17 replies to this topic

[glwbear]

TODAY I STOPPED BY MY DEALER TO ASK ABOUT A OIL FILTER AND HE WAS TALKING TO ANOTHER ECO-BOOST TRUCK OWNER WHO HAD JUST REMOVED HIS STOCK EXHAUST RESONATOR & MUFFLER AND INSTALLED A MAGNAFLOW SYSTEM. THE DEALER SAID FORD COULD AND HAS VOIDED WARRANTIES FOR CHANGING THE MUFFLER. HE TOLD THE GUY TO PUT THE STOCK EXHAUST BACK ON THE TRUCK.

THERE IS A FORD SERVICE BULLITIN THAT HAS BEEN SENT OUT TO ALL FORD DEALERS TELLING THEM HOW TO VOID A WARRANTY FOR ANY MODIFICATIONS THEY MIGHT SEE ON THE NEW ECO-BOOST ENGINES!

I SUGGEST EVERYONE BE VERY CAREFUL AS THE AUTO & TRUCK INDUSTRY HAS REALLY CHANGED.

GLWBEAR

[Slabo]

I have a feeling they could be extra picky with the new Ecoboost.

[mikesxpress]

Dealer said that?
Were his lips moving???


I get all the TB's and never seen it?

Before you post BS like this you need to do some reading:
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 is a good place to start.

Here is another link to details:
Edmonds warranty issues

Edited by mikesxpress, 19 May 2011 - 02:27 AM.

[glwbear]

TO ALL YOU DISBELIEVERS AND TO PEOPLE THAT SAY THEY GET ALL THE TB'S READ ON!

THIS WAS POSTED ON THE FORD TRUCK FORUM!


Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 474

No mods on the ecoboost
I have been doing some research on putting a tuner on the ecoboost. Seems that since the 6.0 mess Ford has gotten smarter. Also seems that some have blown the eco in the Taurus SHO's. It appears that a tuner, CAI, removing the cats and maybe even an aftermarket exhaust system can be grounds for warranty denial.

You can make up your own mind. Mine is staying stock.


I found this on yellow bullet, a racing forum:

To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships
Subject: Aftermarket Modifications – Warranty Cancellation

BACKGROUND
Aftermarket companies (referred to as "tuners") attempt to increase an engine's torque and power output beyond the design limits which may cause powertrain failures. This is often accomplished by modifying the engine calibration (referred to as "chipping") but may also include modifications or adjustments to other components. Per the Warranty Guide that is provided to the customer and the Warranty & Policy Manual, failures resulting from modifications are not warranted by Ford Motor Company.

All powertrains are subject to warranty cancellation if a modification causes a failure. For the 3.5L EcoBoost technical service bulletin TSB 10-2-6 was published to enable your technicians to determine:

If a powertrain failure resulted from an unauthorized modification
If the engine, transmission, or entire powertrain warranty should be cancelled
Per the inspection process included in this TSB a Ford Motor Company inspector may assist with this analysis. When the inspection process clearly indicates that a failure was caused by an unauthorized modification/alteration the repair should not be completed under Warranty and, using the following process, the vehicle's remaining Engine, Transmission, or Powertrain warranty should be cancelled.

WARRANTY CANCELLATION PROCESS
To initiate a warranty cancellation on an affected vehicle, submit a warranty cancellation request form through FMCDealer.com. This on-line form can be accessed as follows:

FMCDealer.com
Select Parts & Service tab
Select Warranty Administration & Parts Return
Select Warranty Cancellation / Reinstatement Request Form
Complete and submit this form on-line.

