Tune and warranty issues
- Thread starter Glassman710
- Start date
TSB 10-2-6
To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships
Subject: Aftermarket Modifications – Warranty Cancellation
BACKGROUND
Aftermarket companies (referred to as "tuners") attempt to increase an engine's torque and power output beyond the design limits which may cause powertrain failures. This is often accomplished by modifying the engine calibration (referred to as "chipping") but may also include modifications or adjustments to other components. Per the Warranty Guide that is provided to the customer and the Warranty & Policy Manual, failures resulting from modifications are not warranted by Ford Motor Company.
All powertrains are subject to warranty cancellation if a modification causes a failure. For the 3.5L EcoBoost technical service bulletin TSB 10-2-6 was published to enable your technicians to determine:
If a powertrain failure resulted from an unauthorized modification
If the engine, transmission, or entire powertrain warranty should be cancelled
Per the inspection process included in this TSB a Ford Motor Company inspector may assist with this analysis. When the inspection process clearly indicates that a failure was caused by an unauthorized modification/alteration the repair should not be completed under Warranty and, using the following process, the vehicle's remaining Engine, Transmission, or Powertrain warranty should be cancelled.
WARRANTY CANCELLATION PROCESS
To initiate a warranty cancellation on an affected vehicle, submit a warranty cancellation request form through FMCDealer.com. This on-line form can be accessed as follows:
FMCDealer.com
Select Parts & Service tab
Select Warranty Administration & Parts Return
Select Warranty Cancellation / Reinstatement Request Form
Complete and submit this form on-line.
Once the warranty is cancelled an OASIS message will advise all dealerships that the vehicle is no longer eligible for warranty coverage
Here is the TSB
Review Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Unauthorized calibration modifications may or may not be detectable using standard tools (Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS), NGS+ VCM). Changes can be made to the calibration and flashed to the PCM through the OBD port. Physical modifications to the hardware may or may not be present. If aftermarket power/torque-increasing modifications are suspected, care should be taken to record and store the following items: Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pending DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, Mode 6 and Mode 9 data. The data should be printed and attached to the repair order for later reference.
The DTCs, freeze frame data, Mode 6 and 9 data can be obtained by using the IDS, PDS or NGS+VCM under tool box selection. The Powertrain tab will provide the OBD Test Modes tab and Mode 6 and 9 data selection after the vehicle has been identified.
Attempting to increase the engine output via recalibrating the PCM may result in poor drivability, DTCs, or component failures. A partial list of calibration induced component failures is given below:
* Piston damage.
* Spark over-advanced (knock-induced damage).
* Insufficient enrichment.
Excessive Cylinder Pressure:
* Turbocharger damage.
Over-Speed:
* Catalyst damage.
Over-Temperature/Melting:
* Transmission, PTU, Torque converter damage.
Hardware Modifications:
The following list contains items that are frequently modified in an effort to increase the engines torque/power output. Modifying these items may, or may not improve the performance, but can lead to drivability issues, DTCs and possibly component failures:
* Air induction system (air box, low pressure and high pressure air ducts).
The system may be particularly susceptible to flexible air ducts between the air filter and the compressors. Restrictions on either side of the compressor can result in over-speeding the turbo (Figures 5-6).
* Wastegate actuator pre-tension.
The full load output of some turbocharged engines will increase if the wastegate spring pre-tension is increased. This is not the case with the EcoBoost engine. Adjusting the wastegate pre-tension out of the specified range can result in DTCs. A tamper evident paint dot has been applied to the wastegate actuator adjustment mechanism to make modifications more apparent.
* Throttle inlet and intake manifold pressure sensors.
These sensors and the associated wiring should be inspected to verify they have not been modified.
* Additional fuel injection devices.
The high pressure fuel system used for the EcoBoost engine will not support additional fuel flow beyond what the factory calibration requests. Inspect the engine for an additional aftermarket injector(s) located somewhere in the induction system to provided increased fuel flow.
* PCV system modifications.
If the PCV system is modified (vented to atmosphere being the most common modification) it can result in a condition where oil gets past the turbine seal even on an undamaged, fully functional turbocharger. Oil in the exhaust system may not be sufficient evidence to identify a failed turbo if the PCV system has been compromised.
* Compressor bypass modifications (a.k.a. blow-off valve, or anti-surge valve).
