Ford's Onto You and Your Favorite Performance Mods

"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
12/11/2015 at 10:00 • Filed to: tuning, modifications, mods, warranty, ford, tips, discussion

It takes a lot to engineer a car well. Everything has to be balanced. Aftermarket modifications can easily screw that up. And Ford knows that.

Modifying cars can be a lot of fun. Sometimes all you have to do is bolt on a supercharger or re-calibrate the engine tune, and voila- instant power! Sometimes cars can handle it; other times they can’t (or won’t for very long).

Consequences of bad mods can range from decreased longevity to catastrophic failure. Your head gasket can only take so much pressure. Your driveshaft can only handle so much torque. You should always consider supporting mods when looking to upgrade your ride.

These are important things to keep in mind, especially if you like to do all of your own wrenching. But what if you still take it to the dealer from time to time? They also need to know what’s been done to the car, especially if it’s still under warranty.

Some things don’t affect a car’s warranty; !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and it’s important to understand how parts can influence other components. Besides, it’s not just about determining whether or not to deny a warranty claim; it’s about identifying the root cause of the problem and preventing future failure.

So Ford has issued the “Gas Engine Performance Modifications Job Aid” document to help technicians spot common problem areas susceptible to aftermarket mods. This isn’t exactly a new thing. The current 29-page document released earlier this year is version 3.0 and urges the tech to look for both hardware AND software mods:

Aftermarket calibrations are used to increase engine performance by altering calibratable parameters such as rev limit, spark advance and air-fuel ratio. Most aftermarket tuners advise the customer to reflash the PCM back to the stock calibration when bringing the car in for any warranty work. Refer to Section B to help determine if an aftermarket calibration is or was present in the vehicle.

So think twice before making your new car’s first mod a nitrous kit, m’kay? Your “improvements” have !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

DISCUSSION (11)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Urambo Tauro
12/11/2015 at 10:06

On the other hand, the performance mod related failures are ID’ing a potentially weaker part in the chain, which means that some poor schlubs are going to have failures and will have to fight for their warranty coverage. Sucks to be that guy, without question.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Urambo Tauro
12/11/2015 at 11:24

Meanwhile I went to the aftermarket for an engine mount because the stock ford one can’t handle the almighty beast of an engine the 1.6 EB is......

I mean yeah, if I went in complaining about more interior vibrations at idle, that’s on me and the mount. But I will be livid if I get a warranty denied because I replaced the mount to stop the engine from knocking into the firewall when I give it more than half throttle.

uofime-2 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
12/11/2015 at 11:48

yeah, but there’s a difference between that and a catless turboback exhaust, intake and the required new calibration.

That said if your mount manages to break the part of the frame it attaches to because you only stiffened one motor mount, that is on you.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Urambo Tauro
05/11/2016 at 12:31

It really does seem easier to just wait until you’re out of warranty to modify a car.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Urambo Tauro
05/11/2016 at 12:44

they say this but leave their ECU completely open to SCT which is very easy to write tunes for

My bird IS the word > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
05/11/2016 at 12:46

The only way you can void your warranty is if they can prove the mod caused a failure. But that is on them, not you. Same principal that they cannot void your warranty for replacing your brake pads with non-ford approved ones

My bird IS the word > Aaron M - MasoFiST
05/11/2016 at 12:47

Anymore it seems less and less necessary. We are in a new golden age of factory performance.

haveacarortwoorthree2 > My bird IS the word
05/11/2016 at 14:34

“But that is on them, not you.” Technically true, but if they deny warranty, then it’s on you to have to sue them. And for what likely will be a “small” amount of money for litigation purposes, you’re likely going to have to go out of pocket for a lawyer if you can’t get Ford/the dealer to accept responsibility. So in that way, it is on you.

wiffleballtony > Urambo Tauro
05/11/2016 at 17:04

That's why if you're going to modify a car while under warranty, don't do anything extreme.

jimz > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
05/12/2016 at 11:17

So? checksums and re-flash counters will rat you out.

Jmaister > Urambo Tauro
06/06/2016 at 17:15

AFtermarket dont care about you, your wellbing, nor vehicle warranty. They want to get in ur wallet.

The ST engines are already at OEM safe peak performance, and guess who want to take a wack at it.