Supercharger/Factory Warranty

[Baxman]

My VX has developed a leak. I find a few drops of precious Mobil 1 on the garage floor every morning. Looks like one of the oil pan gaskets or a rear main seal. The dealer says the engine is not under factory warranty because of the S/C - "the engine has been modified". The dealer claims that neither the dealership nor Isuzu knows anything about Alpine S/C leaving the factory warranty intact. I spoke to Phillip @ Alpine. The guys I originally dealt with, John F. and Steve, are no longer there. The warranty registration card that was supposed to have been included in the kit (wasn't) was not rec'd by the underwriter for the S/C within 90 days of purchase so no warranty. The warranty is like an insurance policy purchased by Alpine so that any S/C - related failure is covered. According to Alpine, sending in a registration now is like buying insurance after an accident. "But I never got a warranty registration card!" I insist. Apparently they didn't include them in some of the kits, so they were mailed out later, except to me and ...you? Anyone else NOT get a warranty registration card with the kit?

Looks like I'm SOL

Phillip is still working with me, but the "insurer/underwriter" is apparently standing firm. I'll keep you posted.

[johnnyapollo]

That sucks. I didn't get a warranty card either, but I also haven't yet done the install. I wonder if it's still valid for me to get one, or if the coverage begins after the installation?

-- John

[Dallas4u]

Rick,
I too did not receive a registration card. I'm assuming if you can get in touch with John he will help you out as much as possible. I saw him post here lately, so I know he is around.

[xdfarrx]

you talk to tone about this??

[SGT.BATGUANO]

Check the outside of the yellow envelope that the paperwork comes in. Behold! the large red sticker that says," Notice: if warranty card is not received within 45 days of original purchase date WARRANTY IS VOID".

The operative words being PURCHASE DATE

Also,

" 1. ELIGIBILITY : ...........A certified automotive technician must install all Alpine".

" 3. EXCLUSIONS : ......90 day and 1500 mile exclusionary period for the insurer......from day one through day 90........".

What's up with that?

I wonder if Warranty Gold would cover it as a s/c'ed vehicle if the W.G. coverage is originally purchased for a s/c'ed vehicle, possibly with a higher premium??????????

[Hotsauce]

I never got a warranty card either. Nor have I ever received the long promised emessions exemption sticker.

I purchased my supercharger after Featherfoot posted that Isuzu was going to honor the factory warranty, even on owner installed units. This was a major factor in my decision.

I do hope that this is not another Hotshots type situation, with a person posting claims that the parent company hasn't approved of.

In reading Tone's later posts of obtaining aftermarket warranty(for only some supercharger installations) I now believe we have been lied to. If isuzu was going to continue to warranty the engine/drivetrain there would be no reason to persue aftermarket insurance.

John C.

[WyrreJ]

I bought my SC from Tone's recent sale about 60 days ago and have not yet installed it. My big yellow envelope does not have any sticker on it at all. Nor does the paperwork inside indicate any sort of deadline for filing. If my warranty is void before even installing it, I am going to be pissed.

[FeatherFoot]

Originally posted by Dallas4u
Rick,
I'm assuming if you can get in touch with John he will help you out as much as possible. I saw him post here lately, so I know he is around.

Due to ongoing legalities, I cannot comment on this subject.

I am around, I drop by the forum about twice a day. I have been busy trying to build some inventory which I had let shrink to near non-existance at Alpines request.

FF

[Baxman]

**FRIDAY EVENING UPDATE**

After a dozen+ telephone conversations todaywith Alpine, Isuzu and the dealer, this is where I stand:

Rosie at Isuzu customer service: "The factory rep has been notified. Your request is denied because the vehicle has been modified." When I asked her if a K&N filter would do the same, she strongly agreed. At first I thought she was joking, but she was as serious as a cerebral infarct.

Of course I'm not going to leave it at that, but that's it for this week. I and Philip from Alpine will be chatting with the factory rep next week. If you have the S/C but have never received a warranty registration card, please speak up!

Rick

[AlaskaVX]

Tone, could you please make sure that I get all these cards that everyone is talking about. Now I'm glad that I waited this long to buy the SC (making sure all the bugs are worked out)

Thank You

[Tone]

Unfortunately early adopters of the SC were not covered by any warranty other than the one for the SC itself. We were working with Isuzu and Dell to secure this for early purchasers but were unable to do so. Kits have increased in price substantially over what BAX paid for his to cover this new warranty and protect those who have puchased/installed kits since 12/02 on engines with less than 50K miles. If you have an oil leak from the pan, it is unliikely that the could have caused it and I encourage you to take action and see relief from the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act that was established to help you with such issues.

If you have not recieved your card or CARB Cert. yet, please email me and I will get with Phillip this week to make sure it is taken care of and those of you who have purchased / installed AFTER 12/02 are covered IF the engine has less than 50K on when SC is installed.

[Dallas4u]

Wow, all of a sudden I feel really let down.

Glad I jumped on the "deal" when it was cheap... I got it cheap, meaning no insurance for the future.

I guess all that will help now is an aftermarket warranty from Warranty Gold.

[johnnyapollo]

Hey Tone,

I'm wondering if I quality for the warrantee or not (no card in my kit), plus I haven't done the install yet. Can you enlighten me?

-- John

[Tone]

Install date should be the qualifying event but have a conference call set with them later this week and will post the answer.

[Baxman]

I've been nagging Rosie @ Isuzu cust. svc about having the factory rep call me (since his phone # is apparently top-secret) but he hasn't called, and she only seems to return my calls when I'm not in. When I asked how I would appeal the rep's arbitrary decision that my engine is no longer under warranty due to being "modified", her answer is "there is no appeal process, the factory rep's word is final".

I've been driving Isuzus for 11 years. I love my VX, but this is the last 'Zu for me. Great rigs, ***** for service.

Rick