cd player enlightenment

[robertee4]

I was informed that if I install a cd player other than a OEM Delco, it could be cause to possibly invalidate my warranty. Any truth to this? Need to know before purchase and installation of player.

 

[ZZRider]

I would think it would only invaladate that portion of the warranty applicable to the sound system (assuming it was installed properly and did not damage your electrical system).

It should not invaladate that associated with the drivetrain, engine, etc.

If your dealer/shop is giving you this line, you need a new dealer/shop.

ZZ

 

[robertee4]

Thanks very much with the info. I needed clarity on the subject.

 

[lightmanjk]

I used to work at a high-end home / car stereo store. I believe that there may actually be legislation in place that a manufacturer CAN NOT void your warranty for adding aftermarket parts. (mufflers, stereos - probably not nitrous)


Anyone?

Josh

 

[ZZRider]

Josh I think you are correct. They can void the warranty as applicable to the aftermarket parts, but not totally unrelated issues. That might become sticky in the case of engine mods and voiding engine and drivetrain warranty, but I would not believe changing a car stereo would void those aspects. I am sure there are far more knowledgeable folks here than myself regarding this issue that can enlighten us further.

ZZ

 

[Pegasus]

A really good, well equipped shop should be able to do this for you and tie an aftermarket player into the factory H/U. The main problem to solve is the player/compatibility issue with the factory H/U. I believe there are adapter cables to allow this though. The idea is to be able to control the player using the factory H/U. BTW, the factory player is made by Pioneer. HTH


Robert

 

[Ken Anderson]

As usual, all of the replies are guesses and wrong. On C-5's & 6's the electrical system is truly tied together with the operation of the car's computers. If you attempt to add aftermarket electrical components and wind up with a battery drain THERE WILL BE NO WARRANTY. The dealer will check for current draw and if there is one, WHAM, you're out the door! Most stereo shops will shy away from fooling with 03 & up systems because the factory head units are bussed into the car's system and after their teenage electrician gets thru, the car won't start or many accesories are dead, including the battery.
What I do not understand is why you would want an aftermarket unit when the Delco unit, once installed, is now covered by your factory warranty! Plus, it is plug & play- no idiot with splcers & tape needed!
Just my .05 cents worth.

 

[drags1998]

I think,(and I said THINK) this vary's from state to state!!!!! But I cant see that changing the sound system would void any warrantee,other than the radio!!!! Good Luck!!!

 

[Pegasus]

I think,(and I said THINK) this vary's from state to state!!!!! But I cant see that changing the sound system would void any warrantee,other than the radio!!!! Good Luck!!!

Only if you (or someone else) does something improperly during the course of an installation, then yes. I wouldn't blame the factory in the least for this either. Having said that, one should not be inherently afraid of considering aftermarket equipment. The equipment is almost never the source of a problem. The installation however, is. In recent years, GM vehicles (Corvettes included) come with a "common to all models" wiring system and depending on the particular options ordered (within a given model line), various connections are made while others are left "vacant". If the factory builds a convertible with a certain option list, then those particular items are connected (CD changer, HUD, hood/trunk/sunvisor lights, fog lights, etc) whereas the next model on the line may have more (or less) options and be hooked up differently. The point is, the wiring harness is the same, and there is existing wiring in place for the CD changer to be controlled by the HU, and played through the factory speakers.
As I stated in my post of 3/3/04, a "really good, well equipped shop" (knowing what I mentioned above) should be able to do this for you.
Contrary to what has been posted ie. "As usual all of the replies are guesses and wrong", is simply incorrect. Good advice was given by a couple of folks in this matter. Caution (and common sense) should be excercised in the selection of not only what equipment you decide on, but more importantly the shop that will be doing the install.
I will agree with one post however, regarding the ease and simplicity of installation of the Delco changer. As far as capacity goes, 12 disc is about as large as I've seen out there on the market. Most changers are 5,6 and 10 disc type. Some of the other aftermarket manufacturers do however, have better shock absorbing and anti-skip ability than the Delco. HTH

Robert

 

[Ken Anderson]

I think you missed the point. This guy has an '04 which is a LOT different than a '99. And you are dead wrong on aftermarket electronics-all the companies make one product that with adapters tries to fit everything. When GM specs a component from a vendor such as Pioneer, then the product is tested and matched to the vehicle. No adapters are needed. Call that high tech shop and ask if they can do it (of course they'll say yes) and let 'em rip into your car.
All this guy wants to know is what to install on an '04 and keep his GM warranty.
The answer is: A factory changer......................not an aftermarket!

