Need some information.

Although my Dodge dealer did not void my warranty yet, the service manager told me if I go ahead and have a fuel pressure gauge installed to monitor the lift pump status, it will void the warranty on my CTD.

The guy said it states, if you add any equipment in addition to the original equipment that he does not have to honor the warranty, because the gauge voids it. This is the same dealership that did not want to use my Fleetguard oil filter, when I didn't have time to change my oil, so I left. I definitely got the impression he would not work on my truck for warranty problems, if I go ahead and have the guage installed.

I asked him if he would rather replace the lift pump and the injector pump or have me come in with information that might save the injector pump? He just replied the gauge would void the warranty.

Has anybody out there had this experience with a Dodge dealership or is it just this guy? What do you think DC or Cummins would say about this attitude?

To make things worse, other dealership around here in Houston are not to interested in working on your truck under warranty, if you did not buy it from them.

I guess I can gamble, or I can try to monitor the LP from the schrader valve forever. Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

Tom

 

I would try to get hold of the dc regional office and ask them and if they say no it wont then get it in writtting. That way you can take it to the dealer and show him. I dont belive it would void the warranty because you are not adding anything that would have anything to do with the running of the motor or its performance.

 

I have had this same experience with warranty work from a Dodge 5 star dealer.
I would go ahead and install your fuel pressure gauge, I was worried about warranty at first but no more.

IMHO Chrysler knows how these dealers operate, and really could care less.

--Justin

 

this has been hashedd over more times than anyone care to recall but technically the dealer has to show the whatever modification you make cause the failure to void the warranty on that specific part. but as you well now the manufacturer has deep pockets and puts the burden of proof on the consumer. maybe you should speak to the guage manufacturer and see if he has any help for you. besides speaking to a regional rep.

 

How about setting up the line to the schrader valve and disconnecting it when going in for service? You hook it up to test it, that would be legal.

 

Thanks you all. I am going to take the advice that each one of you has given me here. I am going to contact a couple of people at DC. Plus, I am going to monitor the LP from the schrader valve.

The diesel shop said that if I would bring my Hopper setup in he could put the manifold for the sensor and the 2663 Auto Meter that I want on it. At least this way, I will have a gauge to monitor all the time. And like Haulin in Dixie said, then I can disconnect it when I go to this place for service, if I have to.

With any luck, DC will give me some clarification on the matter and I can have it installed permanently.

By the way PourinDiesel, this is a five star dealership !!!!!!

Thanks again,

Tom

 

I just posted the following in another thread but it is pertinent here too:

I wouldn't be too hasty in letting a dealer off in a warranty repair situation:

Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, any aftermarket equipment which improves safety or performance, does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly states, in the owner’s manual, that the additional items (itemized) void the warranty. The dealer must also prove that an added, aftermarket or safety item, caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage on that basis.

Not enough people know about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975, and the dealer is surely not going to tell you about it...But will try to mis-interpret it to you.

The smart consumer will look it up, copy it, study it and take it with him whenever he goes to the dealer for warranty work.

MHO Stan

 

That same thing happened to me. Took it in for a dying lift pump, and they tried to void the warranty cause of the FP gauge. I reminded him bout the Magnunson Moss act and he replaced it. I called DC about it and they said that the guy was wrong. They didn't care if I had it on there, they just didn't want to be responsible for it if it broke while they had it. They said the guy was wrong to say it voided warranty.

 

Where do you find a place to read and study on this subject I would to read more about it..thanks TJ

 

[quote author=dieselman24 link=board=4;threadid=19019;start=0#msg179264 date=1062437855]
Where do you find a place to read and study on this subject I would to read more about it..thanks TJ [/quote]

Just use the search feature of your browser - Magnuson-Moss Act. You will find more than enough to keep you reading for a looooooonnnng time.

 

Here are some links for those who want to read up on the Magnuson-Moss act.

http://www.ravelco.com/magnusonmossact.htm

The actual language of the MM act.

http://www.seniormag.com/legal/lemon...gnusonmoss.htm


Edward

 

just remember that peice of paper or not if they dont want to honor ur warrantee anymore ur truck will sit until u have brough them to court....they have deep pockets and can afford to leave ur truck sit around while u make payments and have no truck to drive. and if u happen to go to court when ur all done how much will u have spent to prove a point past the actual cost of the repair...im not saying they are right but it would be to ur benefit to talk to the dealer you use for warrantee work and get his view before u make any mods. My dealer doesnt seem to care...

 

dont they all have five star ratings :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

 

Magnuson Moss Act


FEARS:

You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but you’re worried about putting the vehicle’s warranty at risk. It’s no wonder. How many times have you heard someone at a automobile dealership say that unless the dealer installs your aftermarket equipment you will automatically void your new car warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed – though it is completely false.

FACT:

Dealers don’t like warranty work, because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers avoid such low-paying work. Instead, they attempt to charge customers the prime service rate for work which is rightfully done under warranty.

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 FTC at (202) 326-3128.

SECURITY SYSTEMS:

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, a vehicle manufacturer may not make its vehicle warranty conditional on the use of any brand of anti-theft device unless the manufacturer provides the anti-theft device free of charge or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has specifically published that only the vehicle manufacturer’s product may be used. To challenge a false claim, ask the person to put it in writing, or request the vehicle manufacturer’s security system free of charge. If you are charged for the anti-theft device, or they refuse to give you a written statement, this is a violation of Federal law.

This is the actual language of the act:

No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer’s using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this sub-section may be waived by the Commission if



the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and

the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest.

The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction of any action brought by the Attorney General (in his capacity as such), or by the Commission by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose, to restrain (A) any warrantor from making a deceptive warranty with respect to a consumer product, or (B) any person from failing to comply with any requirement imposed on such person or pursuant to this chapter or from violating any prohibition contained in this chapter.

 

Never Heard of the place. I am in the Kingwood area. What area is this dealership, so I can avoid it. I never had a problem with the Dealership in Kingwood, on warrant items that is. But they are slow. They are not a 5 Star ******* so that might be why they actually care about customer service.