It is common to modify these components so they make more noise. If the aftermarket devices fail to seal properly when closed, elevated turbo speeds and compressor outlet temperatures will occur.
* Exhaust air path/system.
Removal of catalysts or mufflers/resonators to reduce exhaust backpressure may result in over-speeding the turbo(s).
* Thermostat modifications.
Blocking open the thermostat may reduce the coolant flow to the turbo chargers. Wastegate Tamper Evident Paint Dot
To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships
Subject: Aftermarket Modifications – Warranty Cancellation
BACKGROUND
Aftermarket companies (referred to as "tuners") attempt to increase an engine's torque and power output beyond the design limits which may cause powertrain failures. This is often accomplished by modifying the engine calibration (referred to as "chipping") but may also include modifications or adjustments to other components. Per the Warranty Guide that is provided to the customer and the Warranty & Policy Manual, failures resulting from modifications are not warranted by Ford Motor Company.
All powertrains are subject to warranty cancellation if a modification causes a failure. For the 3.5L EcoBoost technical service bulletin TSB 10-2-6 was published to enable your technicians to determine:
If a powertrain failure resulted from an unauthorized modification
If the engine, transmission, or entire powertrain warranty should be cancelled
Per the inspection process included in this TSB a Ford Motor Company inspector may assist with this analysis. When the inspection process clearly indicates that a failure was caused by an unauthorized modification/alteration the repair should not be completed under Warranty and, using the following process, the vehicle's remaining Engine, Transmission, or Powertrain warranty should be cancelled.
WARRANTY CANCELLATION PROCESS
To initiate a warranty cancellation on an affected vehicle, submit a warranty cancellation request form through FMCDealer.com. This on-line form can be accessed as follows:
FMCDealer.com
Select Parts & Service tab
Select Warranty Administration & Parts Return
Select Warranty Cancellation / Reinstatement Request Form
Complete and submit this form on-line.
Once the warranty is cancelled an OASIS message will advise all dealerships that the vehicle is no longer eligible for warranty coverage
Here is the TSB
Review Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Unauthorized calibration modifications may or may not be detectable using standard tools (Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS), NGS+ VCM). Changes can be made to the calibration and flashed to the PCM through the OBD port. Physical modifications to the hardware may or may not be present. If aftermarket power/torque-increasing modifications are suspected, care should be taken to record and store the following items: Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pending DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, Mode 6 and Mode 9 data. The data should be printed and attached to the repair order for later reference.
The DTCs, freeze frame data, Mode 6 and 9 data can be obtained by using the IDS, PDS or NGS+VCM under tool box selection. The Powertrain tab will provide the OBD Test Modes tab and Mode 6 and 9 data selection after the vehicle has been identified.
Attempting to increase the engine output via recalibrating the PCM may result in poor drivability, DTCs, or component failures. A partial list of calibration induced component failures is given below:
* Piston damage.
* Spark over-advanced (knock-induced damage).
* Insufficient enrichment.
Excessive Cylinder Pressure:
* Turbocharger damage.
Over-Speed:
* Catalyst damage.
Over-Temperature/Melting:
* Transmission, PTU, Torque converter damage.
Hardware Modifications:
The following list contains items that are frequently modified in an effort to increase the engines torque/power output. Modifying these items may, or may not improve the performance, but can lead to drivability issues, DTCs and possibly component failures:
* Air induction system (air box, low pressure and high pressure air ducts).
The system may be particularly susceptible to flexible air ducts between the air filter and the compressors. Restrictions on either side of the compressor can result in over-speeding the turbo (Figures 5-6).
* Wastegate actuator pre-tension.
The full load output of some turbocharged engines will increase if the wastegate spring pre-tension is increased. This is not the case with the EcoBoost engine. Adjusting the wastegate pre-tension out of the specified range can result in DTCs. A tamper evident paint dot has been applied to the wastegate actuator adjustment mechanism to make modifications more apparent.
* Throttle inlet and intake manifold pressure sensors.
These sensors and the associated wiring should be inspected to verify they have not been modified.
* Additional fuel injection devices.
The high pressure fuel system used for the EcoBoost engine will not support additional fuel flow beyond what the factory calibration requests. Inspect the engine for an additional aftermarket injector(s) located somewhere in the induction system to provided increased fuel flow.
* PCV system modifications.
