Bringing A Modified Car To The Dealer

[@christopher4652]

if you've slammed your car, i feel bad that you need to have someone else to change your oil

[@Ratkill9000]

+Get Sketchy That's why I like lifted. Just slide my happy rear under on a creeper and be done in 5 minutes.

[@christopher4652]

hahaha but those huge jacks to take the wheels off.. to each their own :D

[@Irishluckily]

exactly my thought. someone with no mechanic skills lowering what is most likely also a turbo car is foolish and/or loaded

[@andrewpolitano]

Or you live in a place that won't let you really get your tools out and work on your car there. Or you realize that your time is worth more and simply writing a check can a lot of times, just be easier. Like in the middle of winter.. it's not drastically cheaper doing it yourself when you factor in the time it takes to diy sometimes for simple things like an oil change.

[@mustangjosh9133]

Christopher two by fours and 4X6 on to a floor jack problem solved

[@lucasma3723]

we need mechanics like you

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Lucas Ma Thank you :)

[@fkerpants]

+Lucas Ma +1

[@pickles9774]

Yup we do. So many asshole techs out there.

[@E150GT]

I'm a tinkerer. I work on my own vehicles except my new one. I've screwed up just as many things as I've fixed but I've learned a lot and saved a lot. as far as shade trees go, the Internet is so helpful in this area. I couldn't have owned a 1980's mercedes without the help of good folks on the forums

[@warlord1981nl]

My car is very modified and when I take it in for maintenance I always bring a full list of all the modifications of my car, the mechanics seem to appreciate that as they then know what they are exactly dealing with. Also, don't make a big deal of the bill. That comes with the territory.

[@Darksyne]

This sounds like it's more of a problem at Honda dealerships lmao.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+krauser979 HAHA, I can only imagine.

[@micyclesmotorbicycles2955]

I work at one, it actually doesn't happen as often as you'd think.

[@Darksyne]

Mike Currier Im just saying it would happen more often than say a Buick dealership =p

[@micyclesmotorbicycles2955]

You would be correct in saying that. Really the worst we get is ricey after market alarms that go off randomly when we get the car up in the air.

[@Darksyne]

Mike Currier That would drive me up the wall lmao

[@backwoodsmodified]

Our old shop in the 90s had a sign with three rates. "You have a problem and want us to see if we can fix it? Flat rate. You tried to fix it, broke something, and want to tell us what to fix? Higher rate. You want to help us fix your car or truck? Double rate."

[@outskirtscustoms]

Plain and simple... If you bring your modded car to the dealer tip your mechanic

[@HumbleMechanic]

I like your style!

[@southjerseysound7340]

mods or not if you have a good tech take care of him

[@yerboogieman]

At the dealer I used to work at. I had a tech replace the transmission on my heavily modified 1971 Suburban, that also had a ton of mud and dirt underneath. I told him, write me for all the spiffs you can see. He thanked me for that.

[@alexshimkus535]

I tip my tech cash or Monster and Gatorade. Depends on the weather because I live in all 4 seasons.

[@snmc87]

I have never received a single tip at my dealership. worked on almost 1k cars last year.

[@josephfitzpatrick3248]

I love to see modified cars come in the dealership. Some are cool and a lot are hilarious and make my day. Except for trucks lifted to the sky, those are just a pain in the ass. Especially annoying if they are only concrete queens.

[@riothero313]

+Joseph Fitzpatrick My last car was nitrous fed and when I got a new turbo car my sales guy told me: "Can't wait to see what you do with it" lol. Helps to work for the manufacture and know the person that runs the finance dept at the dealer I guess :)

[@DearMajesty]

Seem like a really straight up guy who is competent in his area. I wish I had mechanics like you in my area

[@HumbleMechanic]

+MotoBoy thank you. :)

[@jenniferanne4143]

If you have a modded car, you should love what you do, and not trust anyone else to work on it, even the oil, because you should be able to do a better and thoro job than a shop that has to move fast and handle a lot of cars. Unless you don't have a garage and it's winter, and you really need something done... Hell, even then I'd be bundled in Carharts and laying in the snow, no one touches my ride, lol !

