Well, so far, Stage I will only affect powertrain; as defined to be engine and drive train.
That pretty much eliminates body, glass, interior fabrics and tires. Wait a minute, aren't those items already exempt from warranty as "wear" items? Then there are other comfort items; stereo, speakers... items that aren't associated with engine and drivetrain...
We still factor down to the Dealer's interpretation. The real-world interpretation is that the Stage I enhances performance, and thus changes the configuration from stock. Chrysler based it's limited warranty (After the 12 month 12,000 mile portion) on the stock powertrain holding together; after normal exclusions and disclaimers.
Now we can intepret that only what is affected by a Stage I upgrade can be expected not to be covered by warranty if there is a failure created by the upgrade.
Back to what the Stage I upgrade affects - Powertrain as defined to be engine and drivetrain.
Anyone who can factor the real world warranty situation to a more consise semantic equivalent, please do so.
In the end, we have a warranty (before any modifications; Stage I or otherwise) that each claim is approved or delcined based on more variables than could be defined in the verbage of the warranty. In other words, the warranty is an open-ended statement of intent.
When we add in the modifications, we have the original warranty (open-ended statement of intent), which is specifically ammended to limit those variables that deviate from the original configuration that the open-ended statement of intent applied to.
I am beginning to see a situation that no amount of forum discussion or reprinting of ambiguous warranty verbage will resolve. It still boils down to a case by case evaluation at the dealer level. Zone reps can also be a part of the equation.
And we all know how well we did on resolving the Rear Stabilizer Bar issue; don't we?
It is still a crap shoot; you roll the dice and you take your chances. A heart to heart talk with you servicing dealer may be the best that any of us can hope for in providing any assurance. Unfortunately, the Service Manager is probably getting the same policy rash as the customer; only exponentially. That feel-good association with your local service department goes out the door with the service people, when they become so affected by the same policy lottery that they move on. I am on my second PT Cruiser, and Second Service Manager. The dealer gives the same interpretation of the warranty and modifications; "We'll decide when the need arises."
As far as the Mopar Performance Parts end of the equation; they are being affected by guilt from association. Mopar cannot change the Chrysler end of the deal. They cannot make the dealers sing in tune. They can't make the engine run cleaner and pass emmissions, if the new PCM steps over the line in offering the performance. They shouldn't have to put up with all of our unhapiness with Chrysler.
It is like being a kid and having to eat your vegetables. Chrysler is telling us: "It's good, so shut-up and eat it".
We have 2 choices; eat it or do without and find something elsewhere. I don't anticipate any of us will starve as a result of our decision, but we may have to pay for powertrain repairs.
|