I don't understand how a lift with slightly bigger tires can be attributed to a transmission failure. I'd try and go straight to the owner of the dealership with it. Skip the middle-men.

There have been others here getting that kind of work done under warranty with lifts installed. So Chrysler can honor the warranty, it's just the dealership doesn't want to risk it.

 

I'm in the Military as well - I don't like doing it - but in situations like this, it helps to throw around that you're in the Military. Use your military e-mail, write a respectful, yet demanding e-mail. Email other chrysler dealerships that WOULD cover it under warranty with the lift and bigger tires (write some emails to them the same way describing your situation), when they email you back (hopefully) forward the dealership that email.

Again - I hate doing it - but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I've gotten a lot accomplished doing the same thing when it needed to be done.

 

I'd try to contact Chrysler LLC and tell them about your problems with the dealership. Works the same way as a Congressional inquiry in the military. Usually it gets the machine going. Stay safe out there in the sandbox!

 

They have to prove that the lift or tires caused the damage.

Since other owners have had problems with the manual trans without a lift, I think you have a viable case to fight this and get it covered under warranty.

 

Thanks everyone! My wife is calling Chrysler's Corporate office asap. And I gave her a link to this site to arm her with info on non-lifted Patriot owner's problems.

 

Hate to play devil's advocate, but everything you've modified - bigger tires and the lift - connect back to the transmission in some way. Though I don't think it's right they pull this **** on a Jeep which should be built for modification, the bigger tires and a lift can add stress to components that weren't designed for it. I'd like to see their explenation of how a lift and bigger tires can mess up a transmission IN WRITING.

I would definitely call another dealership or two and explain the situation. If they're smart they will help you out to gain a customer. On the other hand, the Chrysler of old is no more. You're dealing with a new company that has to be more lean to survive. I think warranty of parts after modification on all models will be put under the microscope from now on. Just how the business is going now...

 

Hate to play devil's advocate, but everything you've modified - bigger tires and the lift - connect back to the transmission in some way. Though I don't think it's right they pull this **** on a Jeep which should be built for modification, the bigger tires and a lift can add stress to components that weren't designed for it. I'd like to see their explenation of how a lift and bigger tires can mess up a transmission IN WRITING.

Yes I knew what I was getting into when I installed the lift (a year ago), just did not anticipate having my wife getting treated as if though she were a con-artist.

 

I'm with ya on that, sounds like that dealership needs a lesson in manners and customer service. I HATE dealing with dealers...

 

Damn Copper it's good to see you posting but I wish it were under different circumstances. Please let your wife know if there is anything we can do, point her to posts she might want to print out, anything, there are a ton of people here who will help.

 

Thanks Oktazcat! For all others affected, we are not alone... http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3208&page=5

Also here is the Service Bulletin for those who have had their manual transmissions built before FEB 02, 2008
http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/Caliber/TSB/Caliber_2101108.pdf

 

Read this article

http://autos.aol.com/article/warranty-and-aftermarket-parts

It pretty much says it all. The summary of it is:

"This means that, under the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, an automotive dealership/carmaker cannot void your warranty because your vehicle has been modified with aftermarket parts. They (the manufacturers) have to prove that the failure was the direct result of the installed aftermarket part. Unfortunately, too many folks have gone to a dealer to have warranty service performed on their modified vehicle only to have the dealer refuse to cover the defective items. The dealer usually states, that because of the aftermarket parts installed, the warranty is void (without even attempting to determine whether or not the aftermarket part caused the problem). This is illegal...period."

I think you will get it fixed for free but may have to move up the chain of command like even to an area rep if you can not get satisfaqction from the dealer owner.

If all the way up the chain of commend they deny this I would ask for "in writing" an explanation of how the lift kit caused the problem. If they ask why tell them you intend to file a lawsuite against the maker of the lift kit "RRO" because they never told you the lift kit would trash the tranny. Then file suite against Chrysler and RRO jointly and let the judge decide who should pay because one of them definitely should.

Joe

 

Sounds like a plan, but if $3,000 +/- is an issue, then I don't know how hiring a lawyer will save them money... but, does sound like a plan.

