* CAUTION * Warrantee voided due to K&N Air Charger

BigPete · 08-09-2004, 03:49 PM

I installed a K&N Air Charger cold air intake system on my 2004 Titan that had only 2000k on it and loved the results. After about 1000k miles I started to notice that the vehicle was sputtering when very little gas was given from a dead start. After increasing the accelerator, it would cough and sputter but would clear out. I made an appointment with the dealer to have it looked out. After about a week of sputtering the truck just sputtered, backfired from the intake and stalled out at a light. The vehicle was towed to a dealer.

The first thought from the dealer that fuel was not reaching the motor. The gas tank was dropped and inspected. A hot air code was stored in the computer but did not say that the air meter was not functioning. After inspecting the tank and finding nothing wrong, they opened the hood and saw the K&N Air charger. The installed a stock box and a new air meter and the truck started. They told me that the total cost to fix the truck was 1123.00. I politely told them that it was under warrantee and that it only had 3000 miles on it. I was told that since “the vehicle was modified” the warrantee would not be applied. I advised them of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. They stood by there decision not to warrantee the part. I called 1-800-NISSAN-1. This is the corporate HQ who handles warrantee claims. After they spoke with the dealer, they again said the warrantee would not be honored and wanted pictures of the air charger. They said the dealers position is that since the air meter was taken from a stock air box and placed in to an aftermarket box that the vehicle has been altered and all claims will be denied. Nissan also requested photos of the Banks cat back exhaust that was also installed.

I called K&N’s legal department and requested assistance. They were very helpful and pointed me to the FTC and to small claims court for help.

As it stands, I am out $1123.00, a K&N air charger and will have to start legal proceedings. I will keep you posted on the upcoming results.

Has anyone else had any problems with the air meter and K&N Air Charger?

BigPete · 08-09-2004, 03:51 PM

I installed a K&N Air Charger cold air intake system on my 2004 Titan that had only 2000k on it and loved the results. After about 1000k miles I started to notice that the vehicle was sputtering when very little gas was given from a dead start. After increasing the accelerator, it would cough and sputter but would clear out. I made an appointment with the dealer to have it looked out. After about a week of sputtering the truck just sputtered, backfired from the intake and stalled out at a light. The vehicle was towed to a dealer.

The first thought from the dealer that fuel was not reaching the motor. The gas tank was dropped and inspected. A hot air code was stored in the computer but did not say that the air meter was not functioning. After inspecting the tank and finding nothing wrong, they opened the hood and saw the K&N Air charger. The installed a stock box and a new air meter and the truck started. They told me that the total cost to fix the truck was 1123.00. I politely told them that it was under warrantee and that it only had 3000 miles on it. I was told that since “the vehicle was modified” the warrantee would not be applied. I advised them of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. They stood by there decision not to warrantee the part. I called 1-800-NISSAN-1. This is the corporate HQ who handles warrantee claims. After they spoke with the dealer, they again said the warrantee would not be honored and wanted pictures of the air charger. They said the dealers position is that since the air meter was taken from a stock air box and placed in to an aftermarket box that the vehicle has been altered and all claims will be denied. Nissan also requested photos of the Banks cat back exhaust that was also installed.

I called K&N’s legal department and requested assistance. They were very helpful and pointed me to the FTC and to small claims court for help.

As it stands, I am out $1123.00, a K&N air charger and will have to start legal proceedings. I will keep you posted on the upcoming results.

Has anyone else had any problems with the air meter and K&N Air Charger?

smoketitan · 08-09-2004, 03:52 PM

whoa I would send the bill to k&N if you ask me, and do it quickly since they supposedly stand by that modification law pretty firmly

Rumble Bee Ram · 08-09-2004, 03:54 PM

Dude, thats crazy!

smoketitan · 08-09-2004, 03:54 PM

whoa--as I posted in the general discussion forum-write a very clearterse letter to k&N and have them pay for it. may I ask why you paid for it, why not just get you truck and leave??

parklane · 08-09-2004, 03:55 PM

I was told by the dealer that the only way a CAI would void the warranty was if water was sucked up in it.

GETSOMZ28 · 08-09-2004, 04:09 PM

I am not surprised. GM put out a statement to deny warranty work for any car that had a K&N filer on it. Funny thing is, they sell the K&N in the parts dept.

Back to the point, the oil on the K&N can wreak havok on MAF meters.

blackdog1 · 08-09-2004, 04:13 PM

I have a Volant installed on mine, I have had no problems...yet. It is a shame that the dealer treated you like a criminal, they could have told you " hey, I think this kn charger could be the problem, put the original box on and we will cover it. If and when I need to take mine to the dealer my original box will be back on thanks to your POST

Jeostang · 08-09-2004, 04:27 PM

I've learned my lesson from having modified mustangs, however my dealer warrantied my stang with a supercharger on in when the tranny was acting up, so it all depends on what dealer you use.

Truck41 · 08-09-2004, 04:33 PM

now you have the right to sue K&N, for not standing behind their product. man you are to easy.

caltitan · 08-09-2004, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigPete

I installed a K&N Air Charger cold air intake system...

I am a bit confused as to what the actual diagnosis for the stall-out was. It sounds like the dealer is saying the K&N part malfunctioned or caused a malfunction? If so it sounds like K&N should cover the repairs. Also, why didn't they check the computer codes before doing all that work on the tank? And by voided warranty, do they mean that since you had the K&N part on the truck at one time all future intake problems will not be warrantied even if you stay with the stock set-up?

GARRICK ANSON · 08-09-2004, 04:42 PM

This is one reason i am still waiting for NISMO to put out its intake for the titan. NISMO products installed by a dealer are covered fully uder warranty

rvsixer · 08-09-2004, 04:46 PM

Most all warranties do not cover non-OEM parts, nor further damage directly attributable to their installation.

That's why I find it so surprising many openly admit such modifications and or other warranty killers such as RACING here...if a manufacturer ever decided not to warranty something on your truck the proof is right here in a public forum.

Some may have the $$$ to purposely void their warranty, as for me stock config (especially a K&N, paper filters better) and only approved maintenence fluids and procedures until the warranty is over.

rawze · 08-09-2004, 04:49 PM

this bothers me now that i just ordered a kn cai

GETSOMZ28 · 08-09-2004, 06:01 PM

I am also surprised by their ineptness of not ever raising the hood or hooking up to the OBD2 port until afterwards. I wouldnt be taking my ride their again!