hrdsktr1988

it we start moding our cars will the warrenty void or does it only void if the problem is traced back to the mod??

builthatch

this is a hotly contested issue in the mazda world right now. it's my guess it's not as bad in the honda world; a honda dealership is in for a world of hurt and boycott if they are overly pricky regarding warranty work.

here are the broad strokes-

there are laws in place that protect the consumer and allow him/her to modify a car with aftermarket parts. http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=60128

ideally, the part in question has to be directly related to the warranty claim for the claim to be denied. What that means is...if you put a suspension on the car, and your radio is not working properly, or you put an intake on and your suspension is clicking over bumps, then you can't be denied based on that modification. If you put an intake on the car, and you have a lean condition MIL, then you will probably have an uphill battle and they most likely will deny the claim.

BUT

consider that voiding a warranty outright, automatically, is unlawful unless it is written specifically that performing such modifications void the warranty. Evidently the manufacturer CAN include such language - Mazda has language to the effect of modifications MAY lead to an issue and MAY result in no coverage under warranty for the issue at hand, which walks hand in hand with current legislation

My best advice for this is to find a mod friendly dealer, and, if you are interested in not having issues, don't do stuff that isn't reversible and don't overmodify a new car under warranty.

jlynntc

certain mods void warranty

IT GUY

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jlynntc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">certain mods void warranty</TD></TR></TABLE>

read the link builthatch posted, you're over simplifying it.

mario-SI-08

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by builthatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
My best advice for this is to find a mod friendly dealer, and, if you are interested in not having issues, don't do stuff that isn't reversible and don't overmodify a new car under warranty.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Would a header, catback exhaust and an intake be overmodifynig?

builthatch

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mario-SI-08 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Would a header, catback exhaust and an intake be overmodifynig?</TD></TR></TABLE>
not in my opinion, not at all.

simple bolt-on stuff like what you've listed, stuff that can be reversed is favorable because if there is an issue that pops up that could in any way be contributed to the mods, you can simply take them off, put the stock **** on and go into the dealer. Even so, if you were to have an issue, i'm sure there are many, many honda dealers that will still address the issue even with simple mods in place.

adding a turbo kit or supercharger, running a nitrous kit, eliminating the PCV, hacking into the ECU wiring for piggybacks, etc, etc are things that are very likely to get you a denied claim.

hrdsktr1988

oh ok well thank so much. i have a honda civic si sedan and i just threw in a cold air intake and i was just concerned if it would be an issue or not because i just recently ordered headers for it also. thanks again

high_revs

depends on the situation and the writer/tech you deal with...a lot of techs dont like to warranty anything so they will automatically want to blame anything on aftermarket mods..usually the younger techs/writers will be considerate and not be complete ********..

Kidnkorner

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by high_revs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">depends on the situation and the writer/tech you deal with...a lot of techs dont like to warranty anything so they will automatically want to blame anything on aftermarket mods..usually the younger techs/writers will be considerate and not be complete ********..</TD></TR></TABLE>

The reason behind that is a warranty job pays a tech less than a cash paying customer. They look and say if this consumer didn't mod his car he wouldn't be here.

Also if you roll into any dealer and they deny your claim or tell you that your warranty is voided tell them you would like that put in writing on company letter head.

high_revs

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kidnkorner &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The reason behind that is a warranty job pays a tech less than a cash paying customer. They look and say if this consumer didn't mod his car he wouldn't be here.

Also if you roll into any dealer and they deny your claim or tell you that your warranty is voided tell them you would like that put in writing on company letter head.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i work for honda, i know how its done and yes warranty sucks, but we are still forced to warranty a lot of bullshit which is driver error and my manager gives it away and we are forced to warranty...a lot of times its unfair to techs for driver errors.

Blackknight103

Back to the original question, i was looking for a post like this and im lucky it just started up because i just put a catback and intake in my si and i have to take it to the dealership for the ECU factory reflash that eliminates the rev hang and shakey trans brake, but anyway, would you guys suggest me taking the ecu out myself, rather than have the dealership take it out where they are exposed to my CAI? I dont want any problems thats all.

high_revs

no....we dont remove the ecu from the car...we hook it up the interactive network via datalink connector...the ecu never leaves the car.. so yes, they will see the cai and exhaust since we have to do a mandatory multi point inspection. they shouldnt say anything tho

2008fijibluesi

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Blackknight103 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Back to the original question, i was looking for a post like this and im lucky it just started up because i just put a catback and intake in my si and i have to take it to the dealership for the ECU factory reflash that eliminates the rev hang and shakey trans brake, but anyway, would you guys suggest me taking the ecu out myself, rather than have the dealership take it out where they are exposed to my CAI? I dont want any problems thats all.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know what you are talking about when you say "shakey trans brake" , but the rev hang issue has already been addressed from the factory on all '08 SIs. You will have to learn to live with any hang that is still there.

RICO_

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2008fijibluesi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I don't know what you are talking about when you say "shakey trans brake" </TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe he's referring to transmission braking. Downshifting and using the gears to slow the car down rather than (or in conjunction) with the actual brakes.

2008fijibluesi

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RICO_ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I believe he's referring to transmission braking. Downshifting and using the gears to slow the car down rather than (or in conjunction) with the actual brakes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know what trans braking is...but why would he bring the car to the dealership for a problem with that? They'd laugh in his face.

high_revs

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2008fijibluesi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I know what trans braking is...but why would he bring the car to the dealership for a problem with that? They'd laugh in his face.</TD></TR></TABLE>

you'd be suprised with the complaints i get...lol some of the **** is rediculous..lol

RICO_

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 2008fijibluesi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I know what trans braking is...but why would he bring the car to the dealership for a problem with that? They'd laugh in his face.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well i don't know about you....but when I let off the gas and let the gear slow down the car I certainly don't feel any shakey movements in the car. It's just a smooth deceleration. So if the car starts to jerk/shake/stutter when decelerating under that method I would certainly like to find out why that is.

And if the dealership advisor laughed in MY face I would take great pride in putting my over-sized fist square in his right cheek to wipe that disgusting grin right off his face.

Blackknight103

thanks rico,

my trans brake isnt smooth at all.. i take my foot off the gas and it jerks

the dealershit guy says its covered under warrenty and he can do it in less than 45 minutes, so i said, the hell with it... why not do it and see what the dealership can do.

why not spend 45 minutes of my life to fix a problem for free? seems reasonable right?

Blackknight103

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by high_revs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no....we dont remove the ecu from the car...we hook it up the interactive network via datalink connector...the ecu never leaves the car.. so yes, they will see the cai and exhaust since we have to do a mandatory multi point inspection. they shouldnt say anything tho</TD></TR></TABLE>

P.S. thanks for the info

high_revs

np

2008fijibluesi

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RICO_ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well i don't know about you....but when I let off the gas and let the gear slow down the car I certainly don't feel any shakey movements in the car. It's just a smooth deceleration. So if the car starts to jerk/shake/stutter when decelerating under that method I would certainly like to find out why that is.

And if the dealership advisor laughed in MY face I would take great pride in putting my over-sized fist square in his right cheek to wipe that disgusting grin right off his face. </TD></TR></TABLE>


My point is...trans braking isn't really good for the transmission if you don't know how to do it correctly. The shakiness is probably due to improper downshifting. The dealer would laugh at you if you told them you were trans braking. They'd tell you to use the brakes.