 

Man sorry to hear about your problems. As stated above this falls under the magneson act. They must prove the parts caused the damage. If they don't then go after them with both barrels. Stay safe and hope things get worked out.

 

Hey, Copper. Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your local dealer. We have a dealer here in Independence, Missouri that sells highly modified Jeeps brand new. Including some pretty radical lifts. I was told that the lifted Wranglers they sell are COMPLETELY warrantied. Might want to give them a call. Warrensburg isn't too far to have it towed. Landmark Chrysler, on Noland Rd.

 

Got that in writing from Chrysler Corp? If not there is no such thing. Try taking one of those "modified" jeeps to any other dealer and you will see just how far that "warranty" goes, Nowhere.

Sadly, in this case, your not going to win. Driveline modifications were made and the driveline failed. It endured far more stress than it was designed for. Thats why lift kit companys don't offer a warranty against things like this, they know they are voiding the OEM warranty. Your best option is to try another dealer or work with the dealer to get a better price. If you throw the "ACT" in thier face, The will not work with you at all. If you throw the "military" card at them, they will reply "so what". You actually think that means anything? Nope.

You best option is to work with, not against the dealer in this case. It was modified, you knew that going in, you even stated that you knew this when you put the lift on. Sadly it broke, now time to pay.

All you other armchair lawyers that say fight the dealer, grow up, that will only make them dig thier heals in further and play hardball. Fighting in this cause with the modifications he has, is not going to work at all.

 

could always get the jeep towed to a different shop, take the lift off of it and then tow it to a different dealer. A lot of running around, but it would be cheaper than the 3 grand the dealer wants for the new tranny.

 

This has been litigated many times. Lots of confusion on both sites.. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, was put into place because manufacturers used to do things like say "You warranty is void if you don't use genuine Chrysler XYZ". Harley still does this and well if you want to fight it that's your bag. Anyhow a manufacturer is completely in their rights to say "If you modify your vehicle by fitting non OEM spec aftermarket parts, your warranty is void." Thus when you go to a auto chain they ask you for the year/make/model if your vehicle so they can supply you with a OEM spec part. It may not be a genuine Chrysler muffler, but it meets their spec so you are OK.

Lets be serious. Putting a lift on the Pat is no way a replacement part. It modifies the vehicle outside of the original spec. They can and will claim that your lift caused the problem. Want proof, OK their Chrysler Certified head mechanic will write on a slip of paper "Modified suspension put drive train outside of OEM specs".

If there is a dealer selling modified vehicles with a full warranty, that is a dealer warranty. Different story.

This is the risk we take when we modify our vehicles form stock. At the end of the day it is worth complaining to Chrysler, or maybe the BBB, but you certainly wont win in a lawsuit.

 

Lets be serious. Putting a lift on the Pat is no way a replacement part. It modifies the vehicle outside of the original spec. They can and will claim that your lift caused the problem. Want proof, OK their Chrysler Certified head mechanic will write on a slip of paper "Modified suspension put drive train outside of OEM specs".

Writing on a piece of paper is not proof regardless of who wrote it if they can't demonstrate with cause and effect how the aftermarket part caused the failure. Then there will be any number of other mechanics who will say the part did not cause the failure. This is a known problem with the MK manual transmissions and this is a dealer who is unwilling to do the work. If there is a local tv station with a consumer reporter it might be worth giving them a call on the soldier vs. big corporation angle. Call RRO and tell them Chrysler is saying their lift caused this problem and if you have to pay for a new transmission you will be suing them for cost of the new tranny. I'm sure RRO did extensive testing on the MK before coming out with the lift and faced with the possibility of owners suing them they might cough up some development notes. Lots of different ways to handle this but I think going up the chain of command has to be the next step.

 

As far as the modified Jeeps our local dealer sells, the package is called "The Dominator", and I was told ALL stock Jeep parts are covered by the Chrysler factory warranty, the modified parts may be dealer warrantied, but the POWERTRAIN was covered by the factory. So, how can one dealer void a warranty for a lift, and another sell a new lifted vehicle right off the showroom floor? I've seen threads here before on this subject, and if it was me, I'd be calling Chrysler. Unless the Pat was sportin' some 35x12.50x15's, with a botched backyard lift, I'd be inclined to say the lift and tires didnt ruin the tranny. Wear out a CV joint early, sure. You might even be hard-pressed to dispute the tie-rod ends wearing out. I'm thinking that Cooper's better half didn't flog the Pat into the garage.

