Disappointed in dealer

[DGibbs]

Got something like two free years of oil changes at the dealer I bought my truck from as well as free rental cars if my truck takes longer than a day for any repair. So far very happy with the service there and I got a great price on the truck.



So after installing the Westach EGT and Boost gauge I decide I better call my dealer to make sure they won't void the warranty for gauges. Lo and behold, the service manager says, "Any modification to the Cummins diesel (actually he said Cummings) would void the factory warranty. I explained that I had no exhaust mods, intake mods, or have any box or chip installed. I explained the only change was that I drilled and tapped the exhaust manifold for the EGT probe. He stuck to his statement and said the warranty will be voided.



What a load of crappola!!! I understand and agree that DC shouldn't be on the hook for engine problems that were caused by any mods the owner performs, but gauges, c'mon!



That particular service department won't get anymore of my business! I will be going to another dealer for any warranty work. Guess I'm back to doing my own oil changes, which doesn't bother me at all as I always have. But the whole thing just puts me in a foul mood. Not sure if I can post the name of the fairly large Dodge Dealership located in the Southern portion of the greater St. Louis area, but PM me if you live in the area and I'll send you the name so that you don't go there with a minor mod like gauges only to have your warranty voided!

 

[Bob Wagner]

Find a dealer that is willing to work for you. Voiding a warranty over gauges is a joke.



Enjoy your truck

 

[y-knot]

You know I too have always been one to take DC's side with regard to warranty issue's concerning vehicles that are modified. How ever I do not think Gauges alone should void anything. If there was an issue with a part like the Exhaust manifold cracking where it was drilled that I could see, and I would think most others would too? But I can not see voiding the engine as a whole because of the gauge installation. That said, I do think there needs to be a line that separates the warranty vs non-warranty issue. Dodge should give this some serious thought and publish a list of "acceptable" modifications that are permitted . I myself would rather have a clear and black and white picture of whats is and what is not allowable.

The ideal that gauges somehow cross that line is nonsense, custom van designers completely change a Dodge van and yet it is still covered under their warranty? I suppose an exhaust brake would also cross the line, if it were not dealer installed? But what about using anything but the OEM Dodge oil filter? Does that void anything? Should it? Should the addition on custom tail lights, Vent visors, or window tint void the trucks warranty? How about running larger or smaller then stock tires?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

There is no way they can. IF anything were to happen (I. E L. P Failure) D/C would have to prove the guages had something to do with it and was the direct cause.

 

[DGibbs]

I agree y-knot. If I had cracked the manifold when tapping, then shame on me and I wouldn't have even thought of asking DC to pay for it. If the pyro probe someday falls into the turbo, I know it's on me and there's no way I would ever ask DC to cover. I've asked around and found a dealer in the STL area that's cool with gauges so I'll be going there for warranty work. Only down side is I'm out of my free oil changes now!

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

If I remember right, (which is getting more difficult all the time ) I read somewhere that if the modification has no effect on what ever you are turn in for warrenty repair then you stand a good chance of making DC stand behind the warrenty. This is assuming your brother in law is an attorney or spent sufficient time in the joint to read all the law books.



Conversely, if the mod has an effect on what the problem is - you had better get a spoon.

 

[jlayden]

Maybe I missed something here but I don't see where the oil changes were voided, only the warranty. No warranty issues with that dealer means oil changes. warranty work to the new dealer you found.

 

[CFAR]

From what I understand they can "RED FLAG" you in the computer and basically kill your warantee, and he might not know it till he went to another dealer, when that dealer looked up his vin he would have to refuse warantee. Then the fight would be on.

 

[ErniePink]

I believe the Moss-Magnusom (sp) Act applies here. Can't deny warranty unless modifaction cause failure directly. This is a Federal law and I picked up a copy of this Act via the TDR some 2 years ago. Don't give up on freebie oil changes. I too had dealer tell me air cond. problem was not under warranty due to Edge EZ on board. Told him to fix AC and WE'LL call DC on my cell phone and correct their misunderstanding. No problem thereafter. Remind dealer how you can enhance their education AND at no cost to them. Again, failure must be related to aftermarket mod. ; not because of it's presence.



Exhaust brake is DC recommendation for all CTD manual trans. Rams. It's in your owners manual. "I am not my only warranty station. " Hope this is of some help.

 

[Wiredawg]

I wouldn't worry about it. Next time you need maint, take it in and see what happens.



Wiredawg