Third party oil filter voids warranty??

[GLH_TC 16V]

Most oil filters are made by the same manufacturer anyways. Chances are, that Mopar filter is/was the same one that you wanted to use.

Oil filters are like spark plugs... no auto manufacturer makes them, they just outsource them to the companies that can make them cost effectively.

[bigdogdad]

I believe in the owners manual it states that you can use "equal or greater than" original factory parts. Don't you just love these 5 star dealerships!

[PTGT-NH]

Well, we got the Mobil 1 put in at the local garage, and we used their filter, which is fine, as it's not a Fram and thus decent quality. While the garage is primarily known as an oil change place, their mechanics are ASE certified in various areas, and they also routinely do all the service items you'd expect at the 3k, 10k, and 30k checkups. In fact, one of them used to work at the dealer that screwed up and he had a lot of stories to tell about the lack of skills of some of the guys in the service department there, noting you don't have to be ASE certified to work at a Chrysler dealer. He noted, for example, that the "transmission tuneup" they'll do at the dealer for $300 is usually nothing more than changing the fluid and filter on the tranny. So I think my car is in good hands and it'll be tough for DC to give me a hard time when warranty work is required (not that I don't expect them to try). He also gave us tips on how to handle going to another dealer (a better one not far away) if we need recall work done (which is a dealer item). Finally, this place refused to charge us anything, since we'd already been through enough and he knows we'll be back (we already have our 99 Suby Forester serviced there).

Does it sound like we've made the right choice to you folks?

[Kirby]

All you need to maintain your warranty is to do the maintainence on a regular approved time schedule. You do not need to have the dealer do the service at all!
If they jerk you around, go somewhere else, just keep the paperwork handy if you do have a problem.

[renichms]

Using your own filter will not void your warranty.

RN