Do aftermarket mods void warranty?

Lnashsig

apologies if this has been asked before- I searched the forums briefly and did not find. This is probably a question I should have asked before doing almost 18k of aftermarket upgrades, but do any of these items void the warranty? I’ve done things like replace tie rods, replace steering rack end cap, skid plates everywhere, rock rails, roof rack, etc.

It could. I have talked to my service guy regarding this topic and it depends on what you change and the relationship we have with the service managers. They can submit stuff under warranty and most of the time it isn’t an issue. Severe abuse can raise serious red flags, which in turn could cause the tech guys from Ford to come out to visit. If they show up it could be a problem.

Yeah as @TK1215 said... it can.

The general rule of thumb is this: If your aftermarket modification could have caused the issue you are experiencing, then it may not be covered by warranty.

Examples:

Say you install 37-inch tires, and your steering rack breaks. Ford may deny warranty service if they believe those 37-inch tires could have put extra strain on the steering system that caused the rack to break.

Now let's say you install aftermarket speakers, but you have stock suspension and wheels/tires, and your steering rack breaks. The two are obviously unrelated, and therefore Ford cannot deny your warranty coverage simply because you installed aftermarket speakers.

RagnarKon

Yeah as @TK1215 said... it can.

The general rule of thumb is this: If your aftermarket modification could have caused the issue you are experiencing, then it may not be covered by warranty.

Examples:

Say you install 37-inch tires, and your steering rack breaks. Ford may deny warranty service if they believe those 37-inch tires could have put extra strain on the steering system that caused the rack to break.

Now let's say you install aftermarket speakers, but you have stock suspension and wheels/tires, and your steering rack breaks. The two are obviously unrelated, and therefore Ford cannot deny your warranty coverage simply because you installed aftermarket speakers.

This makes sense- thanks.

Did I see something relating to an aftermarket "chip" for the engine computer which gives you increased horsepower, more positive shifting, over riding auto start/stop, etc? I haven't been able to find any information about it since seeing what I took to be a post here on Bronco Nation....

Lnashsig

apologies if this has been asked before- I searched the forums briefly and did not find. This is probably a question I should have asked before doing almost 18k of aftermarket upgrades, but do any of these items void the warranty? I’ve done things like replace tie rods, replace steering rack end cap, skid plates everywhere, rock rails, roof rack, etc.

A lot of it also depends on the tech. Some are hard core by the book. I am a Ford tech and when I look at something, I always ask myself is the mod the obvious cause. Looking at the example of the 37" tires and a broken steering rack. If its something like a blown seal that caused the issue I'm not going to blame the tires. So build a good relationship with the service manager and the techs if you can. That goes a long way too.

Stoney_Maroney

Did I see something relating to an aftermarket "chip" for the engine computer which gives you increased horsepower, more positive shifting, over riding auto start/stop, etc? I haven't been able to find any information about it since seeing what I took to be a post here on Bronco Nation....

You mean the Ford Performance tune that you can have your dealer or another ASE certified tech do the "install" and you retain your warranty? - you can purchase that one right from your dealer.

Or are you referring to one of the multitude of other tunes that would void your warranty but offer higher HP and torque gains?

Unicorn

You mean the Ford Performance tune that you can have your dealer or another ASE certified tech do the "install" and you retain your warranty?

Or are you referring to one of the multitude of other tunes that would void your warranty but offer higher HP and torque gains?

Yes, most definitely the former. I would want the dealer to install and stand behind the “tune”. Any idea as to what the install would cost? For example, if it cost $2k, and added 15 hp, I would probably not pursue it….Thanks

Stoney_Maroney

Yes, most definitely the former. I would want the dealer to install and stand behind the “tune”. Any idea as to what the install would cost? For example, if it cost $2k, and added 15 hp, I would probably not pursue it….Thanks

I think the tune cost is typically about $800 and then what ever the dealer wants to charge you for the 20 minutes of time it will take them... I have seen them want to charge multiple hours.... The dealer I purchased my Bronco from wants $1100 installed. Leathal performance had a sale over the holidays and was asking $600 for the tune but you had to find an ASE certified installer.... and then pay them to keep the warranty. A lot of people are installing themselves (fairly straight forward to do).

I go to two different ford dealers by me, depending on availability, and neither bat an eye over my engine mods.

Every dealer varies, also the moss magnuson warranty act to consider, but considering the state of the marker, you should be golden.

If your dealer says no, go look for another that says yes