 

[Pegasus]

I think you missed the point. This guy has an '04 which is a LOT different than a '99. And you are dead wrong on aftermarket electronics-all the companies make one product that with adapters tries to fit everything. When GM specs a component from a vendor such as Pioneer, then the product is tested and matched to the vehicle. No adapters are needed. Call that high tech shop and ask if they can do it (of course they'll say yes) and let 'em rip into your car.
All this guy wants to know is what to install on an '04 and keep his GM warranty.
The answer is: A factory changer......................not an aftermarket!

I think you missed MY point.The mere addition of an aftermarket part does NOT automatically void anyone's warranty! Damage caused by improper installation...........does!

 

[Ken Anderson]

I think you missed MY point.The mere addition of an aftermarket part does NOT automatically void anyone's warranty! Damage caused by improper installation...........does![/QUOTE

Obviously you just want to argue about anything and not be of help to the original post. To see how stupid your statement is: visit your dealer with an aftermarket heads, cam, headers and a destroyed motor. There will be no warranty work done on that motor and the manufacturer, GM in this case, can arbritarily cancel your warranty if "improper use or abuse" is detected/suspected. Read a new car warranty and note the exceptions.

 

[Pegasus]

I think you missed MY point.The mere addition of an aftermarket part does NOT automatically void anyone's warranty! Damage caused by improper installation...........does![/QUOTE

Obviously you just want to argue about anything and not be of help to the original post. To see how stupid your statement is: visit your dealer with an aftermarket heads, cam, headers and a destroyed motor. There will be no warranty work done on that motor and the manufacturer, GM in this case, can arbritarily cancel your warranty if "improper use or abuse" is detected/suspected. Read a new car warranty and note the exceptions.

The subject at hand dealt with ELECTRICAL items, not MECHANICAL. Although I agree with the notion that some mechanical parts may cause a warranty to not be honored, this is not true of all mechanical items. (Filters, spark plugs, etc). In other words you can't just make a blanket statement. New car warranty info is printed (and rightfully so) with various liabilities in mind. It is NOT the be all and end all, in-and-of-itself, and is subject to the judgement of the particular dealer. Many, many dealers (not all) knowingly and willingly misrepresent "warranty" info to customers though. This has been going on for years and is nothing new.
Rockford Fosgate's RFX8601, 6 disc changer will plug directly up to the Corvette HU without adapters of any kind. P.I.E., Inc makes various plug in wiring adapters for using Kenwood equipment to be used with various GM HU's. As I stated earlier, I think that from a practical point and as far as ease/convenience is concerned, the Delco changer has merit. To limit the man's choices just because you claim that GM and only GM parts will allow his warranty to be maintained, is doing a disservice to him.
I, like you (I presumed), was only trying to give this man some info and let him make his choices as he sees fit. You, on the other hand, have chosen to make some very arrogant ("As usual, all of the replies are guesses and wrong") remarks and get insulting ("To see how stupid your statement is:"). We can agree to disagree if you like, but please try to refrain from personal invectives. Thank you.

 

[ZZRider]

Ken wrote:

As usual, all of the replies are guesses and wrong

Like Pegasus, I took offense at your statement as well. I stand by my original comments above

They can void the warranty as applicable to the aftermarket parts, but not totally unrelated issues.[/QUOTE] .

Here is some information upon which I base my purported "wrong" opinion. Being open-minded and certainly fallible, I am more than willing to re-examine this opinion and stand corrected if you can identify appropriate references that refute my claims and information to follow. Specifically, how and why an aftermarket stereo would void the entire vehicle warranty (engine, drivetrain, etc)

Info from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)): (1987) 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.