Once the warranty is cancelled an OASIS message will advise all dealerships that the vehicle is no longer eligible for warranty coverage


Here is the TSB

Review Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURE



Unauthorized calibration modifications may or may not be detectable using standard tools (Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS), NGS+ VCM). Changes can be made to the calibration and flashed to the PCM through the OBD port. Physical modifications to the hardware may or may not be present. If aftermarket power/torque-increasing modifications are suspected, care should be taken to record and store the following items: Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pending DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, Mode 6 and Mode 9 data. The data should be printed and attached to the repair order for later reference.
The DTCs, freeze frame data, Mode 6 and 9 data can be obtained by using the IDS, PDS or NGS+VCM under tool box selection. The Powertrain tab will provide the OBD Test Modes tab and Mode 6 and 9 data selection after the vehicle has been identified.


Attempting to increase the engine output via recalibrating the PCM may result in poor drivability, DTCs, or component failures. A partial list of calibration induced component failures is given below:
Piston damage.
Spark over-advanced (knock-induced damage).
Insufficient enrichment.
Excessive Cylinder Pressure:


Turbocharger damage.
Over-Speed:


Catalyst damage.
Over-Temperature/Melting:


Transmission, PTU, Torque converter damage.
Hardware Modifications:





The following list contains items that are frequently modified in an effort to increase the engines torque/power output. Modifying these items may, or may not improve the performance, but can lead to drivability issues, DTCs and possibly component failures:
Air induction system (air box, low pressure and high pressure air ducts).
The system may be particularly susceptible to flexible air ducts between the air filter and the compressors. Restrictions on either side of the compressor can result in over-speeding the turbo (Figures 5-6).
Wastegate actuator pre-tension.
The full load output of some turbocharged engines will increase if the wastegate spring pre-tension is increased. This is not the case with the EcoBoost engine. Adjusting the wastegate pre-tension out of the specified range can result in DTCs. A tamper evident paint dot has been applied to the wastegate actuator adjustment mechanism to make modifications more apparent.
Throttle inlet and intake manifold pressure sensors.
These sensors and the associated wiring should be inspected to verify they have not been modified.
Additional fuel injection devices.
The high pressure fuel system used for the EcoBoost engine will not support additional fuel flow beyond what the factory calibration requests. Inspect the engine for an additional aftermarket injector(s) located somewhere in the induction system to provided increased fuel flow.
PCV system modifications.
If the PCV system is modified (vented to atmosphere being the most common modification) it can result in a condition where oil gets past the turbine seal even on an undamaged, fully functional turbocharger. Oil in the exhaust system may not be sufficient evidence to identify a failed turbo if the PCV system has been compromised.
Compressor bypass modifications (a.k.a. blow-off valve, or anti-surge valve).
It is common to modify these components so they make more noise. If the aftermarket devices fail to seal properly when closed, elevated turbo speeds and compressor outlet temperatures will occur.
Exhaust air path/system.
Removal of catalysts or mufflers/resonators to reduce exhaust backpressure may result in over-speeding the turbo(s).
Thermostat modifications.
Blocking open the thermostat may reduce the coolant flow to the turbo chargers. Wastegate Tamper Evident Paint Dot
__________________
2011 F-150 SCAB XLT 4x4 Ecoboost in Blue Flame Metallic, 3.73 with E-locker, max tow, chrome, convenience, and plus packages, rearview camera
[


quote name='mikesxpress' timestamp='1305800427' post='1240']
Dealer said that?
Were his lips moving???


I get all the TB's and never seen it?

Before you post BS like this you need to do some reading:
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 is a good place to start.

Here is another link to details:
Edmonds warranty issues
[/quote]

[mikesxpress]

Same deal. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 still applies.

TSB was released for the Tarus SHO but would still apply to the F150's.

If they can PROVE the mod did damage they can cancel the warranty. Been like that since 1975.

I have no mods to mine, nor would I do any. It runs fine like it is. Same way with the 1999 Superduty I sold and replaced it with this EcoBoost.

