I believe that dealership gave you a raw deal in denying the warranty repair as they did not prove or even show you what had failed and establish a connection with your Banks system. Now it's generally understood that increasing the power output of the engine does endanger the warranty, the Magnusson-Moss act still puts the burden of proof on the dealer to demonstrate that the modifications did indeed cause the failure and gives them just cause to refuse to honor the warranty. The following comes from Banks own website and I'd recommend calling them and asking them to step up to the plate and help you deal with the dealer as they say several times that their equipment is engineered not to cause failures or void warranties.
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(q. ) Warranties
Question: I bought a Git-Kit from Camping World for my 12-valve 1998 Dodge/Cummins. When I took it to my local dealer to have it installed, they said they would not install it, as it would void my warranty on my Bosch fuel pump, and if I had engine problems down the line, I would be buying a new motor.
What is the real story here? Thanks very much, as I am chomping at the bit to start tweaking the motor, as I haul a 25-foot fifth wheel. —Robert; Lakeport, CA
Answer: It is important to read and understand the warranty statement that is provided with your truck. It states, "Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment. " It also says, "Your warranties don't cover the costs of repairing damage or conditions caused by any of the following: any changes made to your truck that don't comply with Chrysler specifications. "
What does this mean? In a nutshell, Chrysler cannot void your warranty just because an aftermarket product is installed on your vehicle. If you go to your Chrysler dealer with a problem, and they determine that the problem is a result of the aftermarket product, then they have the right to deny you warranty coverage for that repair. This necessary connection between the problem and the product is called causal analysis.
Based on these facts, you want the assurance that the product you install is designed to improve performance without the possibility of engine damage. Rest assured that our products are fully engineered not only to protect your engine from damage, but to extend the life of your engine while providing the maximum power potential.
Unfortunately, it seems that your Chrysler dealer does not understand the warranty statement. I recommend that you ask them to show in your warranty statement where it says that the warranty can be voided just because you put on an aftermarket product. My guess is that they won't be able to find it.
Question: I'm considering the Stinger system for my truck, but even though you say these mods don't affect my warranty, I been reading on the Ford-diesel web site that any chip changes void the engine electrical warranty and that mods to the transmission void that one too. Seems to me this makes your system much more expensive!!! Comments? —Bill; Granite Bay, CA
Answer: When the question of warranty is brought up, I always recommend that you revisit the language of your warranty statement. In the 2001 warranty booklet for Ford vehicles, you will find the following statement: "Ford Motor Company may deny you warranty coverage if your vehicle or a part has failed because of abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, unapproved modifications... etc. " The key to this phrase is "failed because of. " Just installing a product is not a just cause for a Ford dealer to deny you warranty coverage. They must be able to connect the problem that you are having with the aftermarket product. This is known as "causal analysis. " When a dealer denies warranty coverage without a proper causal analysis, he has not properly honored the warranty.
There are times when this happens, and when we have customers that call us with this sort of problem, we go to work on informing the customer of what to ask for from the dealer, and in many cases one of our Technical Service representatives will contact the dealer on the customer's behalf in order to sort the situation out. Occasionally, the problem needs to go to a Dispute Settlement Board or to small claims court before it is resolved, but we find that when the proper questions are asked, and the warranty language is clarified, the dealer will be willing to follow through with proper warranty coverage.
Question: Where can I obtain a copy of the court finding that says "installation of aftermarket devices to improve operation of the engine or vehicle will not void the warranty. " I need this to present to my Dodge dealer. —Bill; Olympia, WA
Answer: Information on the Magnuson-Moss Act can be found on the Federal Trade Commission's web site. Magnuson-Moss defines the written warranty in your Owner's Manual as a contract between you and Dodge. Read the text of your warranty statement very carefully. It states, in some form or another, that the installation of an aftermarket product does not, in and of itself, void your factory warranty. That means that the dealer cannot legally turn anyone away for warranty work simply because an aftermarket product is on the vehicle. Your vehicle Owner's Manual also gives you tips on what to do if you are having difficulty receiving the service that you need. Try following the recommended steps to get your problem resolved.
Question: How will adding a Stinger TLC—or for that matter, any Banks system—affect my vehicle warranty? —Steve; Fresno, CA
Answer: Steve, you can rely on this statement-of-fact:
Banks Power systems and Banks Brake systems are designed to conform to vehicles operated within maximum load specifications. All applicable Banks systems are emissions-tested and certified in 50 states. Under federal law, vehicle manufacturers, dealers or agents cannot void vehicle powertrain or emissions warranties due to the presence of a properly installed Banks system.
A careful read of your Owner's Manual will reveal that the installation of an aftermarket improvement cannot void the factory warranty, unless it expressly indicates that such a modification would void the warranty. Usually "forbidden" modifications are in a short list of products that could put the stock drivetrain in jeopardy–unlike Banks products, which improve engine efficiency and durability.
Granted, the language in your Owner's Manual can be convoluted and hard to follow, but it's all there in black and white. (Not that we're suggesting the vehicle manufacturers would like to deliberately confuse anybody–yeah, right!)
Question: Should I take my 2000 Super Duty diesel to the local Ford dealership for a PowerPack installation, so that if there’s ever a problem I can return to Ford, and there would be no dispute about the vehicle warranty? –Warren, San Diego, CA
Answer: No vehicle warranty is at risk as long as the Banks system is properly installed–by you or any competent professional–and operated. The factory installation facility is located at Banks' headquarters in Azusa, California. Around the country, there are many reputable Banks Installing Dealers who do a quality job, including some Ford, Dodge, GM and various RV dealers. It may be a matter of convenience to maintain a single location for all the installation and servicing aspects of your vehicle.