Warranty Issues

SP Ken · 01-04-2006, 08:11 AM

G'day All,

Firstly this thread is not meant to start an all out war of one side against another and if it does it will be pulled. Lets play nice and get some constructive thoughts.

Ok there has been talk here lately about not posting pictures of cars at the track or on the 1/4 mile because they may be seen by Ford Employees and the owners of the cars my have warranties voided. There was even a suggestion that we open a private Photo Bucket account and we all have access to it so we can share pictures.

Now I think we are going too far. As a club here or at our own website we have always posted pics of our cars at events we held, be that cruises or motorsport events. No we have an almost a knee jerk reaction because someone has had a warranty claim knocked back on a drive line issue. This is on a modded car that has done both 1/4 mile work and track work and has been posted here doing so. Now again this is not an attack on anybody but all those that mod our cars do so with eyes wide open to the fact that as soon as a spanner goes where it shouldn't then warranty goes as well. It is the same as full on track work or serious 1/4 milers. If you consistently strive for faster times at the track and break something why should Ford pay for it. After all they never intended the car to be doing full on sprint days. I suppose what I am saying my opinion is "if you play, you pay".

I know I may have opened a can of worms here but I would like your opinions. I am disappointed that this may mean the end of us sharing our memories with each other and anybody else that wasn't there. Remember a time when you would race home after an event (or better still if you never attended it because of other commitments) and get on the web a have a look at the pics from the day. It would be sad to see that go.

Cheers,

Ken

Penelope Pitstop · 01-04-2006, 08:48 AM

The fact of the matter is this – Ford are on the war path. They are really looking for any excuse to void warranties and are knuckling down on things such as Cold Air Induction and Exhaust modifications. These are not necessarily mods to make your vehicle go fast but are also mods done for fuel efficiency and in some cases just to make the car sound nicer then the stocko models.

Now I have actually put some thought into this because I take this club of ours very seriously and am always looking at ways we can improve it. Now there is nothing wrong with sharing pictures but we must mindful of the risks associated with doing so… I do, however think I have a solution –

We need to get our own Forums on our own site back up and running ASAP and when we do this we need to ensure that there is a member’s only section which you must log in to view the content. Access to this portion of the site should only be available for FINANCIAL members of the club and should be approved by the secretary or something similar before access is granted.

If we had this type of secure area then we could post photos to our hearts delight without any ramifications. Until such time it is unfortunate that the we need to watch each others backs and remain diligent about not showing registration plates on the forums.

**** Keep in mind this information kids – even your most stocko vehicle can have its warranty voided for participating in ANY track work…. So your tame laps around Morgan Park could in fact be the death of your warranty if Ford find about it and can prove it.

Cheers, Tori

quest · 01-04-2006, 09:45 AM

Im sure someone at Ford could gain access to a "members" section if they really wanted to
I think you should make a policy of no legible licence plates on posted pictures
Without a plate # to ID a car , there's no warranty problem

Lots of free photo editing software out there-start using it!

SP Ken · 01-04-2006, 09:53 AM

I agree with everything Tori has said. You all will know that the Committee is working towards a fully functioning website with our own Forums again but these things take time and what we have already is a credit to a small band of members who gave their time freely to get it to where it is now. It will develop further with time.

Again I agree if you participate even in the Tame at Heart session you may have warranty issues but the risk of breaking something by driving this way is very minimal compared to those who go all out and push things to the limit. I am concerned that all this talk will dissuade members from participating in what is essentially a fun day with no chance of losing the sheep station. If the consensus is that members don't want these days anymore for fear of losing warranty then lets take them off the books and stick to show and shines and cruises.

Ken

Penelope Pitstop · 01-04-2006, 10:16 AM

An important thing to note is that you don't need to actually break something out on the track for your warranty to be voided... Ford is actually black marking cars even before they have issues... So the thing is you could have the time of your life putt putting around the track at 20kms/hr - and a photo is snapped and placed in a public viewing area with your plates on show. Ford see photo and flag your car on their computer system with a void warranty code. The first you know about it is when you eventually go in for a service or request warranty work done.