[EdCaffreyMS]

I think you'll find that mods on the EB and how it effects the warranty will vary from dealer to dealer. I too was under the impression that ANY mods on a EB would spell disaster for the warranty.....then I sat down and had about an hour conversation with the Service Manager at my dealership. The term he kept using was "sensible". Saying that he would never void a warranty for modification that were sensible.....he went on to described instances where folks had "tuned" an engine to the point where the pistons literally melted to the heads.....and the individuals where buttheads about it.....and he cancelled warranties. To date nobody has been able to crack the encryption on the EB computers....but I'm sure it will come, and then you'll see "tuners" available for the EB.

I spoke to the service manager specifically about exhaust, and a leveling kit. He told me that messing with the exhaust had not only the greatest potential for voiding the warranty, but would very likely cause the engine to run poorly. Concerning a leveling kit, he told me the very first thing he did to his 2011 EB, was to bring it into the "shop", and install a 2" leveling kit.......he even made recommendations for a specific leveling kit.

So, it would seem that the best thing a person can do BEFORE modding a 2011 F150, would be to ASK the dealership.

[mikesxpress]

Sorry I couldn't help it!!!!
Warning. Warning.
“Danger, Will Robinson!”

[4DRHTRD]

To date nobody has been able to crack the encryption on the EB computers....but I'm sure it will come, and then you'll see "tuners" available for the EB.

Tuners are available for the SHO, Lincoln and Flex....
Yours will come along very shortly.

[Dean M]

There are many ways to look at this but I know from experience how the game works.

If you buy a good quality programmer Ford cannot detect them or that tell they have ever been in the truck. I have seen with my own eyes (on a dealer laptop) that a cheap programmer like the banks or superchips or bullydogs will show up in the diagnostics but the better/ more advanced programmers will not show up. I used a spartan programmer (in my superduty) which was around $1300 but it is also a lot safer one too.

So in saying that, if you also have a reasonable and mod friendly dealer they won't mind helping you out but if there are any problems it is always best to return the truck to stock first and then take it to a dealer as a Ford warranty inspector may want to come out and check everything on the truck, especially seeing that it's a new engine and they will be wanting to know what can go wrong with them.

Basically you just need to be careful and find the right dealership.

[taperk600]

If you want to be so literal on the wording, then even using an other-than OEM airfilter could be considered a modification.......................................

[Beaner]

TO ALL YOU DISBELIEVERS AND TO PEOPLE THAT SAY THEY GET ALL THE TB'S READ ON!

THIS WAS POSTED ON THE FORD TRUCK FORUM!


Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 474

No mods on the ecoboost
I have been doing some research on putting a tuner on the ecoboost. Seems that since the 6.0 mess Ford has gotten smarter. Also seems that some have blown the eco in the Taurus SHO's. It appears that a tuner, CAI, removing the cats and maybe even an aftermarket exhaust system can be grounds for warranty denial.

You can make up your own mind. Mine is staying stock.


I found this on yellow bullet, a racing forum:

To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships
Subject: Aftermarket Modifications – Warranty Cancellation

BACKGROUND
Aftermarket companies (referred to as "tuners") attempt to increase an engine's torque and power output beyond the design limits which may cause powertrain failures. This is often accomplished by modifying the engine calibration (referred to as "chipping") but may also include modifications or adjustments to other components. Per the Warranty Guide that is provided to the customer and the Warranty & Policy Manual, failures resulting from modifications are not warranted by Ford Motor Company.

All powertrains are subject to warranty cancellation if a modification causes a failure. For the 3.5L EcoBoost technical service bulletin TSB 10-2-6 was published to enable your technicians to determine:

If a powertrain failure resulted from an unauthorized modification
If the engine, transmission, or entire powertrain warranty should be cancelled
Per the inspection process included in this TSB a Ford Motor Company inspector may assist with this analysis. When the inspection process clearly indicates that a failure was caused by an unauthorized modification/alteration the repair should not be completed under Warranty and, using the following process, the vehicle's remaining Engine, Transmission, or Powertrain warranty should be cancelled.

