Quote:
Originally Posted by 00Sebby
We're mostly in agreement. But regarding the above statement, the MM act is more protective than you describe. We can install a lift kit, much larger tires and wheels that are way beyond factory intentions or specs. We know these things can stress other systems such as additional load imposed on the engine, transmission, cooling system, etc. However, if the transmission failed under warranty a dealer would not be supported in blaming the non-factory suspension setup. If u-joint failed due to extreme driveshaft angle, then it could be rejected as a warranty repair. On a lesser scale, running a HID retro or LED bulb would not cause your A/C electrical issue to not be covered under warranty.
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As I said, the MM act was written to preclude a manufacturer from refusing warranty service based on the mere use of a non-OE part. IIRC, it was prompted by Eureka refusing warranty service because a customer used a non-Eureka vacuum bag - even though the failure was not caused by the bag.
In order for a manufacturer to prevail, they have to show that the "substantially similar" aftermarket part (see my previous comment about identical bulbs from different manufacturers) caused or contributed to the failure.
However, aftermarket parts (for example that bulb that draws more power) are not "substantially similar" by definition, and the bar for the manufacturer is now much lower - all they must show is that a part that was intended to modify the performance, could have contributed to the failure.
Since many of today's systems are connected (CAN-BUS for example), a "simple" failure in one system can affect another system, so it isn't that simple as saying "it only affects the headlight" - there are lots of reports on this board about overheating bulbs damaging housings and then there is the guy who changed his horn and killed his car.
The bottom line is that ALL mods come with some sort of risks - and many may not be obvious at first blush, so one needs to do due diligence on even those mods that seem pretty simple - and one needs to mentally and financially prepared to fix what the mod may break.
Some dealers are usually pretty reasonable when it comes to mods and won't blame everything on mods, but there are others that are experts at trying to get out of doing warranty work - usually because they've had lots of chargebacks from the manufacturer.
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