For those worried about voiding your warranty when modding READ!
12-04-2009, 03:12 PM
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For those worried about voiding your warranty when modding READ! I've noticed that there has been some discussion about voiding your factory warranty when modifying your LS4.
Technically GM can void powertrain warranty with any modification that increases power or torque.
GM can also void warranty on suspension components if you install lowering springs, larger wheels, swaybars etc.
Any changes made to the ECM and or TCM can be easily discovered as all factory software updates will have a date code and authorization number. When a new tune is uploaded it will normally store under the previous authorization number so it's easy to spot.
GM is now paying technicians additional time to look into the programming history and determine if there has ever been any "un-authorized" changes. They especially want to see copies of this information when doing a major warranty repair, in fact it is now mandatory when replacing or overhauling any V8 engine. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!
If you think you can throw your turbo kit on the car, blow the transmission, take the car back to stock and then take it in for warranty, you may be SOL. Even if the dealership doesn't notice an ECM flash or anything out of the ordinary they can pull up the torque data that was recorded when the TCM recorded a failure. If that torque data is higher than is possible in the vehicle's stock format, that is grounds enough to to void the powertrain warranty.
This is GM's policy but, not to say a dealership won't turn it's head if you have something minor done like an intake or downpipe... it all depends on who you are dealing with.
The only way I can think of to save your warranty while at the same time being able to mod the car is this. Before modifying the vehicle, purchase a new ECM and TCM and have it programmed at the dealership. Save your original computers and modify to your heart's content. If you have a problem you must then take the vehicle back to stock and re-install the original computers. If all of that work is worth it then go for it. I have a feeling that those of you doing the major modifications are saying F the warranty anyways!
Technically GM can void powertrain warranty with any modification that increases power or torque.
GM can also void warranty on suspension components if you install lowering springs, larger wheels, swaybars etc.
Any changes made to the ECM and or TCM can be easily discovered as all factory software updates will have a date code and authorization number. When a new tune is uploaded it will normally store under the previous authorization number so it's easy to spot.
GM is now paying technicians additional time to look into the programming history and determine if there has ever been any "un-authorized" changes. They especially want to see copies of this information when doing a major warranty repair, in fact it is now mandatory when replacing or overhauling any V8 engine. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!
If you think you can throw your turbo kit on the car, blow the transmission, take the car back to stock and then take it in for warranty, you may be SOL. Even if the dealership doesn't notice an ECM flash or anything out of the ordinary they can pull up the torque data that was recorded when the TCM recorded a failure. If that torque data is higher than is possible in the vehicle's stock format, that is grounds enough to to void the powertrain warranty.
This is GM's policy but, not to say a dealership won't turn it's head if you have something minor done like an intake or downpipe... it all depends on who you are dealing with.
The only way I can think of to save your warranty while at the same time being able to mod the car is this. Before modifying the vehicle, purchase a new ECM and TCM and have it programmed at the dealership. Save your original computers and modify to your heart's content. If you have a problem you must then take the vehicle back to stock and re-install the original computers. If all of that work is worth it then go for it. I have a feeling that those of you doing the major modifications are saying F the warranty anyways!
12-04-2009, 05:58 PM
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12-04-2009, 06:40 PM
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When I first got HP Tuners software, it wouldn't allow me to tune the vehicle since GM loaded a different operating system than their service site said was supposed to be loaded. HPT refused to provide a patch for my operating system and said my only option was to get a dealer to reflash with the correct operating system.
My dealer really resisted reflashing the ECM, Had fun convincing them to do it without explaining that it was so I could modify the tune! I'm sure that would have been instant voided warranty.
My dealer really resisted reflashing the ECM, Had fun convincing them to do it without explaining that it was so I could modify the tune! I'm sure that would have been instant voided warranty.
12-04-2009, 06:42 PM
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they cannot do that.. its that simple... if a mod u made to the car actually caused the problem then they can. for them to do that there has indisputable proof that it did in fact cause it. there are laws against stuff like that that protect consumers, read up on the magguson vs moss warranty act
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12-04-2009, 07:17 PM
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ya, when i called them they said anything voids the entire car warrenty. So if you put a new head unit in the car, they will void yuor engine warrenty. I had three people confirm it as well as supervisors...granted i was talking to people in india but still.
12-04-2009, 07:24 PM
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That being said, anytime you're messing with engine internals, aftermarket tunes, etc. it's going to be a lot easier for them to deny warranty service if you're in for anything engine related.
12-04-2009, 07:31 PM
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they cannot do that.. its that simple... if a mod u made to the car actually caused the problem then they can. for them to do that there has indisputable proof that it did in fact cause it. there are laws against stuff like that that protect consumers, read up on the magguson vs moss warranty act
12-04-2009, 07:47 PM
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i have an aftermarket head unit which caused the onstar to continuesly search for a singnal and killed my battery...they still replaced my battery for free.
12-04-2009, 07:56 PM
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They'll probably just go and say the increased power caused it if they in fact see the aftermarket stuff which they probably would. Not sure how they would prove it or how you could fight it based on the warranty act. They would at least have some ground to use that as an excuse.