WARRANTY CANCELLATION PROCESS
To initiate a warranty cancellation on an affected vehicle, submit a warranty cancellation request form through FMCDealer.com. This on-line form can be accessed as follows:

FMCDealer.com
Select Parts & Service tab
Select Warranty Administration & Parts Return
Select Warranty Cancellation / Reinstatement Request Form
Complete and submit this form on-line.

Once the warranty is cancelled an OASIS message will advise all dealerships that the vehicle is no longer eligible for warranty coverage


Here is the TSB

Review Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURE



Unauthorized calibration modifications may or may not be detectable using standard tools (Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS), Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS), NGS+ VCM). Changes can be made to the calibration and flashed to the PCM through the OBD port. Physical modifications to the hardware may or may not be present. If aftermarket power/torque-increasing modifications are suspected, care should be taken to record and store the following items: Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Pending DTCs, Freeze Frame Data, Mode 6 and Mode 9 data. The data should be printed and attached to the repair order for later reference.
The DTCs, freeze frame data, Mode 6 and 9 data can be obtained by using the IDS, PDS or NGS+VCM under tool box selection. The Powertrain tab will provide the OBD Test Modes tab and Mode 6 and 9 data selection after the vehicle has been identified.


Attempting to increase the engine output via recalibrating the PCM may result in poor drivability, DTCs, or component failures. A partial list of calibration induced component failures is given below:
Piston damage.
Spark over-advanced (knock-induced damage).
Insufficient enrichment.
Excessive Cylinder Pressure:


Turbocharger damage.
Over-Speed:


Catalyst damage.
Over-Temperature/Melting:


Transmission, PTU, Torque converter damage.
Hardware Modifications:





The following list contains items that are frequently modified in an effort to increase the engines torque/power output. Modifying these items may, or may not improve the performance, but can lead to drivability issues, DTCs and possibly component failures:
Air induction system (air box, low pressure and high pressure air ducts).
The system may be particularly susceptible to flexible air ducts between the air filter and the compressors. Restrictions on either side of the compressor can result in over-speeding the turbo (Figures 5-6).
Wastegate actuator pre-tension.
The full load output of some turbocharged engines will increase if the wastegate spring pre-tension is increased. This is not the case with the EcoBoost engine. Adjusting the wastegate pre-tension out of the specified range can result in DTCs. A tamper evident paint dot has been applied to the wastegate actuator adjustment mechanism to make modifications more apparent.
Throttle inlet and intake manifold pressure sensors.
These sensors and the associated wiring should be inspected to verify they have not been modified.
Additional fuel injection devices.
The high pressure fuel system used for the EcoBoost engine will not support additional fuel flow beyond what the factory calibration requests. Inspect the engine for an additional aftermarket injector(s) located somewhere in the induction system to provided increased fuel flow.
PCV system modifications.
If the PCV system is modified (vented to atmosphere being the most common modification) it can result in a condition where oil gets past the turbine seal even on an undamaged, fully functional turbocharger. Oil in the exhaust system may not be sufficient evidence to identify a failed turbo if the PCV system has been compromised.
Compressor bypass modifications (a.k.a. blow-off valve, or anti-surge valve).
It is common to modify these components so they make more noise. If the aftermarket devices fail to seal properly when closed, elevated turbo speeds and compressor outlet temperatures will occur.
Exhaust air path/system.
Removal of catalysts or mufflers/resonators to reduce exhaust backpressure may result in over-speeding the turbo(s).
Thermostat modifications.
Blocking open the thermostat may reduce the coolant flow to the turbo chargers. Wastegate Tamper Evident Paint Dot
__________________
2011 F-150 SCAB XLT 4x4 Ecoboost in Blue Flame Metallic, 3.73 with E-locker, max tow, chrome, convenience, and plus packages, rearview camera
[


quote name='mikesxpress' timestamp='1305800427' post='1240']
Dealer said that?
Were his lips moving???


I get all the TB's and never seen it?

Before you post BS like this you need to do some reading:
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 is a good place to start.

