After reading the extensive information on the VAP Tune (thank you all) I have have decided I'd like to get the ECU tune and maybe add the lower pulley at a later date (as well as a short shifter). I have a V6 base manual coupe so 76 more BHP seems obvious. If I understand correctly there is no issue with California smog and the ability to flash back to factory tune is a bonus.

However, being thorough that I tend to be, I was going to approach my Jag dealership's service manager to ask about their position on whether this tune voids the warranty. A number of owners here have dealers that are apparently aware of the installation of the tune (and maybe other mods) and seemingly indicated it would not void their warranty. My question is if you could advise which dealers are ok with the tune so in the event my local dealer (Monterey, CA) balks I can intelligently respond that some of their peers are ok with the tune.

 

Asking is not a good idea, because they will now know to look for it if you need warranty work.

 

Asking and getting a verbal reply really doesn't cut. An email response - something documented is what you need. Down the road something goes wrong and the dealer suffers amnesia.

 

What the dealer says doesn’t make much difference. It’s JLR who ultimately approve or reject wararntly claims.

 

Personally, if and when the dealer confronts you with any modifications to your car, I would advise using the reaction best seen at 1:35 in the following:


And if that doesn't work, there's always 1:54.

 

The simple answer to this question every time on every forum is that if you tune the car, be prepared to pay any related repair bills. What related is will always be a source of debate. Sometimes you might even get a good will repair on something that is related. However, no one can honestly tell you that if you blow your engine JLR will cover it. They won't 99% of the time.

 

This.

And this.


However, I can say short of blowing your engine the dealer likely will not be aware of a tune. I recently had some very major engine repairs done under warranty (which weren't the fault of my tune/pulley) and no mention was made of anything; everything was covered under warranty. Once Jaguar N/A is involved however, its a completely different story.

That being said, you must be prepared to buy/fix an engine if you install a modification to it.

 

Thank you Stohlen. While I appreciate everyone's input, I was seeking input from individuals such as yourself that have actually done mods and had the car back to the dealer.... I get it there are no guarantees in life but you play the odds coupled with facts and experiences...

 

OP, a positive verbal response means nothing and the Service manager would be out of his mind to put what you're asking for in writing. I bet the 76 additional horsepower sounds a little less enticing.

 

+1 to everything except for having had major engine repairs.

 

Well you can't all be so lucky

 

Did I happen to miss this Thread, or you didn't post?
What needed repairing?

 

Agreed. My suggestion is to keep it to yourself and roll the dice.....if that sounds to risky then don't do the tune.

Dave

 

Do you have a story to share?

 

I'll make a separate thread.

 

The majority of routine yes/no warranty decisions and repairs are made at the dealer level, in accordance to JLR Policy and Procedure, with no direct JLR involvement. Different dealers have different philosophies on how intensely they enforce warranty policy and procedure.

It's certainly ultimately to JLR to approve or reject *paying* the warranty claims. That comes after the work is done and the car is down the road. If JLR doesn't pay the dealer is left holding the bag.

Cheers
DD

 

Better yet ask service managers at 6 different Jag dealers. Don't be surprised if you get at least 2 or 3 different answers.

No informed USA dealer service manager would tell you the warranty would be *voided outright*. Jaguar can't do that based modifications.

An informed SM would tell you that problems provably arising due to owner modifications wouldn't be covered. IOW, if your (let's say) power seat motor fails Jaguar cannot deny warranty coverage unless they can prove the failure was related to tune.

Cheers
DD

 

The attached document is or was the official response.

 

Thank you for posting this. I knew it existed in some form but had not been able to track down a hard copy.

 

But seems largely focussed on the UK market with respect to diesel engined vehicles, (DPF) of which so far, I don't believe there is an F-Type model.

It also may have no bearing on how Jaguar USA regards warranty issues.