12-04-2009, 08:48 PM
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My service manager in Ohio, said "I dont care if you have headers or a cam or anything ill still fix it, but others may report you".
I think with an LS6 intake mani, they would never know. Also headers, put the factory heat shields over the headers, (ill wire tie those bitches on there) i bet those dumbies wouldnt bat an eye.
OH and always play stupid.....
Consumer-" Not sure what happened Sir, pulled out of the driveway and the tranny stopped shifting". (after you just burnt your f**kin tires off"
Dealer- "Well we will take a look at her and probably put another transimission in it and by the way did you know it has a shift kit".
Consumer- "Im sorry Sir can you define what a "Shift Kit" is?"
12-04-2009, 09:04 PM
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hahaha. Don't know how that shift kit got there! Seriously though if you blow it smoking your tires definitely make sure to clean the tire rubber out of your wheel wells they will look for that right away.
12-04-2009, 10:49 PM
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They'll probably just go and say the increased power caused it if they in fact see the aftermarket stuff which they probably would. Not sure how they would prove it or how you could fight it based on the warranty act. They would at least have some ground to use that as an excuse.
12-05-2009, 07:21 AM
#18
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I've noticed that there has been some discussion about voiding your factory warranty when modifying your LS4.
Technically GM can void powertrain warranty with any modification that increases power or torque.
GM can also void warranty on suspension components if you install lowering springs, larger wheels, swaybars etc.
Any changes made to the ECM and or TCM can be easily discovered as all factory software updates will have a date code and authorization number. When a new tune is uploaded it will normally store under the previous authorization number so it's easy to spot.
GM is now paying technicians additional time to look into the programming history and determine if there has ever been any "un-authorized" changes. They especially want to see copies of this information when doing a major warranty repair, in fact it is now mandatory when replacing or overhauling any V8 engine. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!
If you think you can throw your turbo kit on the car, blow the transmission, take the car back to stock and then take it in for warranty, you may be SOL. Even if the dealership doesn't notice an ECM flash or anything out of the ordinary they can pull up the torque data that was recorded when the TCM recorded a failure. If that torque data is higher than is possible in the vehicle's stock format, that is grounds enough to to void the powertrain warranty.
This is GM's policy but, not to say a dealership won't turn it's head if you have something minor done like an intake or downpipe... it all depends on who you are dealing with.
The only way I can think of to save your warranty while at the same time being able to mod the car is this. Before modifying the vehicle, purchase a new ECM and TCM and have it programmed at the dealership. Save your original computers and modify to your heart's content. If you have a problem you must then take the vehicle back to stock and re-install the original computers. If all of that work is worth it then go for it. I have a feeling that those of you doing the major modifications are saying F the warranty anyways!
Technically GM can void powertrain warranty with any modification that increases power or torque.
GM can also void warranty on suspension components if you install lowering springs, larger wheels, swaybars etc.
Any changes made to the ECM and or TCM can be easily discovered as all factory software updates will have a date code and authorization number. When a new tune is uploaded it will normally store under the previous authorization number so it's easy to spot.
GM is now paying technicians additional time to look into the programming history and determine if there has ever been any "un-authorized" changes. They especially want to see copies of this information when doing a major warranty repair, in fact it is now mandatory when replacing or overhauling any V8 engine. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!
If you think you can throw your turbo kit on the car, blow the transmission, take the car back to stock and then take it in for warranty, you may be SOL. Even if the dealership doesn't notice an ECM flash or anything out of the ordinary they can pull up the torque data that was recorded when the TCM recorded a failure. If that torque data is higher than is possible in the vehicle's stock format, that is grounds enough to to void the powertrain warranty.
This is GM's policy but, not to say a dealership won't turn it's head if you have something minor done like an intake or downpipe... it all depends on who you are dealing with.
The only way I can think of to save your warranty while at the same time being able to mod the car is this. Before modifying the vehicle, purchase a new ECM and TCM and have it programmed at the dealership. Save your original computers and modify to your heart's content. If you have a problem you must then take the vehicle back to stock and re-install the original computers. If all of that work is worth it then go for it. I have a feeling that those of you doing the major modifications are saying F the warranty anyways!
and, there is no "history" logging/saving/tracking on the E40 ECM's in the 2006's anyway... so, I'm good again woohoo!!...
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
2014 Camaro 2SS/RS - LS3, 6-speed manual, short-throw performance shifter, NPP dual-mode performance exhaust, 1LE front splitter, ZL1 rockers, Z28 Rear Spoiler, all paint-matched Red Rock Metallic, BMR strut tower brace, Cold Air Inductions cold air intake, Apex Motorsports, Inc. catch-can, Custom DiabLew Tune
www.diablewtune.com -- www.diablocustomtune.com -- www.diablocustomtunegm.com
12-05-2009, 12:47 PM
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Yea, but they still couldn't just go and be like "okay, you installed a cold air intake, the powertrain part of your warranty is now void."