So I went to my Nissan dealer today to get my first oil change (1500 miles) and have them install my Jim Wolf POP Charger. I figured I could install it myself or have Nissan install it so I would not have to worry about voiding my warranty. When I arrived I was told that the POP Charger would most definitely void the warranty on the Mass Air-Flow Sensor and to my surprise, likely my entire engine. To my knowledge the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states as follows:

1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))

This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of this law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle makers brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty, which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:

“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name....” (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).

Courtesy Parts Nissan says they install these for their customers all the time without voiding any warranty. They also mentioned that they install CAM shafts, etc. without voiding the Nissan warranty, etc.

I’m quite versed in the modifying my Harley-Davidsons and as far as I can tell as long as I do not crack open the engine-head; I should not have to worry about warranty issues. The JW POP Charger is a bolt on OEM part, which simply increase the air intake, hopefully resulting in about 4-5 extra HP.

My Nissan dealer’s service manager said he contacted an engineer at NNA and they said NOT to install the part.

Here’s the rub, do I install the POP myself or go with a K&N air filter. If I install the POP I’ll have to pull it out and re-install the stock air-box each and every time I go in for standard maintenance, etc.

Your thoughts and experiences would be much appreciated.

relldog

 

They're screwing with you. Wait till Nismo comes out with a factory warrantied intake.

 

Just install it yourself and next time you go in for service the mechanic that actually works on the car is not gonna give a crap what that is. Maybe you can try another deal just to be safe though.

 

Just install it and then replace with stock airbox if you have a problem...its a very quick process. I used to have to take the whole front bumper off on my civic because I had a Cold air intake. I could replace my stock airbox through all that within 15 minutes.

 

What did you expect the dealer to say?

They don't want any liability and they don't like the law.

I would never have my dealer install a mod. Do it yourself or go to a trusted mechanic.

By the way, you will NOT have to pull it out and re-install the stock air-box each and every time I go in for standard maintenance, etc. That is why the law was enacted. To protect you. Besides, how does standard maintenance have anything to do with this mod?

If you ever had a problem that Nissan could PROVE was caused by this mod, they could deny warranty coverage for that SPECIFIC part (e.g., if oil from the K & N filter fouled the mass air sensor).

 

For sheer convenience, I'd go w/ the K&N drop-in filter.

Although you may be able to prove that a POP charger wasn't the cause of your blown motor, the dealer's (and Nissan's) pockets are probably deeper than yours.

I'd be weary of any dealer that says they warranty the POP charger if they install it. Bottomline, if your motor goes, then the dealer may do their darndest to blame it on that mod. They make very little money from warranty service so it's in their best interest to make you pay out of pocket.

Something similar happened to a 300ZX friend. The dealer would not warranty his motor because of the mods and it was quite obvious that his mods weren't the cause. They (the dealer and Nissan) were ready to take him to court, unfortunately, he did not have deep pockets to go forward and litigate it.

Just be careful. If you do decide to get the POP charger installed because the dealer told you they would warranty it, then I would get an attorney to write up a contract and have the dealer's GM sign it.

Michael.

 

I took my POP charger off today and went back to the stock airbox. After hearing about stalling problems and warranty issues, I started to get paranoid. The car seems to run and idle much smoother with the stock airbox back on. I think I'm going to wait for dealer installed Nismo parts from now on.

Anyone want to buy a used POP charger with 500 miles on it?