hung8852

iTrader: (6)

Back when i had my subaru, i did tons of mods on it..never really had to worry about warranty issue because the car is old already. but now that I got the new lexus, I want to make sure anything I do will not void the warranty. So there's two things I want to do, replace the old filter with a blitz drop-in filter and add in mtec HID. would any of these void my warranty? I know as far as intake,headers,exhaust..those would definitely void it.

thanks in advance...

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

Any mod will void the warranty on something, but no mod will void the warranty on everything. A manufacturer has to show probably cause that the mod caused a failure. For example, if your brakes fail, Lexus can't cliam that your exhaust caused the problem.

The Blitz drop-in filter could be blamed for any problems that arise with the MAF, and maybe even certain engine problems, but not anything with the rest of the car. The HID kit would probably void the warranty on the entire electrical system.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

any mod that directly caused a failure

hung8852

iTrader: (6)

boo...that sucks, they can blame me for any type of failure then..like changing the headlight bulbs to a different brand...or doing my own oil change. How are you guys handling these issues then? if something goes wrong, would you actualy take out all your mods before heading to the dealer?

Gernby: looks like all your mods completely voids ur entire warranty..intake,springs....hehe

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

If your service writer is cool enough, you shouldnt have any problems...the shop gets paid either way. The most extreme things would be hacking into your ECU wires for an SRT intake/ECU combo...ahem, opening up the motor, etc.

HID's and a drop-in filter are the last thing I would be worried about.

mjr24

Yeah, be careful. I can tell you from experience. I had my Benz Starmark warranty on my CL voided when I put 12k bulbs in. Something happened with the headlight (totally unrelated to the bulb) and I was SOL for a $2,000 headlight.

marshmallo

What about out of spec wheels/tires? ie, fat setup...

Can they legally claim it caused a powertrain failure?

The tech at the dealer gave me a pretty hard time just installing
the GS430 wheels on my AWD...

hung8852

iTrader: (6)

yea thats what it really comes down to...the dealer you are servicing at...but its really sucks that they can blame a bulb for malfunctions. oh well...i'm still going to get my HID and tints and put in the filter...lol...worth it?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

again bottom line is if it directly cause the failure. if they can SOMEHOW proces that the overspec wheels cause the failure in your engine, ask them to document and prove it and you will bring it for verification

ChronoJ1

iTrader: (2)

I heard that for Evo and STi's, if you are caught on track, warranty is completely terminated.

Lil4X

I wouldn't fool with anything that could affect the engine and drive train until it is out of warranty. Anything that affects emissions control could give you trouble on your annual inspection. Electrical items shouldn't be a problem - unless you install lamps with a higher current requirement than OEM - these will typically require a relay to protect the stock switchgear and wiring from the heavier load.

Wheels that maintain the OEM offset shouldn't be a problem either. The trouble with some rims is that their deep lips require an offset that moves the load center way beyond the design limits of the wheel bearings. Typically this means that a greater proportion of the load is carried by the outer bearing, which may lead to premature failure. Changes in rotors, calipers, etc. can be depended upon to exclude you from any kind of coverage on your running gear.

Generally, cosmetic mods that do not affect safety issues shouldn't have an impact on your warranty. As a rule of thumb, for the first few years, stick with cosmetic mods. It's best to wait out that warranty before ripping into the guts of your car they could be REALLY expensive. IF your dealer approves your mod - get it in writing. Just in case . . .

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I'll be damned if changing my HID will cause my exhaust to leak

LexFather

We need something like Dinan.....

I got smoked by a Dinan 5 the other day....sounded great.

mmarshall

I would stay away from any tire-wheel combo that does not maintain the original factory-spec outside tire-wheel diameter. Larger-than-standard combos slow the wheel rotation speed in relation to the car's true speed, and that causes low speedometer and odometer readings, leading to increased chances of a speeding ticket. In addition, the factory could claim ( with some truth ) that this practice alters and voids the odometer reading.

marshmallo

Excellent input guys.

To lower or not to lower. That is the question.