If the PCV system is modified (vented to atmosphere being the most common modification) it can result in a condition where oil gets past the turbine seal even on an undamaged, fully functional turbocharger. Oil in the exhaust system may not be sufficient evidence to identify a failed turbo if the PCV system has been compromised.
* Compressor bypass modifications (a.k.a. blow-off valve, or anti-surge valve).
It is common to modify these components so they make more noise. If the aftermarket devices fail to seal properly when closed, elevated turbo speeds and compressor outlet temperatures will occur.
* Exhaust air path/system.
Removal of catalysts or mufflers/resonators to reduce exhaust backpressure may result in over-speeding the turbo(s).
* Thermostat modifications.
Blocking open the thermostat may reduce the coolant flow to the turbo chargers. Wastegate Tamper Evident Paint Dot
crash712us
New member
That will never happen. Ford can void your warranty for any mods you do to your car, they have voided warranties for not changing your oil often enough. Happened to a co-worker of mine even though he did change his oil on a regular basis. The problem isn't the dealer, the dealer has to get approval for warranty work from ford. So if you bring car in for a bad plug or injector ford isn't going to question these repairs and warranty. However if your bring your car in with a rod hanging out the oil pan or a hole in a piston. Ford will investigate now wether or not these failures where caused by your specific moddeds or not is irrelevant to Ford. They'll tell you to sue them. So the best advice I can give you all, if the situation ever arrives return your car to completely stock. Ford has there ass covered in every way imaginable and as stated before any mods to your car is cause to void your warranty.
Since we are on the topic of voiding warranties from modifications, I am hearing that intake and exhausts are acceptable but would adding downpipes without a tune void it? I know the answer of "if it's the cause of a failure then yes", I'm more curious if anyone has had a dealer say anything to them about their DP's?
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SHO-Down said:
This is kind of an oxymoron... or maybe catch-22. If the car is found tuned that alone voids the warranty.
BTW... I have been told my downpipes are just part of "air in - air out" (exhaust) by my dealership, as well as my hotpipes... they commented how good they looked... I asked specifically about warranty and was told no problem... 7 trips to this service dept.
I think that's the key. ANY mod to the engine, air in/out included, could be used against honoring the warranty if your dealership thought that's what was causing your failure.
While most dealerships are fine with minor mods, the bottom line is that it's just going to come down to your dealer and how they feel about it.
I think for anyone that's worried about losing their warranty, but still wants to mod, discussing your options with your dealer first (or finding a new one) is your best (only) course of action. Even then, there's some dice rolling involved.
While most dealerships are fine with minor mods, the bottom line is that it's just going to come down to your dealer and how they feel about it.
I think for anyone that's worried about losing their warranty, but still wants to mod, discussing your options with your dealer first (or finding a new one) is your best (only) course of action. Even then, there's some dice rolling involved.
FoMoCoSHO said:
The TSB only mentions removal of cats and resonators.... True Ford could void warranties for CAIs... and has, but The TSB was interpreted in the post you ask about FMCS, it does not mention DPs. It talks about deletion of exhaust components only... I have catted DPs due to being in an emissions testing state... So I hav reoved nothing... I agree, as does my dealer, with your interpreattion....
Still I will acknowledge that in a catastrophic failure... where cost of repair exceeds average legal expenses in these issues... ANY engine mod could result in voiding warranty.
Regardless of protective legislation, when a lawsuit is filed it costs every party money. Ford has a deeper pocket than I, and I'm sure all settlements include a nondisclosure cause, which is why we speculate rather than refer to all the cases we can't find.
(As I mentioned earlier, I have had these tactics used against me by a corporation to make my suit go away)
Still I will mod away... I'm tuned anyway (and LOVE it!)... but I'm not trying to push the envelop to extremes.... maybe someday when I can have LMS build me an engine!
I would suggest to anyone who has voided warranty issues to exercise your right of third party mediation. That removes the need for attorneys, keeps you from having to operate in the land of legal mumbo jumbo and procedural land mines, and forces them to prove to a neutral 3rd party that your mod caused the damage. It also gives you the opportunity to question them about engineering design limits, intended use, etc.
The fact of the matter is, there is plenty of information widely available to mount a formidable attack on their warranty policies. Yup, you may not win, but then again, you may. Cost? $0, just your time spent researching. Keep in mind the minute you start to make them the least bit uncomfortable, or put them in a position that they are forced to divulge info they would prefer not to, they will probably decide to give up or at least work toward some kind of compromise.
