[Z06] short shift/warranty issues?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,555
Likes: 9
From: Indiana
Re: short shift/warranty issues? (edv2122)
There's always the potential for warranty issues when you start modding your car. Some dealers will attempt to void warranties for almost any reason. Others are more reasonable about it. By law (at least the way I understand it) the dealer can void portions of the warranty 'downstream' from the modification. In other words, changing a shifter shouldn't affect your engine warranty (since the engine is 'upstream') but COULD potentially void your transmission warranty, since the transmission (and rear end) are all downstream from the mod.
Now this is mostly BS .. since we all know that the shifter should have no negative impact on the tranny or diff .......BUT the dealer can make any argument they want, and their warranty coverage of a vehicle is pretty much up to them, unless you go 'legal' on them.
To be safe, you should discuss this modification with your dealer first .. maybe even see if they'd do the install. This way at least you'll know ahead of time whether you're gonna have warranty problems with them. This would allow you to either pick another dealer, or proceed with your eyes open.
Now this is mostly BS .. since we all know that the shifter should have no negative impact on the tranny or diff .......BUT the dealer can make any argument they want, and their warranty coverage of a vehicle is pretty much up to them, unless you go 'legal' on them.
To be safe, you should discuss this modification with your dealer first .. maybe even see if they'd do the install. This way at least you'll know ahead of time whether you're gonna have warranty problems with them. This would allow you to either pick another dealer, or proceed with your eyes open.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Albany NY
Re: short shift/warranty issues? (edv2122)
I don't see any way that the shifgter can create a problem in any other part of the csar. The transmission has internal stops so even if you didn't adjust the stops on the shifter correctly you couldn't damage the transmission. Jerry's advise is great - ask the dealer before you make the change. GM gives too much discretion to the dealers on how to interpret the warranty. If I did have a problem with my transmission, I'd swap the old shifter back in before towing it to the dealer.
[Modified by SpeedracerZ06, 1:05 PM 8/21/2002]
[Modified by SpeedracerZ06, 1:05 PM 8/21/2002]
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids IA
Re: short shift/warranty issues? (SpeedracerZ06)
.... If I did have a problem with my transmission, I'd swap the old shifter back in before towing it to the dealer.
I had a heck of a time trying to get some repair work done under warranty when one of my lifters went bad. The service manager kept trying to say my mods voided the warranty. They finally fixed it. I wish that I had backed out my mods before taking it in. Live and learn.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: everywhere TX
Re: short shift/warranty issues? (edv2122)
Good advice regarding checking with the dealer. I did this before I made a single change. My dealer does not have an issue with basic bolt-ons. He went as far as to say it would only be an issue if the zone rep happened to be there the same time the car was for repair.
But, different dealers will obviously handle differently.
But, different dealers will obviously handle differently.