Under this federal law, you can sue on breach of express and implied warranties. The main point of interest here is that the Act says warranty coverage may not be conditioned upon the use of only the vehicle manufacturers parts unless the parts are provided free of charge. In other words, use of a non-carmaker product should not void your warranty unless it caused the problem.

http://www.sema.org/content/?ID=22238&criteria=warranty+denial
http://www.sema.org/content/?ID=22237&criteria=warranty+denial

(There are additional laws applying to EPA and Clean Air Laws as they pertain to aftermarket parts. I have not included those references.)

The Federal Trade Commission also can provide information about your rights for inappropriate warranty denial. The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with warranty law. (202) 326-3128

If you are stating an aftermarket stereo may void some portions of the entire warranty, I would agree; if you are claiming it would void the entire manufacturers vehicle warranty, even systems unrelated, I respectfully disagree.

ZZ

 

[Ken Anderson]

I stand by what I said and agree w/ a couple of the points in the last 2 posts.
It's good to see that the discussion can get lively and stray away from the original post "could an aftermarket changer void my warranty?" Well the answer is of course "maybe certain portions of it".
Any non factory electrical components such as stereos, cb's, fog lights, radar detectors, etc. have caused problems that have been discussed at length on this forum- and yes, improper installation does void battery, harness and alternator warranties.
Once you buy your car GM does not care what you do to it because it's YOUR car. However, if you show up for warranty work, then GM will take a hard look at any of your "mods" to see if they can escape a claim.
Forget all your "rights" as a consumer because you don't stand a chance.
Now who in their right mind is going to pay a lawyer upfront to "sue" GM over a warranty claim?
If you are going to own one of these cars and hope to drive it a long time then I would suggest not tampering with the electrical system(a margininal system at best). Otherwise you will be paying down the road to guys like me who fix screwed up C-4's and C-5's that are out of warranty

 

[robertee4]

YIKES!!!!!,

Thanks gentlemen for your responses to my inquiry. I've decided to take the safe route and sing along to the radio:L . Just kidding, I've decided to go with the factory changer that my audio guy managed to get a deal on and will pass the savings on to me. I love this forum and the insightful responses. Thanks again. See you at Auburn and Carlisle

 

[ZZRider]

Robert, I think that was a wise way to go if you had concerns about the warranty.

Ken, I agree with your points in the last post. Maybe I took it wrong when you said "As usual, all of the replies are guesses and wrong". We apparently both feel we are correct, and can repectfully disagree with each other. Nothing wrong with a lively discussion now and then.
to all.

ZZ

 

[Mike Mercury]

As usual, all of the replies are guesses and wrong.

full of yourself... are you?

This guy has an '04 which is a LOT different than a '99.

source? (I think you're guessing here)

if you show up for warranty work, then GM will take a hard look at any of your "mods" to see if they can escape a claim.

now that's the most informative thing you have said yet.

The MMWA (which is federal law) says an Automobile manufacturer can not void a warranty SOLELY due to the installation of an aftermarket part... unless; UNLESS they can prove the aftermarket part or its installation is the cause of the problem. And then only that factory part (directly associated with the aftermarket part) can have its warranty revoked - but not the entire cars warranty.

But, Ken; just like you stated - a car dealer will generally look for any excuse to get out of a warranty repair. The MMWA is only as good as the lawyer you hire when filing a law suit against the dealer or GM.

 

[Ken Anderson]

Now we really getting personal, Mike. It's idiots like you that keep the rest of us employed by "guessing & I think". Full of myself, well not exactly, but I do know the C-4 & C-5 audio system inside & out. What are your credintials?

 

[Mike Mercury]

" idiots"

we'll meet someday and discuss you calling me an idiot. It might be next week, or 8 years from now.... but I will talk with you about it.

Now, past the name calling... I asked for your "source" for the claim the 99 and 04 radio systems in the C5 are a "LOT different".