[@jenniferanne4143]

You can get coupons for oil changes that are pretty cheap, $16.00 $18.00, and very convenient, especially in the winter time. But I'd rather spend a little more, let the oil drain a little longer, pick the oil I want, pick the filter I want, maybe do a little underbody cleaning and inspection, and know the job was done right. Besides an oil change is so easy anyway, just make sure you dispose of the old oil properly.

[@jenniferanne4143]

Of course though, I'm a professional mechanic, I have diagnostic machines, scanners, a million tools, welders, benders, cutters, pullers, ect.. I only go to the shop to get tires...

[@shatter71]

While I generally agree, absolutes never work. I've got a recall for both airbags in a modified car. Obviously, I can't do the airbag swap on my own so I got to take it to the shop. I get to explain to the tech that if they reflash the computer that the car will not start (it won't be trivial to fix since the programmer will think the tune is still installed and won't flash back to stock because the strategy code will be different) and hope someone doesn't forget. Going back to stock before going to the dealer isn't an option with aftermarket cams, etc.

[@Bo12346hhgfgdg]

…I can't explain it but your little picture reminds me of the Joker on Batman.

[@blackmanops3749]

If you have diagnostic tools and scanners, why DON'T you have a tire machine and balancer?

[@jeffbeck3247]

Nailed it at the end, wait till the warranty is up then have a ball. Don't give a dealership an easy reason to deny your warranty claim. Once the warranty is up who cares, you are paying for it either way.

[@Irishluckily]

same for subie lol

[@jimbeaver27]

Or just buy the car of your dreams and enjoy it, no modding necessary.

[@sukh527]

We actually have a 'mod-friendly' dealer here in KC, and I agree with your thoughts 100%. The main SA there also happens to be in our local VW group but we always are honest with him and he's always honest with us. I don't see a reason to lie about anything because the more information you give the SA and tech, the easier it is to diagnose as far as I know. Great to hear your input.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sukhmeet Kamboj Thanks for being good to your tech!!! :)

[@dangerrangerlstc]

One thing to keep in mind is that some dealers may not be allowed to work on modified engines. I work in a heavy truck shop working on big rigs. We've had some customers come in and ask us to modify their truck, usually in regards to emissions equipment. They'll ask us to remove a catalytic converter (yes, diesels had them for a time) or to install a part under warranty that warranty wouldn't approve. Legally, dealerships are not allowed to disable emissions equipment. Technically, NO shop is allowed to disable emissions equipment on vehicles intended for federal (US) highways. So modifications that alter the emissions output aren't allowed, and thus most shops won't work on a vehicle that has been modified as such because they don't want the blame for that vehicle having failed emissions. If they do work on such a vehicle and the dealer's brand finds out, they could be shut down, putting everyone out of work. I remember one case where we had a guy with a Cat in a Peterbilt. It came in for some major engine problem. I can't remember what specifically as I wasn't the one working on it. The solution to the problem wound up being a full rebuild with liners, pistons, head, turbo, etc. Our shop is a Cat certified shop. If we do the rebuild, he gets a warranty on that rebuilt engine. While we were advising him of what would need to be done, he said he wanted us to put a marine cam (he has a C15 on highway) in his engine so he could get more power. We said we can't do that as Cat wouldn't allow us to. He fought with us, and wound up towing his truck out of the shop with the engine still torn down. If we would have done that, and Cat found out, we would lose our Cat certification and would no longer be able to do warranty work on Cat engines, or re-certify our Cat engine software, which would take a huge amount of our business away.

[@sirfartsalot1328]

You and those like you are all wizards in my book! Taking a tuned car to a dealership is definitely an anxiety causing adventure lol.

[@JerHarwood]

Good refresher of information that a lot of people need to understand both on the dealer side and consumer side of the fence.

[@Alex-dj9nr]

Unfortunately a lot of dealerships don't have your reasonable views on modifications. It seems like the majority are just looking for excuses to deny warranties, at least around here. On the bright side for guys like you, once the modding community figures out which dealerships are fair, the information usually gets passed around, and they become the go-to. On the down-side, the fear of unreasonable warranty denial from the other dealers is what drives people to lie about modifications. It might be dishonest to lie about modifications, but it feels pretty dishonest to hear a dealer try to deny your warranty on a well known engine problem due to your aftermarket struts. The shady dealers are causing problems for the good guys.

