed to replace the stock consumable item.

A K&N Ram intake filter is not a replacement part. It's a performance part. It's a different game, and can technically void a warranty claim if it is shown to be the root of the problem.

 

it is probably the largest grey area in the automotive industry and honestly it comes down to your dealer/service manager you are working with. Alot of times they will try to throw blame off on the part even if its not even directly related.

The way I have understodd modifications and warrenties is that the car manuf. (ford in this case) can only void warrenty on a particular part that has been altered or replaced from its OE state. Also they can void warrenty on other OE items if their failure is determined to be directly effected by a particular altered or replaced part. (i.e. if you put in gears, and your tranny goes out, they could claim that the increased RPM's of the motor and tranny caused by the lower rear end gear ratio lead to premature failure of xx parts within the transmission, therefore you drivetrain warrenty claim is denied.)

 

A replacement air filter will not void that portion of your warranty. In other words, a filter designed to replace the stock consumable item.

A K&N Ram intake filter is not a replacement part. It's a performance part. It's a different game, and can technically void a warranty claim if it is shown to be the root of the problem. [/b][/quote]
An air filter is a regular replacement part as defined by the owners manual.

 

This is a replacement part:

This is a performance part:

The rules are different for each. Note that when speaking about warranties even K&N distinguishes between its replacement filters and its intake systems.

 

I agree, with that. If the K&N is similar to the OEM, then its a replacement. But putting in the FIPK kit would be considered a performance part. Although I don't think too many dealers would give you a hassle over an intake kit, but some service managers have a bone to pick sometimes.

 

With the K&N filter why couldn't you just put back your original filter before bringing the car to the dealership for potential warranty work? Just pop the cover and change the filter back.

 

Never in My life have I heard of an air filter being an issue, and I have had K&Ns on every car, including a couple that needed warrenty work. But take into account, some dealers are insane and don't want to help you. Thats why there are several in the area .

 

Just a word of advice. Car manufacturers will do anything to NOT pay for repairs. Here is an example. My brother and I were driving in NYC in his new Volkwagon Jetta and he hit a pothole. The friggin airbags blew in our faces. Volkswagon says they are not at fault and he has to pay $5,000 in repairs for 6 airbags and damages because his tire was over inflated! Crooks!