Factory ESP... Worth It?

[jkartchner10]

So I am thinking about possibly extending my coverage through Flood/Champion Ford online, but I wasn't sure if it would be worth it if I'm modding my car throughout. I know dealerships will honor the warranty for components unaffected by a mod if it fails (i.e. window motor failure with a cat-back installed).

However, if I get the PremiumCare for the sake of being scared my A/C might go out or any other stupidly expensive factory part failure will I have to put a hold on more mods for my car?

In my mind:
CAI with tune required = certain power train components voided from warranty and having to flash back to factory and reinstall factory CAI before taking in for service (side note: has anyone had any dealership repairs done under warranty on the engine with a CAI and tune, or is it voided at that point?)
GT350 intake and throttle body = more power train components voided from warranty
Diode Dynamics mods = electrical system warranty void
Bigger/wider rims = certain drive train components voided from warranty
LTH = even more power train components voided from warranty
Cat-Back = minimal power train components void
Non-FPP oil separator = no issues
Steeda IRS parts = suspension components voided from warranty
Steeda Tri-Ax shifter = certain transmission parts voided from warranty
New clutch and throw out bearing = more transmission components voided from warranty

If I have any issues and have my ESP, with all these mods (some already installed, the rest will be in the future) will the ESP even cover anything or am I just throwing money away better saved for an evap failure? If anyone has experience with this I would greatly appreciate some feedback/input!

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[NoVaGT]

I'm a huge fan of Ford's ESP, but I do think you mod your car enough that it might cause an issue.

A simple tune or something can go largely un-noticed, but your mods are highly visible and will call things into question.

On the other hand, if you're doing it to cover your A/C, you should be fine because none of your mods effects it.

 

[jkartchner10]

I'm a huge fan of Ford's ESP, but I do think you mod your car enough that it might cause an issue.

A simple tune or something can go largely un-noticed, but your mods are highly visible and will call things into question.

On the other hand, if you're doing it to cover your A/C, you should be fine because none of your mods effects it.

Is the Premium Care still the route to go, or should I just get the cheapest plan that will cover the parts not affected by my mods?

 

[NoVaGT]

Is the Premium Care still the route to go, or should I just get the cheapest plan that will cover the parts not affected by my mods?

Shop Ford's ESP. It can be bought cheaper directly from Ford, and through selected dealerships. Read the fine-print carefully, and have whomever sells it to you initial/sign a copy of EXACTLY what is covered, with the date too. Sometimes things change, and you want that signed/dated copy of exactly what was agreed to.

I can't speak to other non-Ford plans. Would they be honored at a Ford Dealership? Do they also have issues with mods? I dunno.

 

[Ebm]

Yes, it's worth the warranty for piece of mind. A/C issues, seat issues, all the electronics on the vehicle.

 

[Ed M]

CAI with tune required = certain power train components voided from warranty and having to flash back to factory and reinstall factory CAI before taking in for service

There is a counter in the tune firmware. They will know how many times you have flashed in a tune.

 

[jkartchner10]

There is a counter in the tune firmware. They will know how many times you have flashed in a tune.

So if I tune, there's no reason to flash back to factory for service since they will already know?

 

[jenksdrummer]

So if I tune, there's no reason to flash back to factory for service since they will already know?

Correct.

 

[Mr. Met]

No part of your warranty can be voided regardless of what mods you have. If it can be shown that the modification itself, or the improper installation of it, caused the problem then the warranty work on that particular item can be denied. For instance, you mentioned suspension components. Just because you replaced some stock parts with after market ones does not mean the stock parts that remain will not be covered if they should fail, unless that failure was caused by the aftermarket part or the improper installation of said part. Of course a lot of this could be up to whoever is deciding if the problem should be covered or not. Apparently Ford has a guide technicians are supposed to use.As others have said, I dont see how any of your mods could affect the a/c.

How A Car Company Decides If It's Going To Warranty Your Modified Car

 

[FirstGT]

I just used mine. AC went out at 41k miles.


They asked if it had cai when I called and I said yes but that was only mod they asked about. Something about access under the hood but the question wasn't warranty related

I did remove my ngauge just to be less obvious about it though, not sure if they scanned for it or not

I'm glad I bought the warranty. Still out 700 bucks between the warranty and deductible but that's better than 1500 plus for the AC

Edit: I think the base plan covers same AC components as premium. Champions website spells out everything that's covered

 

[jkartchner10]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I’m about to take the plunge and just go for it.
The a/c issues along with having the cooled seats in GA heat is enough to push me over the edge. In the end it’s a minor expense for peace of mind/higher resale value on the car if I decide to sell

 

[FirstGT]

I believe it says you can get a prorated refund for warranty if you sell it with remaining coverage. Or transfer it.

 

[jenksdrummer]

I would not buy one day-0; they diminish in value the day you buy them and if you cancel it or otherwise cash it out (totaled vehicle, sell it, etc), it's a prorated amount back to you from the day you bought the policy. I say policy because it is an insurance policy; not a true warranty - meaning there's arbitration and so on; and if the expense if big enough they will, like an insurance company, try to find ways of getting out of paying for the item.

That and I tend to flip vehicles every 2-3 years, which the manufacturer warranty covers. It is in my plan to get a another vehicle in 1-3 years, short of buying a used vehicle on need between now and then...nutshell, I'd have to weigh it against driving style, item potential of failure, typical repair cost, if I can repair it myself, level of impact against the function of the vehicle to get me to/from work, **is it worth it**; and I generally think...NO.

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