 

So, how can one dealer void a warranty for a lift, and another sell a new lifted vehicle right off the showroom floor?

Because 1) the RRO lift is not endorsed or "approved" by Chrysler; 2) the RRO lift pulls parts out of design spec, as in stretching axle tolerances etc - when a Wrangler, for instance, is lifted the axles are solid and do not stretch and parts are replaced where needed to accommodate new lengths etc; 3) no dealer is installing the RRO lift and selling the Patriot lifted (that we've heard of), this should tell you something!

There's no comparison between a cheap spacer lift on the Patriot and a properly lifted Wrangler which costs $1k+. To properly lift the Patriot, axles would need to be replaced along with springs, shocks, and other parts I'm sure.

There have been some who've paid their dealer to install the lift. This does not mean the dealer is accepting responsibility for anything the lift messes up, they're simply providing a service like any other shop would.

 

Copper, As a member of the VFW, may I suggest that you wife call the local VFW there in Missouri. Have her tell them that you are deployed and then ask them to intercede for her with the dealer. Maybe not a free repair, but the dealer may do it at cost. I don't think Chrysler wants a bunch of angry vets showing up at the dealer with your wife! The publicity would be bad for them and sales would drop. Let us know on this forum how things go. We care.

 

Hello:

I wonder if small claims court would be a lower priced option where Copper's family lives? In some states it may be an option.

PipeTobacco

 

Lots of talk of litagation, I think thats a last resort with a questionable outcome. I don't think it will come to that. I think your wife should be polite but firm and work her way up managment explaining the situation. You just have to talk to the right person, everyone has a boss.

 

Because of where you are deployed, the job you are doing,your wife being on her own. I think a little " Season of Goodwill" wouldn't go amiss from your Dealeship & Jeep.The way the US motor industry is at the moment, helping a customer out should be part of the Buy American feel good factor.

 

Silly question---But! did you check your Jeep Warranty terms before you had it lifted??

 

Dason is right on the warranty. Unless Chrysler has actually authorized the lift kit,which they wont, you have changed the geometry of the drive train and put it outside of their design tolerances. If the dealership does this than they are responsible unless they have you sign a disclaimer. On the up side unless you wife signed a R.O. stating that she authorized a tear down than you are not on the line for the money. They should have called and told you up front that it would not be covered as soon as they saw the lift. And if she did not authorize the tear down and they took it upon themselves to do it than they have to return it to you as they recieved it. You are online for the check out fee which is usually agreed upon at the time the ro is written. At least that is the way it is here.

 

take the lift out and tires off and bring it to another dealer.

<<crosses fingers>>

 

civilians always trying to f**k soldiers. what you should do is wait until you go on R&R and get in your cop car and pulled them over until they get your point. if i were you i would go to jag and request some help. they will point you to right directions.

 

civilians always trying to f**k soldiers.

...Huh?

I find it rather unlikely that the stealership is being a turd because the guy making the claim is in the military. Much more likely is that they are just being greedy SOB's.

 

What's the name of the dealership? What's their phone number? What's their general manager's name? Of the thousands of us on this site, might a few thousand phone calls expressing our concern for a fellow Patriot owner and military man being treated unfairly make a difference? Possibly.

 

I agree let us all hound the heck out of them. Even with my limited mechanical knowledge there is no way the lift kit did anything to the tranny. CV joints, axles, ball joints maybe. I would also contact RRO and see what they say. If I am correct only the parts that were modified would not be covered under warranty so that means the struts would not be covered.

 

So I spoke to my engineer buddy who used to make race cars from scratch and currently works for the SEALS. He said unless there is a significant different in size and weight between stock wheels/tires, and the aftermarket. There shouldn't be any extra damage to the transmission unless the pinion angle is too high. If it is, your up the creek, but this is the typical dealership attempting to avoid more cost. Best bet = weigh the stock vs aftermarket, and measure stock angle vs aftermarket angle. Send a letter to Corporate Chrysler. Good luck and keep us updated.