Cobb Stage 1

[RBYM]

I bought an extended warranty for my 2019 fiesta st. If I go stage 1 and need warranty work and switch it back to stock nap, will the dealer be able to trace the stage 1 tune and deny warranty work?

 

[atlantaM3]

Most modern ECU's have checks where they can see there has been changes made, such as number of engine cycles, etc.

 

[Capri to ST]

Here's a Ford document you might find helpful. It gives dealers guidance in how to deny warranty claims when failures are caused by performance modifications.
It has the following language concerning the ignition counter referred to in the post above-
Section B: Determining the Existence of an Aftermarket Calibration
This section should be used when the vehicle being serviced currently has or possibly had an aftermarket PCM calibration.
Compare ignition counter (IGNCNTR) value to vehicle service history. If counter value is abnormally low and there is no history of a recent reflash, investigate for an unauthorized reflash and signs of aftermarket tuner connections...
Low ignition counters in conjunction with any of the failure modes, symptoms, or indicators in Sections A or C suggest possible aftermarket modifications to the vehicle

 

[madhatter]

the modification has to have caused the failure. putting a tune on your car doesn't void warranty for seatbelts, airbags, wheels, interior trim bits, etc. Same for recalls and TSBs. if you put a tune on your car and blow a turbo, that's on you. They can tell, since every time you flash the car, it increments the counter referenced above, but if it isn't for what they're looking to repair, they can't deny coverage.

 

[atlantaM3]

Well, they will def try to use ANY modification to void anything they can. BMW N.A. used aftermarket suspension springs as the 'cause' of the oil pump failure on my M3, which turned into a nasty interaction involving counsel. They first looked at the ECU - they were positive it had been tuned - and when that came back as OEM, they started looking for anything else on the car that could be used to deny coverage. They flew in a tech from N.J. to GA evaluate the car with a fine-tooth comb to find anything.

As a result, I will never again buy a BMW as dealing with BMW N.A. was a horrendous experience.

My experience with Ford points to a similar POV as it pertains to warranty coverage.

 

[madhatter]

that truly sucks and sounds like it was BS. FWIW it wouldn't have held up in court, but that dealer was playing chicken. which bmw dealer? United or Hank Aaron?

 

[rallytaff]

I've never had an issue with the dealers that I have used in the last 11yrs of ownership. They both knew about my mods and have always been helpful with any problems. It depends on how you treat them.

 

[atlantaM3]

that truly sucks and sounds like it was BS. FWIW it wouldn't have held up in court, but that dealer was playing chicken. which bmw dealer? United or Hank Aaron?

United in Alph.

Was an epic shit-show - they started the car with a known failed oil pump, zero oil pressure, and drove it up a hill. When I asked how it got there, they literally told me they pushed it up there. You should have seen the scrambling when I told them I wanted to speak to the guys that pushed the car, and told the tow driver to stay where he was hooked to the car. It was unfortunate that it happened to entirely block the service entrance/exit due to where they placed the car. I told them I would be in the waiting area when they found the guys.

They came clean after 2 hours. There was a settlement involved...

Between them and BMW N.A., never again.

Incredibly, there wasnt any serious damage to the engine. I fixed it myself since I didnt trust them, and still have the car.

 

[madhatter]

tech was the service writers kid i'll bet. what a mess. Mall of GA Ford is slimy as well. anytime i have to head to the dealer is the worst part of owning a ford.