Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) DC Denies warranty for VP44 replacement

[Darrenf]

Argue as I did, the Dodge dealer denied replacing my VP44 under warrranty due to the Vulcan relolcation kit they saw. "Modified fuel system" automatically voids warranty. I don't get it... . only difference is bigger fuel lines and a cummins lp moved to the frame.



I bought the truck used so I didn't even know I had a warrranty left, until I figgered I should just check. I was so joyed when I had one month left, then "DENIED!"



Grrr...



Anyway, Called Industrial injection and got one coming 2 day air(with a gear puller) so I can get it put this weekend in before I take this truck on a 10 vacation to Montana next weekend. Never fails, Everything goes to pot before I go on vacation.



Sorry for the Gripe, but thought you should know they're looking at those fuel system changes.



Darren

 

[SKneeland]

technically i believe its illegal for them to make a general statement like that(they said the same thing to me after looking at my FASS)



correct me if im wrong, but according to the M&M warranty act, they have to PROVE the aftermarket part caused the afforementioned warranty item failure.



its just an easy way for them to cop-out of fixing the VP & hope that the customer doesnt press the matter.



pretty sad situation if you ask me, when a person does a little preventative maintenence & upgrades their vehicle to a system superior to the factory one. only to have it thrown in your face after a failure that was most likely caused by the inferior factory parts before the upgrade... .

 

[DLane]

If you allow them to cancel your warranty because of the vulcan kit, the next time it will be for having a high flow after market air filter. I think for everyones sake who buys a dodge you should press a little more, unless of course you have electronic fuel enhancements as well.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

stuff happens right before a vacation so that you'll enjoy it that much more!

 

[Texas Diesel]

correct me if im wrong, but according to the M&M warranty act, they have to PROVE the aftermarket part caused the afforementioned warranty item failure.

The MF act would seem to apply to replacing the part/fluid with an EQUIVELANT part. The Vulcan kit is basically a redesign (and a good one)



I dont see how the MF act would help him.

 

[Darrenf]

I wouldn't make a good lawer that's for sure. I mentioned that ACT and it got glossed over with other documentation that directed Dealer ships to not warranty it. Guess if i proceed further it will be to the owner or Gen Mgr of the dealer ship. I briefly reviewed the articles about the Magnuson Moss act and there seems to be some hope, best as I can tell.



I bought the truck used so I don't have warranty documentation, not that that should matter, but it would be nice to read over to have my ducks in a row.



I did find a phone number for some resolution, I might try that too.

 

[Reb.B]

Its a bunch of B. S. , but you can not fight them on this one. All they have to say is that the pump was disconnected and ran on no fuel pressure for some time and then was hooked back up. Same thing with the FASS pump.

 

[Darrenf]

Lots of reading on this subject... but it's looking like it's not worth the stomach acid and high blood pressure. Industrial injection has good prices on the injection pump and it's already on it's way. Sounds like it's not too terrible to do myself. If I have problems i know the TDR can help me out.



Hows the saying go... Git-r-done!? Boy, is that saying getting old or what?



Thanks Guys!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Darren this writeup by Kent Earnest might be helpful http://www.nwbombers.com/membersites/kent/vp44.html

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

this is exactly why I am removing my fuel pressure gauge and tapped banjo, along with my gauges before I take the truck in for suspected vp 44 issues. The truck will be bone stock, I have never had any fuel mods so you moral police don't jump on me

 

[Darrenf]

Thanks Vaughn!

I like pictures!! This should be quite helpful.

df

 

[RustyJC]

Argue as I did, the Dodge dealer denied replacing my VP44 under warrranty due to the Vulcan relolcation kit they saw. "Modified fuel system" automatically voids warranty.

Honestly, now, are you really surprised?



Rusty

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

That old dog of hope over MM just keeps on cropping up as a Holy Grail for guys who have in some way modded their trucks - and then have warranty issues with a dealership...



SURE, you CAN go to a lawyer and MM - if you have about 20 grand sitting around, and can wait a year or more for your suit to be resolved - and maybe even then lose out...



One of the hardest lessons learned in these groups, is that just about ANY significant mod instantly makes YOU your OWN warranty station - you make mods and "re-engineer" your truck at your own risk - not DC or the local dealerships!

 

[NoSeeUm]

That old dog of hope over MM just keeps on cropping up as a Holy Grail for guys who have in some way modded their trucks - and then have warranty issues with a dealership...



SURE, you CAN go to a lawyer and MM - if you have about 20 grand sitting around, and can wait a year or more for your suit to be resolved - and maybe even then lose out...



One of the hardest lessons learned in these groups, is that just about ANY significant mod instantly makes YOU your OWN warranty station - you make mods and "re-engineer" your truck at your own risk - not DC or the local dealerships!

Yeah, pretty much. Its hard to bluff the dealer when they know they hold the cards and you have laid yours down.



Try a different dealer.



Jim

 

[PKitzman]

IF I ever have a problem with a dealer over the M&M issue it will play out this way:



I'll calmly point out that my mods in no way affected the failure and they have no way of proving that the mods did affect the failure. I would then point out that if they want to deny the warranty I would not press the issue in court (it's not worth it), BUT if they want to go that route I will have the repair done some other place and THEY WILL NEVER SEE ANOTHER PENNY OF MY MONEY and I will do my best to make sure they will not see any money from anybody else that I know.



That is the only real leverage that you have. They know that 99. 9% of the people that get denied warranties aren't going to take them to court over it, but if word starts getting out and people stop buying their vehicles they may eventually get the picture.

 

[fkovalski]

My only concern is not trying to get warranty with mods, but keeping a warranty intact withOUT mods. I do not want the dealer to even think I have done modifications just because I have a set of gauges installed. I have them leftover from my last truck, so I installed them on the '05. I did not even tap the fuel system as I am using the billet fuel filter cap with an electronic sender.



My truck is totally stock. I would hate to have coverage denied because of the appearance of mods! (i. e. gauges=mods)

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

It depends on the dealer. My dealer that replace my VP jumped in my truck, and said I like the look of those gauges... Then got everything paid for under warranty. Other than the tapped banjo bold that they broke when re-installing the VP. They offered if I got another one to put it on for me, but I just did it myself...

 

[Darrenf]

Yeah, pretty much. Its hard to bluff the dealer when they know they hold the cards and you have laid yours down.



Try a different dealer.



Jim

The funny thing about it is that they didn't have a problem with my Banks box. It was all the "significant" fuel system changes. I tried to explain I used the cummins LP, relocated on the frame rail and went to 1/2 in fuel line to the VP instead of the smaller stock diameter lines, an equal, in not better remedy to their in tank set up they do now. "Nope, Can't do it".



Then the next dealer I tried didn't have so much a problem with the fuel mods as the Banks box... Go Figger!

 

[NoSeeUm]

It depends on the dealer. My dealer that replace my VP jumped in my truck, and said I like the look of those gauges... Then got everything paid for under warranty. Other than the tapped banjo bold that they broke when re-installing the VP. They offered if I got another one to put it on for me, but I just did it myself...

Broke mine once also... .



Jim

 

[NoSeeUm]

The funny thing about it is that they didn't have a problem with my Banks box. It was all the "significant" fuel system changes. I tried to explain I used the cummins LP, relocated on the frame rail and went to 1/2 in fuel line to the VP instead of the smaller stock diameter lines, an equal, in not better remedy to their in tank set up they do now. "Nope, Can't do it".



Then the next dealer I tried didn't have so much a problem with the fuel mods as the Banks box... Go Figger!

Jim