Warranty Hard Line

[2013megacab]

A violation of Federal Law

Went by my RAM dealer (Bremerton, WA) today to discuss a few problems with the service adviser. I happened to mention that I would be doing my own oil changes after the complimentary first change. Adviser made it quite clear that that would void my warranty because I would have no proof that the work had been done. I said that I would have receipts and the adviser said that was not proof that the work was actually done!

A quote from the Federal Trade Commission website:

An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

See: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-routine-maintenance



Al

 

[LandShark]

I found this interesting mostly because of the service manager's 'hard sell' to scare customers to buy over priced services from the dealer. I suspect he was a car salesman at one time and is used to lying to customers. I don't think most members of this site would fall for it.

I have always kept a log book for all vehicles I've owned with dates, mileage, fuel data, location and maintenance procedures done. It's great for helping to remember where we were on a certain date years ago and came in handy once when a cop thought I had been in his state long enough to be licensed there because he had seen me at at a 4 month interval (a rare '95 Club Cab in 1995). I was able to show him my log book that showed I had been in Alaska the last 3 months.

 

[Bill]

I had my 2014 Diesel in for ONE oil change right after I bought it even though it didn't need it. I then told the service manager I would be doing my own oil changes on the truck, on my Rubicon and on my wife's Avalon. Was told the same thing ~ would void the warranty. BULL!! Just to be on the safe side, when I do change any fluids, I take pictures of the "full" cans or bottles that are sitting on the hood. I then change the fluid, put the old cans on the hood and take another picture. I take my receipts and photo's and put them, first, on a computer thumb drive. I then put everything in my "special" folder. All pictures I take are stamped dated and with the time.

Your advisor is simply trying to scam you into spending more money at his service department. Keep doing what you are. The manual even states you don't have to have oil changes done at the dealership. I believe it does mention that it has to be done by a qualified mechanic. Well I have a lot of tools laying around my shop floor. Tomorrrow I could become a mechanic if Chrysler wants to come after me.

 

[Bill]

That is correct. Years ago I sold Amsoil on the side. The Moss Warranty Act was brought up many times when customers questioned me about doing their own oil changes.