Dealer Denying Smoking Turbo Repair

C

corollachic83

Member
Hi I have a 2008 ms3 with cobb catted dp and forge bypass valve. started smoking back in NOV. I Took it to mazda w/mods, it sat for over a week and then the mazda rep declined the repair and then branded my vehicle and voided all future warrenty repairs.. this is against the law!!! The parts did not cause the seals to leak. I filed complaints with the BBB and the FTC. Has the delear done this to anyone else denying the repair?
 
they'll find any and all reason to void your warranty. The downpipe is most likely caused the smoke to be visible now because the extra oil isnt being burned at both cat locations. theres countless threads on similar stories that mazda voided warranties due to aftermarket parts..and in every one of those threads people are warned to not bring their cars into the dealership with mods. simple as some dealers are cool with it, some aren't. Get the PTP fix for $25 and your set.
 
Its unfortunate but your not going to be able to change what just happened with the dealer. Its too late. You still have options thought with regard to the smoking turbo though before you replace it.. The oil flow restricter is one (abovie3). Try a 5W-40 synth oil ( I use Shell Rotella T). Change the turbo inlet to a smooth flow one (RPMC, CPE etc).

Edit after S-retires post: Best thing to do is ALWAYS take your car in stock when requesting a warranty repair and make sure your oil drain plug is on tight.
 
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corollachic83 said:
the mazda rep declined the repair and then branded my vehicle and voided all future warrenty repairs..
Click to expand...

Does this mean if the radio stops working tomorrow you're s*** out of luck? How can that be?

corollachic83 said:
this is against the law!!!
Click to expand...

Right now Mazda NAO thinks they have you by the balls because it is illegal to tamper with the smog reduction equipment. Can you put the car back to stock and demand they prove that the prior mods caused the smoking turbo? I'm not suggesting you deny you modified the car, but rather you've corrected your actions and now want them to honor the warranty that came with the car.

corollachic83 said:
Has the dealer done this to anyone else denying the repair?
Click to expand...

So many times. Just look on the boards.

corollachic83 said:
The parts did not cause the seals to leak. I filed complaints with the BBB and the FTC.
Click to expand...

Good for you. If everyone followed through as you have we'd establish a pattern of behavior by Mazda NAO and Mazda would see that it was more cost effective to be reasonable. Right now 9 out of 10 just stick their tail between their legs and let Mazda have their way with them so Mazda NAO has a financial incentive to act this way.
 
Thanks...I also have talked with a lawyer who specializes in consumer affairs. If I can get some more mazda owners to come forward, who were also denied repairs, We could file a class action suit at no cost to us. But mostly likely I am just wishful thinking. The BBB is there to resolve disputes between dealerships and consumers. Ill let you guys know the outcome. Many dealerships just assume that we don't know our rights. Until then I did order the PCV fix from PT-performance. I read about it but I am still skepical. Hopefully it will work until I can obtain a permenant fix. Does anyone know if that little 25 dollar part really resolves the issue. AND they "branded my VIN" so all "powertrain" warrenty is voided what BS!!!! Plus my DP is catted. Just brought out an existing problem.
 
Oil changes were just a band-aid, 5-40 helped for 3 days! Im so dissapointed in this company. Not only that, but we have a 2008 cx-7 in the family can't wait to see what happen with that.
 
Betcha it was the BPV. Just had my car in the shop for its second replacement PCV valve, and the tech (old guy who rolled up in a SWEET RX-7) said that if the turbo smoked, put the stock BPV back in.
And no, if you are still in your 3/36K, if the radio quits, they have to fix it. Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975, 15 USC 2301 covers situations like that. TEHCNICALLY they cant void ANY part of the warrentee for aftermarket stuff UNLESS the aftermarket part can be conclusively proven to have cause the failure in question. Its why they cant void your warrentee if you put in an aftermarket panel filter or something like that. I used to sell cars, its been a few years, but that much I THINK i remember correctly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson-Moss_Warranty_Act and http://www.autosafety.org/the-magnuson-moss-warranty-act–-an-overview are good research starting points.
 
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yes, I am stupid, but where does this PT Perf. PCV fix even go on the car?
 
Through the PCV line on your intake that goes into the valve cover. On the valve cover end. You know, the one with the elbow bends and blue and green(I think?) clip?
 
The unfortunate dangers of modding. I did it with one car... Never again... or at least not until the warranty expires. In this particular case, I feel your pain, but the dealer has a point. Of course, they can't just void the warranty on your entire car. If your power windows stop working they have to fix them. As far as the drivetrain / engine, for the most part they have a plausible reason to deny your coverage. I know that sucks... but again, they have a valid case.
 
My car smoked stock. It was a very light smoke, so the dealer could never replicate.

I installed a downpipe, and boom, there was the smokescreen. Idle for long and lots of smoke.

They refused to repair it, even though i had been twice to complain about smoke prior to the install.

My powertrain warranty was branded as well. not that that matters now :-P
 
socks said:
My car smoked stock. It was a very light smoke, so the dealer could never replicate.

I installed a downpipe, and boom, there was the smokescreen. Idle for long and lots of smoke.

They refused to repair it, even though i had been twice to complain about smoke prior to the install.

My powertrain warranty was branded as well. not that that matters now :-P
Click to expand...

After that did you mod the hell out of it? At this point im like screw it, the car is already branded, mine as well go all out right?
 
Indeed.

It was either get a c5 zo6, or replace the turbo myself.

I replaced the turbo with a 3071. then i wanted to build the motor, so i did.

then with the built motor i sprayed it with nitrous. ran out of fuel. added dual walbros.

sold the nitrous for other things.
 
Update

I filed a report with the better buisness here is Mazda'
s Official First Response:

Company's Initial Response - Posted 12/09/2009
To Whom It May Concern: This letter is in response to your request regarding the claim made by K***** *****, complaint ID 98******. Upon review, it has been determined by our district service representative that Ms. ****** vehicle has many aftermarket modifications. These modifications include an aftermarket blow off valve, cold air intake, modified exhaust system (down pipe welded in) and a missing/modified catalytic converter. Due to these modifications Mazda has branded the powertrain warranty for this particular vehicle. As such the turbo will not be repaired under warranty. We appreciate you allowing Mazda an opportunity to clarify our point of view on the situation. If you have any further questions please contact me at 800-222-5500 ext. 1157. Regards, Paul Steinbruner Specialist, Customer Assistance Mazda North American Operations File: 127*******
Initial Response Summary
Aftermarket modifications on vehicle - no powertrain warranty.

Hilarious!! The Cold-Air intake is a Mazda-Speed (green light warrenty) product. I have a Full recirculation Valve (not a BOV) and the down-pipe is catted Cobb application that is bolt on not welded. Who welds on their on exhaust componets? Sounds like their district service representive is a retard!!! Of course I get to give a rebuttle and now it goes to littigation. Im willing to return the Car back to stock.

Has anyone had the Smoking Issue with the downpipe then returned it back to stock and it stopped?

Second Update: I have had the PT-Performace fix installed for about a month now. Although I have to admit it has significantly reduced the smoking under normal driving conditions. But it still smokes after a little bit of load and then iddle like at a traffic light after a freeway-drive. havn't had any luck with completely solving the problem. Any ideas why? Any one in the same situation?
 
Just my opinion, but it clearly sounds that Mazda was justified in denying your claim. Good luck with the BBB on this one... I think the odds are certainly against you.
 
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