Thread: Steinbauer and new vehicle warranties

Warranty - Manufacturers warranty is different to stat. warranty.

Stat. warranty is legislated and is 3 months IIRC...

Manufacturers warranty is a 'gentlemens agreeement' between the vehicle manufacturer and yourself. They can, at their discretion, void parts or all of the vehicle warranty outside the 3 months.

Also, if a NEW vehicle IS modified from manufacturers specifications at time of sale, this is Illegal also (I have a LR tech doc with relevant data at home).

Now back to intercept tuning boxes...

Fitting one, will, immediately void your entire drivetrain warranty (At the manufacturers discression)
If detected by the manufacturer any power increasing device can be deemed (regardless) as placing addition stress on the drive/powertrain.

So ECU, Wiring (because you added something), Engine, Turbo, G/Box, Transfer case, Driveshafts, Diffs, axles, CVs.. Chassis mounts, gearbox mounts, engine mounts, radiator and cooling system, alternator warranty can be voided.

Anti-tamper methods are used by several manufacturers to track changes.

Expecting ANY manufacturer to cover modifications not tested or approved by them is both crazy and unreasonable.

With regards to DP/SB style chips and warranty - Be careful, you will have a legal stoush on your hands. With the requirement to provide evidence that "XYZ" was the cause of egine/driveline failure and not a problem caused by something else. (The OEM and the Chip company will both deny blame at any cost)

Caveat Emptor

Originally Posted by Tombie2

Warranty - Manufacturers warranty is different to stat. warranty.

Stat. warranty is legislated and is 3 months IIRC...

Manufacturers warranty is a 'gentlemens agreeement' between the vehicle manufacturer and yourself. They can, at their discretion, void parts or all of the vehicle warranty outside the 3 months.

Also, if a NEW vehicle IS modified from manufacturers specifications at time of sale, this is Illegal also (I have a LR tech doc with relevant data at home).

Now back to intercept tuning boxes...

Fitting one, will, immediately void your entire drivetrain warranty (At the manufacturers discression)
If detected by the manufacturer any power increasing device can be deemed (regardless) as placing addition stress on the drive/powertrain.

So ECU, Wiring (because you added something), Engine, Turbo, G/Box, Transfer case, Driveshafts, Diffs, axles, CVs.. Chassis mounts, gearbox mounts, engine mounts, radiator and cooling system, alternator warranty can be voided.

Anti-tamper methods are used by several manufacturers to track changes.

Expecting ANY manufacturer to cover modifications not tested or approved by them is both crazy and unreasonable.

With regards to DP/SB style chips and warranty - Be careful, you will have a legal stoush on your hands. With the requirement to provide evidence that "XYZ" was the cause of egine/driveline failure and not a problem caused by something else. (The OEM and the Chip company will both deny blame at any cost)

Caveat Emptor

How about re-mapping ECUs? What advice do you give to customers with new vehicles under manufacturers warranty?

Fortunately the LR warranty periods are well below industry standard so the waiting game isn't such a big deal.

A good mate bought a steinbauer chip for his commonrail Patrol,,

made absolutely zero difference to the performance,,

just made it blow (even) more smoke.

sent it back twice, in the end just got his (not inconsiderable) money back.

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

How about re-mapping ECUs? What advice do you give to customers with new vehicles under manufacturers warranty?

Fortunately the LR warranty periods are well below industry standard so the waiting game isn't such a big deal.

I advise that yes, it can void warranty. However, most times if its not engine related then most warranties are honoured.

My upgrades are undetectable (except by the 'butt dyno') and unless the OEM rips the code apart and compares it wont be found. There is no evidence anyone has gone into the system and changed anything the way we program.

This is deception (in regards to dealers etc) and is at the customers peril - I advise that too...

I also, in the case of D3/D4/RRS/TDCi vehicles under warranty, that the program can be restored to factory using my methods, by the client, before taking to the dealer.. Again, this is being deceptive during a warranty claim. I have advised people they can do this before servicing etc... Its up to them.

What I'm getting at is.. If you modify the vehicle - especially during warranty period, then you accept a level of risk and responsibility.

Whilst my programming (Thanks to BAS) is safe, reliable and the gains tested for safety and performance. There is still an increase in load on the driveline due to increased power and torque. It is tested and checked to be in the capability of the vehicles components but like Redline on a tacho, if used to full capability all the time, will increase the chances of something wearing a little earlier.

With great(er) power, comes great(er) responsibility

Originally Posted by Tombie2

Warranty - Manufacturers warranty is different to stat. warranty.

Stat. warranty is legislated and is 3 months IIRC...

Incorrect! (for new vehicles at least)

Manufacturers Warranty is what is known as an Express Warranty.

The Trade Practices Act (1974) (Cwlth) provides for what is called an Implied Warranty to prevent manufacturers reneging on their obligations.

A Manufacturer can put whatever clauses they want into their Express Warranty but these are void if they breach the provisions of the TPA, which CANNOT be contracted out of.

(Please note here that LR has occasionally stated that things were illegal and would completely viod warranties, when in-fact they weren't and would not)

Common Law precedence has held that the Implied Warranty under the TPA may cover the vehicle for at least 10 years!!

It covers the main areas of driveability, safety and the vehicle being able to be used for the pupose for which it was designed.

The most common claim against manufacturers is the old 'you didn't get it serviced by a dealer, so the warranty is void' chestnut!

I am not writing this to say a chip will be Ok, but simply to advise that what the manufacturer says is not always correct or legal!

If anyone ever has any queries, call the ACCC. They are ready and willing to prosecute if a breach has occurred. Upon successful prosecution, it's very easy to sue for correction and damages. Although I would suggests that you talk to the manufacturer first and see if they will come to the party (as I successfully did)

I also understand that the Fed Govt is looking at extending these provisions to second hand goods up to a certain age, which may bring new risk to selling items privately.