Voiding warranty.

i bought a voodoo remote start and am planning on installing it myself. I have been told by a few friends that if I do this and something goes wrong even if it really has nothing to do with the remote start that Toyota might not honor under warranty.

Has anyone had any problems with the voodoo remote start itself or installation?
Thanks
Tony

 

If something goes haywire and can be reasonably associated with the install or operation of the component yes a dealer could shoot down the warranty repair. There is a Magnusson Moss act that protects consumers but what folks need to remember is the dealer has right of first refusal. Are you willing to take time and money to get a lawyer to push back if the dealer simply tells you "sorry no can do".... because that's what it would likely take to get them to reverse course. Question you have to ask is the component invasive or is the install invasive? What are you splicing or hacking into on the electronics side? Electrical problems can be a real nightmare to fix.

 

First of all your friends are wrong. Second, if it worries you, don't tell them you installed it. Let the Tacoma Gods determine your fate. If something electrically goes wrong and they find out you've installed this it might be a different story.

 

as smitty99 said they can always refuse. then youd probably have to go through the hassle of proving what caused what to break. then possibly lawyer or just soaking up the entire repair costs if something were to not work.

if it were me and i was installing an auto start or anything that ties into the security system, ignition, body control module and the electrical harnesses i would look at the prices of getting the dealer to do it or a very reputable shop. it would suck to fry a module or have electrical nightmares down the road which could cost quite a bit just over a small labour bill to have installed.

if you have a decent electrical background and understand the way the electrical systems work in the tacoma and can install it without cutting apart harnesses then maybe doing it yourself is an option.

your call. but yes the dealer can determine to not warranty something if they have grounds to suspect that it was your install or something aftermarket that caused the damage

 

I'm going to install the KB Voodoo kit on my new truck in a few weeks, when it finally arrives.

I bought a variety of Posi-Tap connectors from Crutchfield (best price I could find <$1 each), so I'll have no stripping, or cutting or soldering of factory wiring. I think this is the best option as the connectors only make a small pin-hole in the factory wire jacket that allows for connection, and can be easily removed.

I think if the installation looks clean, works, and inst really related to the warranty repair you need, there should be no problems with them still honoring the warranty, although i'm sure YMMV.

 

This might help.... https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0138-auto-warranties-routine-maintenance

Smitty is correct, they can not void your warranty, tho the dealer can make the situation difficult while disputing their denial of service. Really helps to have a good relationship with your dealer. Both of my previous cars (Volvo C30 and Audi A6) were modified, the C30 heavily modded. Had a great relation with the Volvo dealer, in fact, they installed most of the mods for me. Never an issue. Not the same with the Audi dealer. They were butts about it. I tried to be upfront and honest, especially when I put the APR tune on it. Was not a good situation, the service manager was an asshat. I started taking it to an indy shop for routine stuff, the dealers loss.

Talk to your dealer first to see how they are about mods.

 

I suppose even if you go to a reputable installer and issues arise, Toyota could still void warranty citing electrical issues. The only way to get around it with peace of mind is to have it installed by the dealer.

 

Hey Marc1285 keep me updated with you remote start installation. I went to my dealer today for another reason and asked them about remote start through them. He said I would end up getting another remote device for the rest. No way around it. They can not use the Toyota fob. That sucks! On top of that he said $430.00 plus tats.

I really don't want to carry 2 fobs around with me. I will most likely end up installing the voodoo myself.

 

I was actually worried about putting 265-75's on my Gen I due to warranty concerns, thankfully that never became an issue.

Different story, but Chevy is very bad about this stuff. If you put fuzzy dice over your rear view mirror, they will void your warranty. I almost had to get an attorney over a crate engine I bought in the mid-90's because I installed an aftermarket carburetor (I had spun a rod bearing).

 

That dealer sounds clueless and is applying a one-size-fits-all approach even to remote-start-ready vehicles like the Tacoma. DEI, who makes the

$60 DBALL2 Databus All Combo Bypass Module

DBALL2 used for this, is the company that owns Viper, Clifford, AutoStart, Avital, and others.

Look at my signature for how easy the install is for a DBALL2 based remote start. Roll your own with my instructions or buy the unit from KB VooDoo as you prefer.

If you have a problem with electrics that requires a dealer visit you disconnect the DBALL2 before going to ensure the problem still exists without the remote start.

 

Whats the point of a remote start anyway?? Seriously it's too cold out my little fingers will get a chill..
Gloves, jacket and a hat works every time.... just sayin.

Just another gizmo that's worthless IMHO - save some coin and get some K-bro-2s or something ... I just don't get it. Driving pickup ......need remote start, problem UN-solved.

 

Yeah, I know but I finally got myself a truck with all the bells and whistles and it is missing a couple. Power seats, heated steering wheel and remote start. I know, I know call me a pussy. Haha I can take a ribbing.

 

Chevy? What is that?

 

How about a rainbow unicorn sticker for the bed too..? J/K.....you wanna talk about missing a couple bells and whistles, try out my Utility package Taco....I do not even have rear seats henhehehe......but that is just the way I want it.

 

I would love a Heated Steering Wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ribbing for your pleasure?!

 

My 2G had one, my 3G doesn't. What I miss it for is the mornings when the truck is a block of ice and I don't feel like sitting in a cold truck waiting 5 minutes for the windshield to clear. Hit the remote start 5 minutes before I'm out the door, saves me time. Same thing after a long day at work and it rained then snowed, hit the start 5 minutes before you leave, brush off the windshield since it's not nice underneath and go.

I don't mind being cold...it's the defrosting that is key.

Back to the original...as it's been said, some dealers are weirdly picky about things, some aren't. I had the 2G suspension TSB denied by one dealer because they blamed my BFG AT's. Had a second dealer deny the TSB when I had my highway tread snow tires on because of my ARB and blamed that it dropped the nose of my truck. Oddly then the first dealer replaced my 5AT under warranty because of shifting issues post-lift.

As long as you're careful and make sure you do a clean install, I wouldn't even worry about it at the moment. Just realize if you change things, you may run into issues issues with a snotty dealer. I had a remote start done by a 3rd party and never had a single issue.

 

Makes the wife happy. Happy wife, happy life.

 

Whatever you do - DO NOT listen to this guy! Your friends know more!

 

I heard that from a friend of a girl's cousin's dad I was dating...

EDIT: Wait, what did I just say?