put your heat shield back on after install. the good thing is that our header is hidden compared to hondas. if you need something done back there where they may see it, just take it out and put the stock back on (pain I know). but you could save a lot of money depending on what the problem is, which should be covered.
the dealers will say it does void b/c warranty work doesn't pay as good as non-warranty work.
so practically yes. but legally no:
the truth is that by law according to Magnuson-Moss Act, 1975, the warranty is not automatically voided by installing the DC Header.
you can also get warranty rights info from the SEMA Action Network:
http://www.semasan.com/specifically the link is:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8124the short form:
1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))
This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle maker's brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:
No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name... (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).
The long form:
From the other Celica site:
The Magnuson-Moss Act
Protecting tweakers, tuners, and other users of aftermarket equipment.
FANNING FEARS
You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but youre worried about putting the vehicles warranty at risk. Its no wonder. How many times have you heard somene of a dealership say that installing aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed though it is completely false.
Fact: Dealers dont like warranty work, because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers avoid such low-paying work. Instead, they attempt to charge customers the prime service rate for work which is rightfully done under warranty.
THE TRUTH
Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves Performance does not void a vehicle manufacturers original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well. Which provide further protections for vehicle owners.
In other words, that means a dealer cant wiggle out of his legal warranty obligation merely because you install aftermarket equipment. To find out if any aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicles warranty, check the owners manual. It is likely the langauge you are looking for appears under a heading such as What Is Not Covered Although the langauge seems negative, remember your vehicle manufacturer is simply saying he does not cover the aftermarket products themselves. He is not saying that the products would void the vehicle warranty.
VEHICLE DEALERS OBLIGATIONS
Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that youve installed aftermarket equipment a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.
An example of how ridiculous this can get is the man who was denied warranty coverage by a dealer on his power door locks, because he had improved his exhaust system! Sounds nuts? It really happened because that man did not know his rights and challenge the dealers decision.
Fact: A dealer must prove not just say that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.
YOUR RIGHTS
Point out to the dealer the provision of the Magnuson-Moss Act- Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he cant or his explanation sounds questionable it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.
Fact: If you are still being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct complaints to the FCT at (202) 326-3128.
DODGE MOTORS
Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment. 1997 Warranty Information supplement to Dodge
Owners Manual:
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
If a Chevrolet part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship not related to (on aftermarket products) or the labor to install it. Chevrolet would be responsible for covering the failed part. Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
FORD MOTOR COMPANY:
Installation of a non-genuine Ford item does not, in and of itself, render warranty void. Ford Owner Relations Division
FEDERAL LAW
In order to improve the adequacy of information available to consumers, prevent deception, and improve competition in the marketing of consumer products, any warrantor warranting a consumer product to a consumer by means of a written warranty shall. . .fully and conspicuously disclose in simple and readily understood langauge the terms and conditions of such warranty. Such rules . . . require inclusion in the written warranty of any . . . exceptions and exclusions from the terms of the warranty. Magnuson-Moss Warranty & Federal Trade Commission improvement Act. Section 2302(a)
*courtesy of Autotrucktoys