In photos nobody can prove you were not fanging it. All Ford care about is that they have photographic proof of your vehicle on a track. Simple as that.

We all still want events like Morgan Park to happen but we just need to be extra careful for the time being to look after our own warranties and those of our fellow clubbies... I personally still have 4 3/4 years left on my warranty and I do not want it voided because a club member innocently pastes a photo of my car on the forums and Ford jump on it.

All we have to do is be a little smart about how we show off our fun times and it really is very quick and very simple to wipe out number plates before posting photos.

Cheers, Tori

vegabass · 01-04-2006, 10:34 AM

I don’t have to worry about Warrantee as my car is going on 10 years old :(

As a club we can do things that will minimize the risk of people loosing there warrantees.

There have been some great suggestions and I look forward to when they are implemented

It would be a shame to can these motorsport days as its apart of why we get together to show off our pride and joy....It also keeps the urge away from me doing it on the street.

ETH02 · 01-04-2006, 11:07 AM

I know it may be going to extreems but if we have events were anyone else has access and can take photos of us having responsible fun in our cars :eclipsee_ maybe we could remove our number plates ( also help reduce weight

: ) to ensure peace of mind that your car can't be ID by Ford

: .

Steve

Penelope Pitstop · 01-04-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ETH02

I know it may be going to extreems but if we have events were anyone else has access and can take photos of us having responsible fun in our cars :eclipsee_ maybe we could remove our number plates ( also help reduce weight

: ) to ensure peace of mind that your car can't be ID by Ford

: .

Steve

Yeah it does sound extreme but we have actually decided to do this or we might just tape them up instead. Doesn't take too long to remove the plates or tape and and it will give us peace of mind...

fiery · 01-04-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ETH02

I know it may be going to extreems but if we have events were anyone else has access and can take photos of us having responsible fun in our cars :eclipsee_ maybe we could remove our number plates ( also help reduce weight

: ) to ensure peace of mind that your car can't be ID by Ford

: .

Steve

It would actually be easier to tape the number plates up than to remove them to be honest... but that is an idea for people to think about with the upcoming events if they are concerned.

I am like Drew, I dont have to worry about Warranty issues, but as a clubbie, I don't want to see others risking their warranties..
It is true that each member whose car is under warranty needs to consider the risks they are taking but maybe the club itself could approach FORD to find out if things like Morgan Park are an issue. One of the Club Sponsors is a Ford Dealership... wouldn't that then affect their sponsorship if FORD themselves don't agree to what a club event is etc.
I believe this issue is real and actually should be discussed properly at a 'club meeting'... Just a thought ...

jabba · 02-04-2006, 02:13 PM

So why don't you just cover you plates and have a run on the track. The fact the Ford won't honor there warranty because you put your car on a track is utterly pathetic on Ford's behalf. Don't miss out on having some fun and finding the full potential of your car...... ИИИИ Ford...... Come along and have a great day with us all...

Oh and who said "you cant have it all"...... Like hell you can.......

WILDTRAKPX2 · 02-04-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabba

So why don't you just cover you plates and have a run on the track. The fact the Ford won't honor there warranty because you put your car on a track is utterly pathetic on Ford's behalf. Don't miss out on having some fun and finding the full potential of your car...... ИИИИ Ford...... Come along and have a great day with us all...

Oh and who said "you cant have it all"...... Like hell you can.......

Mate, I would loooooooove to! Believe me. The insurance thing worries me as well.

Penelope Pitstop · 02-04-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabba

So why don't you just cover you plates and have a run on the track. The fact the Ford won't honor there warranty because you put your car on a track is utterly pathetic on Ford's behalf. Don't miss out on having some fun and finding the full potential of your car...... ИИИИ Ford...... Come along and have a great day with us all...

Oh and who said "you cant have it all"...... Like hell you can.......

It might be pathetic Matt, but still very real...

I would hate to see events like Morgan Park get canned due to fright but we all need to enter into these things with our eyes wide open.

Its easy to say ИИИИ Ford but when you have a huge warranty on the line it is stupid to not at least give this some serious thought.

jabba · 02-04-2006, 08:27 PM

I just find it hard to comprehend that you can flog the living daylight out of you car on the street illegally, and still able to get your warranty honored. But put a tyre a race track and Ford has a hissy fit......

