Modifications and Transmission Failure out of no where

[CTYankee]

IMHO, all Ford (or the dealer) has to do is show a plausible relationship between the modifications and the damage and they win. Keep in mind that there's no standard of proof that anyone in the legal or arbitration process is likely to care about because it's unlikely any of them will be car people. They're also unlikely to want to devote that kind of time.

If qualified product-specific engineers and technicians agree that the modifications caused the problem, I don't see an independent consultant changing the outcome.

I think trying to negotiate a cost-sharing settlement may be your best option.

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[billbillw]

I think you are facing an impossible uphill battle.

I had a similar, but much less expensive experience a few years back. My old Touareg TDI spit out a DEF Error, while it was still under the Diesel-gate Extended warranty. I took it in, thought I was covered, then the service technician said the issue was due to lack of maintenance. What? How can you lack maintenance on a DEF system? I didn't let it go till it was empty. It simply requires refilling when the low level notice comes on, which usually gives a 500 mile count down. I always used approved fluids and completely topped it off when I got a low warning. In fact, I had just filled it up about a week before this error. I went round and round with VW corporate, the Class Action Lawyers, etc. Bottom line, they said they can't argue if the servicing dealer says it was due to lack of maintenance. No "Proof" required from the dealer. It was simply my word vs their word. I was not happy about it, but in the end, it was a $80 fee or something for them to 're-calibrate' the DEF system.

Good luck in dealing with this.

 

[fossil]

interesting read on warranties

https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/will-your-new-car-warranty-cover-track-driving/

Back in the 70s I was aware if "they" caught me racing it could void portions of my warranty, did it anyway.

 

[todd92]

Not following how any of this is Ford's responsibility.

 

[LC48]

Sorry you're getting flogged a bit @Racerx410 , the "buy a gadget on amazon and call it a mod" crowd don't take too kindly to anyone that has actually modified the truck.

Magnuson-Moss puts the burden of proof on the manufacturer to prove your mods caused the failure in question. Not some tech or service writers opinion, proof. Not saying it's gonna be fun or easy, I would expect them to try a number of bluffs to chase you off.

Let us know how it goes, if the b.s. doesn't bother you too much...

 

[Falcon Bill]

Trying to understand how you think you can prevail against Ford with this. As I read the post, you modified the truck, admit to racing the truck, admit to driving it harder on the street than when you raced it and know that Ford monitors this forum.

If those facts are correct, how to you expect to get Ford to cover any of the repair cost under warranty?

 

[Darnon]

In name only-- It is called an E-CVT. It does not function in any way like an actual CVT.

This thing has a single planetary gearset that either sends power to the generator or to the wheels -- there are no belts or chains to break.

Belts aren't a requirement for it to be a CVT. The planetary differential gearset allows the mechanical ratio between the ICE input to the output to the axles be (near) infinitely variable to any ratio. Therefore it fulfills the role of being a Continuously Variable Transmission.

 

[TedTX]

No doubt it's possible, but probably a real rarity. The $ involved throughout the whole process, appeals, court fees, lawyers expenses, expert expenses, etc will be much to high for the normal owner to withstand.

The rarity is it ever makes it to a judge and trial before Ford does the right thing and fix the real problem.

 

[todd92]

Sorry you're getting flogged a bit @Racerx410 , the "buy a gadget on amazon and call it a mod" crowd don't take too kindly to anyone that has actually modified the truck.

Magnuson-Moss puts the burden of proof on the manufacturer to prove your mods caused the failure in question. Not some tech or service writers opinion, proof. Not saying it's gonna be fun or easy, I would expect them to try a number of bluffs to chase you off.

Let us know how it goes, if the b.s. doesn't bother you too much...

Wrong. Magnuson-Moss does not cover modifications, period. It covers non-OEM replacement parts and does not require service work to be performed at the dealer. Nothing more.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Wrong. Magnuson-Moss does not cover modifications, period. It covers non-OEM replacement parts and does not require service work to be performed at the dealer. Nothing more.

Can you Modify a Car without Voiding its Warranty?
The simple answer is: it depends. Modifying a vehicle can make it more difficult to maintain warranty coverage, though the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act puts the burden on the automaker to prove that a modification directly contributed to the failure of a specific component. Acting as the automaker's agent, the franchised dealership will typically decide whether, say, oversize wheels and tires contributed to early failure of an axle. On occasion, the dealership may reach out to the automaker on your behalf to seek a resolution—though these situations are relatively rare.

https://www.capitalone.com/cars/lea...s-the-magnusonmoss-warranty-act-for-cars/1578

HRG

 

[realshelby]

Bottom line is that the extra load ( more than you would imagine due to extreme offsets) likely contributed to the failure.
ANYTIME you modify a vehicle still under warranty, at least have the original parts on hand to put it back stock if a major failure occurs. I have put back stock exhaust manifolds and pipes, stock wheels, etc. when needing service work under warranty. Do NOT believe vendors that say "this won't void your warranty". It does not....void it...but it also means Ford does not have to pay for the work if the modifications could in any way contribute to the failure. Know the law before you make major modifications. I firmly believe in the right to modify vehicles. I also won't blame the manufacturer for melting a piston with a new supercharger install......

 

[todd92]

Take the 'Capital One Auto Navigator' incorrect interpretation of Magnusson-Moss to your service writer and demand warranty coverage. Good luck with that.

Here's what the service tech/manager go with:

 

[Bwicka]

Time to put a stick in it !
Make it true road race , gear holding capable maverick.
Ditch the hybrid part with the cvt .though and start with an ecoboost!
Ford doesn’t just monitor this site , they are the reason the site is named and exists .
I don’t think you have too much to worry if your low mileage puts it under warranty.But I’d consider a different dealer next time .
Would have lost the offset wheels and spacers before towing it in . And a quick coil over adjustment to factory height area would have been wise.
I’ve got massive suspension mods on mine with 4-41/2” lift on my Tremor and just accept I’ll be the warranty!
First actual new vehicle in my life , but always have been and always will be my OWN warranty .i prefer it that way as I have never been happy with any dealer or techs work after the fact!Never even after an oil change , I’ll find fasteners in the wrong place or damaged .
Guess it’s part of my bad ocd .

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