[vhs]

How stiff is Porsche in regards to add-ons and modifications when it comes to honoring the warranty? I'd really like to install a ALP system, and I can't believe I'm the only one to consider this type of thing? Is is dealer by dealer, or a hard fast rule, for something like this? It's not mechanical and only hits into the electrical with one fuse.

Thanks for any info/feedback.

 

[johan]

This in Sweden now and over here its usually aint and problem if the Porsche dealar does the install.
But offcoarse it depends on what you would like to install.
In your case it could be worse since its electric and it can cause alot of issues on other components.

Ask them and see what they say

 

[Viffermike]

How stiff is Porsche in regards to add-ons and modifications when it comes to honoring the warranty? I'd really like to install a ALP system, and I can't believe I'm the only one to consider this type of thing? Is is dealer by dealer, or a hard fast rule, for something like this? It's not mechanical and only hits into the electrical with one fuse.

Thanks for any info/feedback.

First: What's an ALP system?

Honoring warranty is really a matter of how friendly your dealer is toward modifications. But legally, in the U.S., knowing the guidelines of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is important.

In a nutshell, a warranty for a system or component will be void if a modification is made that directly affects the system or component that fails. If it does not directly affect the system or component, the warranty is valid.

The trouble with the law is that 'directly affects' is open somewhat to interpretation -- and most vehicle manufacturers rely on dealers to apply the interpretation.

 

[vhs]

ALP is a type of aftermarket "parking sensor". It involves a couple of discreet sensors in the grill and a small indicator somewhere in the interior. They're not really legal in California (they are legal in most states), so bringing up the subject (and asking to install) with a dealer isn't really viable.

 

[greywing]

I'm curious how a parking sensor could be "illegal".

 

[vhs]

They're similar to a radar detector, but they work with different types of systems.

 

[Viffermike]

ALP is a type of aftermarket "parking sensor". It involves a couple of discreet sensors in the grill and a small indicator somewhere in the interior. They're not really legal in California (they are legal in most states), so bringing up the subject (and asking to install) with a dealer isn't really viable.

Sure it's worth asking about. People run aftermarket exhausts that are 'technically' illegal for street use all the time, even in California. Some dealers accept their existence and honor warranties for things not related to the exhaust. Power seat malfunctioning? That's a warranty claim no dealer can deny if the 'illegal' mod is the exhaust.

(Then there's the clear side markers on our cars, which are technically illegal in all 50 states. Dealers install them all the time.)

The problem you'll face is finding someone to install the ALP system. You're right: A dealer likely won't touch it. But an indie shop might. Best strategy is to ask around -- and maybe to use the local chapter of the PCA to target some mod-friendly outfits.

 

[vhs]

Sure it's worth asking about. People run aftermarket exhausts that are 'technically' illegal for street use all the time, even in California. Some dealers accept their existence and honor warranties for things not related to the exhaust. Power seat malfunctioning? That's a warranty claim no dealer can deny if the 'illegal' mod is the exhaust.

(Then there's the clear side markers on our cars, which are technically illegal in all 50 states. Dealers install them all the time.)

The problem you'll face is finding someone to install the ALP system. You're right: A dealer likely won't touch it. But an indie shop might. Best strategy is to ask around -- and maybe to use the local chapter of the PCA to target some mod-friendly outfits.

I get what you are saying. I've received a few recommendations to indie shops for the install.I'll have to talk to them about the possibility of an easy removal prior to having service done to the car.

I didn't know about the legality of clear side markers! I was just about to buy some as it seems like something I can easily do myself and really look great. I guess the Fabspeed bolt-on tips I have bookmarked probably fall under the same category too. I was going to post a question asking for best bang for the buck mods, but it seems like potential warranty infractions play into almost everything.

 

[Viffermike]

I get what you are saying. I've received a few recommendations to indie shops for the install.I'll have to talk to them about the possibility of an easy removal prior to having service done to the car.

I didn't know about the legality of clear side markers! I was just about to buy some as it seems like something I can easily do myself and really look great. I guess the Fabspeed bolt-on tips I have bookmarked probably fall under the same category too. I was going to post a question asking for best bang for the buck mods, but it seems like potential warranty infractions play into almost everything.

That's why I wouldn't even worry about having to remove the ALP system to have the car serviced at a dealer. It'll be good to know what it will take to remove the system in case you're actually cited for it by a Cali LEO -- but unless the system is directly affecting something else that needs repair, the dealer can't deny you warranty coverage. And: It certainly can't deny you service in general.

Yes: Clear side markers are not DOT-approved because, well, they're clear. U.S. law mandates that the side markers in the front of a vehicle car be yellow and have reflective properties that are visible from a certain distance away (can't remember what that is) without the car's lights on. Thing is, almost no one enforces that law for Porsches because the clear side markers are so popular and so well designed -- and since they are OEM almost everywhere else in the world, warranty issues with them are non-starters.

 

[Tailwagger]

Yes: Clear side markers are not DOT-approved because, well, they're clear. U.S. law mandates that the side markers in the front of a vehicle car be yellow and have reflective properties that are visible from a certain distance away (can't remember what that is) without the car's lights on. Thing is, almost no one enforces that law for Porsches because the clear side markers are so popular and so well designed -- and since they are OEM almost everywhere else in the world, warranty issues with them are non-starters.

And while we're on the subject, my dealer told me that they hated the look of the yellow side markers so much they pre-install them on some, if not all, of the Caymans they have for sale, gratis. Came on mine. They give you the original yellow markers just in case.

 

[vhs]

That's why I wouldn't even worry about having to remove the ALP system to have the car serviced at a dealer. It'll be good to know what it will take to remove the system in case you're actually cited for it by a Cali LEO -- but unless the system is directly affecting something else that needs repair, the dealer can't deny you warranty coverage. And: It certainly can't deny you service in general.

That makes me feel a little better. My car is CPO, so I guess any mods were done by the previous owner?