I LOVE KNOW IT ALLS! I spent close to $60,000 on my truck. I bought the extended warranty to cover the new technology. Why would anyone risk voiding their warranty....I can't afford too.....I guess they bought cheaper models and can risk $$$$$ in repairs and mods.

Thanks for posting this!

Bean

[Spoolin'FX4]

Nothing has changed....if you bring your truck in with a blown engine and you nice little tuner is sitting on the dash well your lookin' for it...bolt on mods like exhaust and intake(intakes might pop a code though) can be swaped in minutes!!! Stop freaking out soo much and if your so scared well stay stock!

Edited by Spoolin'FX4, 08 September 2011 - 09:40 PM.

[Spoolin'FX4]

Dealer said that?
Were his lips moving???


I get all the TB's and never seen it?

Before you post BS like this you need to do some reading:
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 is a good place to start.

Here is another link to details:
Edmonds warranty issues

+1 4 Mike on this one!

[dirty35s]

i guess i have no warrenty running 35s that the dealer installed on my ecoboost. warrenty will not cover aftermarket parts.

[john]

Same deal. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 still applies.

TSB was released for the Tarus SHO but would still apply to the F150's.

If they can PROVE the mod did damage they can cancel the warranty. Been like that since 1975.

I have no mods to mine, nor would I do any. It runs fine like it is. Same way with the 1999 Superduty I sold and replaced it with this EcoBoost.

I depends on how deep your pockets are. You would need to get a lawyer and you could spend months or years in court to prove you are right or Ford is wrong or right. Do what I do..... if I break it I fix on my dime.

John

Edited by john, 14 April 2012 - 05:22 PM.

[VTWLKWY]

According to my dealer , the air filter system upgrade and a "cat Back" exhaust will not void the warrenty on my truck. My Master tech is asking ford for a proper intercooler cover that is acceptable to them as the intercooler can be hurt by stone and road debris.. " in front of MAF and behind Cat, no problem.. Pete

[glwbear]

Mikexpress or whoever you are! When you add a comment telling someone that his post is BS you better put your mind in gear before putting your mouth in ACTION!

The TSB came from a Master Ford Tech and from a relative who owns 4 Ford Dealerships. Yes, we all are aware of the M/S Warranty act. Yet, Ford can screw with you and cause you thousands of dollars in Legal Fees to fight them over the warranty issue! The TSB speaks for itself and if you had read all the other posts you'd of seen that another member talked to a dealer and was told that if he MODIFIED the exhaust the warranty could be canceled!

All my post was meant to do was to "INFORM" other EcoBoost owners of the TSB that I had received and let them decide for themselves! Your brash and insulting comment that my post was BS is immature and uncalled for.

Sorry, if my information offended your mental state of mind!

glwbear

[Robert Weathers]

I have a 2011 King Ranch 4X4 Offroad Crew with 3.73 gears that has a few minor modification from the folks at Fastlane in Houston Texas. They installed a plug-in module (controller) with 3 performance levels, stock, low boost, and high boost. Other mods include their down-pipe, Heartthrob cat-back exhaust system, and a Injen cold air intake. The next mod is a Firestone air bag system to help with heavy loads. The truck stays in low boost most of the time, but I did put it in high boost mode to dust off a buddy of mine in his Duramax powered truck. Wow, what a difference the mods have made. Improved towing, MPG, and performance. My only complaint is that I get to the speed shutoff too fast to enjoy the acceleration like I want. Fastlane tells me they are working on an update to remove this. The great thing about those guys, is they can put a complete performance package together, install it, dyno test, and get it out the door in a short amount of time. That way you get a truck with amazing power and no surprises. Best of all, their plug-in module leaves no foot print on the factory computer. The tunes are a good balance of safe and powerful. I feel confident they are making as much safe horsepower as anyone else. If Ford chooses to cancel my warranty, I do have a good attorney, who will force them to prove they have justification to do so, or that modifications caused a failure. Even though Ford has more legal resources than I do, they still have to prove their case, thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.