I know, you're already laughing.

Anyway, my 2008 Evo is showing codes P0011 and P0016, which have to do with cam timing; probably a bad sensor, dirty sensor, or stretched timing chain. The dealer won't even think about diagnosing it under warranty due to the "extensive modifications" which are basic intake and TBE. Not even "you know, if the problem is caused by the mods, we're not going to cover the diagnostics or the fix." I called so-called Customer Service to escalate, and they didn't do much except tell me the dealer won't honor the warranty. They did, though, narrow it down to the "aftermarket engine controller." I suspect they're talking about the Greddy Turbo Timer. Um, that's going to affect the timing chain how??? And in case you're wondering, it has the stock tune in it.

Anyway, does anybody have any tips on trying to get them to honor the warranty? And, should I get it worked on first then go to arbitration, or not get it fixed until after that? Thankfully, I still have a 94 Trans Am I can drive.

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

 

Maybe try a different dealership or take it back to stock and have them check the codes?

 

Shouldn't have gone in with mods. If they documented your vin and sent an update to mitsu consider your warranty gone.

 

I am pretty positive that not every dealer is mod-friendly. Also after you had taken in your modded evo and the dealer declined your warranty, your warranty is basically gone. Like tuxevo said, once your vin is documented, it's done..

 

Idk what the codes are, but could they be from running a TBE and intake without a supporting tune? I was told that downpipe/testpipe(hfc) are a no no on stock tune.

 

get a tune.

 

Try a different Dealership. I have two within a 50 mile radius and one is a complete *** and the other love my car. I have quite a few mods on my car and I went and talked to them before i took my car in so they could not red flag my vin.

 

Find a friendly dealer.

 

The codes are:
P0011 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
What does that mean?

A code P0011 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0011 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is above a set limit (over-advanced), the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

Possible Solutions

This DTC code is a result of a mechanical fault of the VCT unit or related components, so there is no need for electrical diagnosis. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.

P0016 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
What does that mean?

The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and Camshaft position sensor (CMP) work in harmony to control the spark/fuel delivery and timing. They both consist of a reluctor, or tone, ring which passes over a magnetic sensor, which generates a voltage, indicating position.

The crankshaft sensor is part of the primary ignition system and functions as the "trigger". It detects the position of the crankshaft relays that information on to the PCM or the ignition module (depending on the vehicle) to control spark timing. The Camshaft position sensor detects the position of the camshafts and relays the information to the PCM. The PCM uses the CMP signal to identify the beginning of the injector sequence. What ties these two shafts and their sensors together is the timing belt or chain. The cam and crank should be precisely timed together. If the PCM detects that the Crank and Cam signals are out of time by a specific number of degrees, this P0016 code will set.

Possible Solutions

First, visually inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damage. If you notice broken/frayed wires, repair and recheck.
If you have access to a scope, check the cam and crank patterns. If a pattern is missing, suspect a bad sensor or a slipping tone ring. Remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings for proper alignment and make sure they're not loose or damaged or that they haven't sheared the key that aligns them. If they are properly installed, replace the sensor.
If the signal appears normal, then check the timing chain/belt for proper alignment. If it's misaligned, check for a damaged tensioner that may have allowed the chain/belt to slip a tooth or several teeth. Also check that the belt/chain isn't stretched. Repair and recheck.

According to The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, they can't deny a warranty for replacement of parts with a different brand. Of course, if the mods cause the problem, the warranty won't cover it (understandably!)

The thing is, they say the mods caused the issue, but they didn't even diagnose it!

Thanks!

 

But that would void the warranty....

I wish I had, but I have this bad habit of thinking people won't be sleazeballs... by now you'd think I'd know better!

Good advice for others, but a bit late for me at this point.

The dealer made a big point of "we've uploaded photos to the servers!" I felt like he was saying "we've told your mother!"

 

It is not as cut and dry as they refuse tothe warranty claim. if you are willing to escalate it, reaseach the Magnuson-Moss Warranty law and use it towards your advantage. It is possible to throw it back in their face if you do the research.

 

From the reading I've been doing, I keep seeing promising information like this. I just wish I could find some more concrete "how to" information. Guess I just need to keep plugging away with my favorite search engine... Thanks!

 

No problem. It can be a daunting task, but if you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the modifications dd not cause the failure then you should be good. You just have to relay it to them in a matter where your have researched and are the expert. They might try scare tactics, but it all depends on how confident you are and willing to take it up there food chain. Granted you might be screwed in the future if you have an intake exhaust failure. A$$hat dealers always throw the flag word out as soon as they can.

 

Those two codes would scare the **** out of me. Screw the warranty. Go get it checked!!!!

 

Go to a shop and get it checked out. You can sit there and fight the dealership, in the meantime, your car is probably getting worse. Btw, you shouldn't be shocked that they denied your claim because, yes, you do have modifications that could have led to those codes.

And throwing the Magnusson-Moss Act in any dealer's table is NOT a guarantee it will do anything for you. It's a quick way to get them laughing in the back office. That's like telling a cop you have rights just before he beats you down. If they don't get caught, there's nothing you can do.