Yesterday afternoon I had a MAC CAI kit installed. After running the mustang for about 16 miles the "check engine light" came on. So I headed back to the installer for some trouble shooting which involved removing the negative cable from the battery for ten minutes and then replacing it hoping the computer would reset itself. And it did for about 16 miles and the "check engine light" was back on.

After some calling around it was determined that an upgraded computer program is needed to inform the mustang's OBD of the new Cold Air Induction kit. Apparently there is so much air coming into the CAI that the fuel mixture runs lean and this is not something the current factory Ford mustang program understands. The new program cost $397.00 American. So until I can scrape up some extra cash the original mustang airflow kit will be put back in the car. This is something to consider if any of you are planning on a CAI for your mustang.

 

yes with almost any CAI intake you need a computer retune. MY advice to you is not to spend $400 for someone to retune your car. For that kind of money you can get the tuner from www.bamachips.com and can flash your ecu yourself. best part is when you need warranty service (technically a tune voids your warranty) the tuner you buy will allow you to return the computer to stock programming so ford will never know. Talk to doug at bamachips. Ive never been happier with their product or the tunes or their customer serive

 

Actually, after market performance mods cannot void your warranty from Ford. This is clearly stated in the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act It states: "Legally, a vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty on a vehicle due to an aftermarket part unless they can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the failure in the vehicle" I took my car in for it's first servicing and they said absolutely nothing about my Steeda CAI.

 

Something to point out here... :nono:


Even though that act has come up dozens of times on all forums, there are ways of dealers getting around it.

For example, having a CAI will not void your warranty. BUT, lets say you have a problem with your engine one day, or something that has to do with the CAI, then the dealer has the right to terminate the warranty, at least for powertrain. Every single dealer has a handbook/report that states their rights, and this is one of them...regardless of what Magnuson Moss says.

The main issue, as stated by STANG_IT's quote, is that if the dealer can prove your mod was the cause of a problem, bye bye warranty. You can install WHATEVER you want, but if you have a problem with it, God help you.

My friend has a 2005 G35 coupe. ALL he has is a K&N intake on it. About three months ago, his engine started to make all kinds of noises, and the car wasn't running good; you could just tell. The engine started making louder noises, and that's when he took the car into the dealer.



They terminated the warranty on powertrain, stating the intake had caused internal problems for the engine. (something being affected, ill call him later and find out) He removed the intake, but the dealer refused to fix it.

Now, my friend has to visit another dealer for his problems, and he buys a bottle of wine and chocolates EVERY time, just for the 2nd dealer to ignore the intake story.


See, I never worried about any mods, but I saw it happen to my friend, whom I was standing 2 feet away from that day.



Do your mods...just be ready to pay for the consequences, if something ever happens.