I have used this option successfully with everything from workman's comp to insurance claims and have been successful EVERY TIME! It is amazing what can happen when the lawyer aspect is neutralized and the little guy can represent their case with nothing but facts and logic.
My favorite case was a workman's comp appeal. Their lawyers, my lawyers, and the BWC panel. Halfway through I fired my lawyers and proceeded to mop the floor with the employers high priced attack dogs. Judgement for FoMoCoSHO!
The fact of the matter is, there is plenty of information widely available to mount a formidable attack on their warranty policies. Yup, you may not win, but then again, you may. Cost? $0, just your time spent researching. Keep in mind the minute you start to make them the least bit uncomfortable, or put them in a position that they are forced to divulge info they would prefer not to, they will probably decide to give up or at least work toward some kind of compromise.
I have used this option successfully with everything from workman's comp to insurance claims and have been successful EVERY TIME! It is amazing what can happen when the lawyer aspect is neutralized and the little guy can represent their case with nothing but facts and logic.
My favorite case was a workman's comp appeal. Their lawyers, my lawyers, and the BWC panel. Halfway through I fired my lawyers and proceeded to mop the floor with the employers high priced attack dogs. Judgement for FoMoCoSHO!
FoMoCoSHO, you bring up a strong point:
Has anyone actually had their warranty refused??
Please, if you have a response about denied warranty work, post it under the new thread above. This way we can both increase the visibility for that thread / target more responses, AND consolidate our results. Plus, im not in to thread jacking.
Has anyone actually had their warranty refused??
Please, if you have a response about denied warranty work, post it under the new thread above. This way we can both increase the visibility for that thread / target more responses, AND consolidate our results. Plus, im not in to thread jacking.
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/2013Warranty.pdf
Has anyone actually read their warranty?
Please pay close attention to the arbitration process near the end.
Has anyone actually read their warranty?
Please pay close attention to the arbitration process near the end.
FoMoCoSHO said:
Well, I brought my MKS from a Lexus dealership. Obviously they couldn't offer it as cpo, so they threw in a platinum extended warranty to get me to buy from them. It's essentially the same as Toyota, Lexus extended warranty through their Fidelity group.
The next day I went to a Lincoln dealer and asked the service manager if Fidelity was any good, and he said absolutely. They honored one repair, spark plug coil failure, so far with no problem...
IHeartGroceries
New member
As for DPs, or other free flowing exhaust mods causing over boosting conditions, they certainly can. Even though you're not manipulating wastegates, you're increasing flow and reducing restriction.
Spiking and creeping are both symptoms of turbo back exhaust mods, or cat deleting. As OE tuning isn't optimized by adjusting wastegate duty cycle tables, the gates/control circuit can be be overwhelmed by pressure. This is, of course, a much larger problem with internally regulated turbos. A tuning solution pairs nicely with cat deleting, and often solves the issue.
The best solution for the warranty issue is simply to find the right dealer. I had a buddy technician at an area Mazda dealer, and made friends with the service advisors and manager. The tech would simply "overlook" modifications. I was able to get tons of warranty work done this way. One or more local Mazda community members even had new engines installed, compliments of this service department. Some dealers are friendly. However, it may also hinge on how heavily scrutinized dealers are by the manufacturer. For Mazda, back then, it was simply a tech line they called for support, and it was easy as saying "no/none" when prompted about modifications.
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Spiking and creeping are both symptoms of turbo back exhaust mods, or cat deleting. As OE tuning isn't optimized by adjusting wastegate duty cycle tables, the gates/control circuit can be be overwhelmed by pressure. This is, of course, a much larger problem with internally regulated turbos. A tuning solution pairs nicely with cat deleting, and often solves the issue.
The best solution for the warranty issue is simply to find the right dealer. I had a buddy technician at an area Mazda dealer, and made friends with the service advisors and manager. The tech would simply "overlook" modifications. I was able to get tons of warranty work done this way. One or more local Mazda community members even had new engines installed, compliments of this service department. Some dealers are friendly. However, it may also hinge on how heavily scrutinized dealers are by the manufacturer. For Mazda, back then, it was simply a tech line they called for support, and it was easy as saying "no/none" when prompted about modifications.
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