Warranty Impacts of Mods

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Aug 29, 2002 | 07:10 AM
  #1  
Does anyone know how adding mods to the car impacts the warranty? I'm curious about everything from replacing door panel speakers to adding a supercharger.
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Aug 29, 2002 | 10:47 AM
  #2  
It does not affect your warranty unless they can prove beyond any doubt that your modification cause the problem.

Blake
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Aug 29, 2002 | 10:56 AM
  #3  
Quote:
Originally posted by infinitebass
It does not affect your warranty unless they can prove beyond any doubt that your modification cause the problem.

Blake
I think that would be the case in court, but I think the DSMs are going to bend that rule as much as they think they can get away with. They "should" have to prove that abuse causes diff failures, but they don't.
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Aug 29, 2002 | 11:05 AM
  #4  
Quote:
Originally posted by infinitebass
It does not affect your warranty unless they can prove beyond any doubt that your modification cause the problem.

Gernby is right.. that is the law but the interpretation varies widely. I have even heard of a case where an owner was told the HondaCare extended warranty is invalid because of minor mods (I/H/E, wheels, rotors). Many can't even get their stock car fixed without being accused of 'abuse' so don't set your expectations too high.
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Aug 29, 2002 | 11:36 AM
  #5  
Yep, this is what I've been saying for a while...they can void whatever you're not willing to take them to court for. The dealership does not have to report to Honda that you have X modification when they do warranty work, but certain types of warranty work (greater than ~$1,500 or something) require a AHM representative to inspect the vehicle and damage. So, find a dealership that you think you'd take your car to and discuss the modifications you want to do and whether they would void your warranty or not. For most cases the modifications would only void the warranty on related car parts. Adding a supercarcher would not void the warranty of the brakes, for example, but onviously anything related to the motor would be overlooked for warranty work.
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Aug 29, 2002 | 12:14 PM
  #6  
Thats why you have to be willing to take them to court...

Generally, if you go over the DSM, you'll get a MUCH better response to your requests. Its not that tough dealing with AHM, as they're usually reasonable. The DSM, on the other hand....

Blake
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Aug 29, 2002 | 12:23 PM
  #7  
Quote:
Originally posted by infinitebass
Thats why you have to be willing to take them to court...

Generally, if you go over the DSM, you'll get a MUCH better response to your requests. Its not that tough dealing with AHM, as they're usually reasonable. The DSM, on the other hand....

Blake
In most cases, taking AHM to court is going to cost more $$ than the repair. The only justifiable situation to sue AHM would be a BS denial of warranty coverage for the engine, tranny, diff, etc. which are several thousand dollars.
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Aug 29, 2002 | 01:32 PM
  #8  
I know...but I've been so ornery lately that I'd do it just to do it...

Actually, Someone might be able to clarify the law for me. I'm not sure if this is true, but I hear in some states you can't sue for attorney's fees if you were to sue for a warranty claim being denied. Anyone know what the law is on this?

Blake
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Aug 29, 2002 | 02:59 PM
  #9  
Thanks for the responses. So...what if the dealer installs the supercharger? Any difference? Is it easy enough to put back to stock if I need to take it in for service?
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Aug 29, 2002 | 03:09 PM
  #10  
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BlueIrishS2k
[B]Thanks for the responses.
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