Regards to the insurance side of things.... All vehicles that partake on any race track will have no insurance cover while on the track. It will not void you or your car of insurance all together. So once you have had your fun and you are heading home you will be insured......Tori, what's your take on the insurance matter, as you are in the industry....

Shockwave.... I can not express enough that the safety is first and utmost important on the track. In fact I will go as far to say that racing flat out at Morgan park is safer then doing the speed limit on the M1(True)....... Just drive to you ability and don't step over, and if you do have a miss hap (there were none at the last meet), there is heap of run of room (softy padded grass). You can also chose to drive in 1 of 3 catorgarys, Tame at heart, for those that arnt experiance drivers on the track. Mild group, for those who want to drive fast but not flat out. Then there's Flat Out.. and that where you drive Flat out.......

So there is no reason you should miss out... Heck enter the Tame at heart and if you feel confident you can move up to Mild after a couple of runs.......

rolling jaffa · 04-04-2006, 01:38 AM

I'm not really concerned about warranties or insurance, if something does happen I'll work it out then.
However I am concerned about how long I'll be in hospital after I try to tell my wife what happend to the car.

If you are worried about your warranty, I think your best bet is to remove your number plates. Then it is up to Ford to prove that it was your car.

As Ken said "you play, you pay".

Lets hope no one has to worry about it.

Rod

vegabass · 04-04-2006, 09:14 AM

I guess some people are worried about the warrantees....and fair enough. Jabba it just means the track won’t be as crowded and that’s more time for us to have some giggles and to drive the door handles off!
Ill have trash wheels and tyres on so I have no fear of wrecking a good set of rubber.
:eclipsee_

jabba · 04-04-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegabass

I guess some people are worried about the warrantees....and fair enough. Jabba it just means the track won’t be as crowded and that’s more time for us to have some giggles and to drive the door handles off!
Ill have trash wheels and tyres on so I have no fear of wrecking a good set of rubber.
:eclipsee_

Mate I will have a good set of tyres on, seting the track a blaze. My Goal is a 1:15. Whether or not I get it is another thing....... I have also heard that the track has been resealed....hopefully that will increase traction and improve lap times...

Noddy · 04-04-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabba

Mate I will have a good set of tyres on, seting the track a blaze. My Goal is a 1:15. Whether or not I get it is another thing....... I have also heard that the track has been resealed....hopefully that will increase traction and improve lap times...

What is your current pb?

vegabass · 04-04-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jabba

I have also heard that the track has been resealed....hopefully that will increase traction and improve lap times...

Um...dont supercars hate fresh tracks as there isnt enough rubber layed and there fore trashes there slicks....
I guess the same would go for our situation?

on the subject of slicks.....Does anyone know some one who races in the EA/VP series?

WILDTRAKPX2 · 04-04-2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolling jaffa

However I am concerned about how long I'll be in hospital after I try to tell my wife what happend to the car.

You hit the nail on the head Rod! That is probably my greatest fear in life.
Ash

bwhinnen · 04-04-2006, 03:18 PM

Can I offer some advice on this matter?

If you can get a certified driving instructor to be present and class this as a club based driver training event then Ford cannot void any part of your warranty except for the excessive abuse clause. Ie burn out a clutch in under 2 hours that isn't directly related to a design / manufacturing fault...

Insurance is a different matter, some insurance policies may allow you to be covered during a driver training event, others (most) will not.

Cheers
Brett

frostyxr6 · 05-04-2006, 05:52 PM

as a employee of a ford dealership i know that no dealer staff can void your warrenty completly what generally happens with mods is if it causes a problem its not covered unless we dont pick up on it. ford aust or insurance companies are the only people who can void your warrenty but to make life eaiser cover your plates or photo shop your pics because if thay can't see your plate nothing can be done

Paul@eliteauto · 25-04-2006, 07:50 AM

I had mine into denmac for a power steer pump failure and had no problems for warranty.
I have heard plenty of other tuners restoring the car to stock and claiming warranty.
Especially Holdens!