[@joesmith482]

As a dealer tech sometimes our hands are tied. If I do a warranty repair and it’s not covered I get back flagged. 20 years in I let the warranty administrator decide. Cya

[@hatersaywhat8986]

My wife has a 04 350z roadster (convertible) and it has rims, hotchis coil overs and a descent stereo (ie Amps, capacitors, speakers exc.) the convertible top will not go down all the way and will not go up all the way unless you repeat the steps over and over, so we took it to the stealership to fix it, dropped it off the night before and right away the next morning the tech called saying he cannot work on it because he will be liable for the aftermarket equipment and he wasn't going to do anything. After talking w the manager they then took it in just to call me a hour later saying the same. They charged $85 for nothing. We took it to another dealer and pretty much the same but blamed the problem on the stereo and it had to come out. They charged $210 for nothing. I then took it to the stereo shop that installed the stereo and they fixed the convertible issue with in 5 minutes. It ended up being a loose sensor and was tighten down problem solved. Lesson here. More and more cry baby's are finding their way into these positions and absolutely laziness. They looked for how can we not do this job instead of just doing it.

[@Snakeplisskin440]

This is very true. I'm not saying techs are bad but most dealers gouge prices. I went in to get my tires mounted at the dealer and I had them quote me for spark plugs on my Legacy 6 cylinder and they wanted $581. I spent like $65 on the plugs and it took me 2 and a half hours. I've also heard horror stories of bad techs doing dumb things. I think it's better to just learn to do the regular maintenance stuff yourself and you feel more comfortable knowing what was done instead of guessing what was done. Again, not saying this refers to all techs but you're taking a chance sometimes.

[@L4ND.SH4RK]

I especially love it when dealership techs get used to working on newer vehicles and become paranoid to touch anything with rust. Pansy-fied wusses wouldn't drop gas tank and replace a leaking fuel line on a 2000 Blazer just a month ago. I had already spent several days hosing down the bolts with a penetrating lubricant and made sure the gas tank was empty before taking it in. To hell with spoiled little bitch boys.

[@BEASTLYDROK]

its real easy to say that when its not your money your losing how would u like it if i went to your job and went to your timecard and took a few hours off your paycheck and people always go well i woulda payed more for anything broken...thats fucking bs and you know it techs get fucked harder than any customer

[@hatersaywhat8986]

My point is more involved than what you're comment is saying? I'll put it tough guy terms, if I was to take the car to "Mr. Nissan" himself, he would fix the problem as best as he could but neither less he would at least "try". But Mr. Nissan has hired employees and they could give two shits to satisfy a customer and push anything "complicated " out the door. His employee was absolutely determined that the factor sub woofer behind the driver seat was altered, there for the problem. But... Sensor at the B pillar was literally dangling. Just needed a couple of screws.....thus complicated. I hire a mechanic just like you would hire a electrician. If it was a 75 Ford F-250 then you're right but a 04 350z is a lot more complicated than you think

[@BEASTLYDROK]

that comment was at the one above me btw not u

[@mauricemotors8207]

I bet VWs techs love seeing really old VWs running still

[@christopherbrooke2142]

Nissand21 guy I bet the owners love seeing a VW running

[@tylervespa6182]

Hit or miss

[@dkamd8136]

the honesty is huge. i'm with ya on that. for those of you who bought a used car and get asked about mods just be honest "I haven't but the previous owner didn't tell me anything"

[@derxKai]

In Germany we have the Problem, the owner mostly doesn´t know much about his car, because he bought the car pre-tuned. Or he says for example, the ECU ist tuned, but in reality it isn´t... -.- Thanks for this Video ;-) Grüße aus Deutschland

[@KobraPun]

Our local dealership is where I used to take my car for service. I have a full cat-back magnaflow exhaust on the 3.6L VR6. There's always that one tech there that would come out to say hey to me when he heard it roll into the shop bay. However, I started taking it to a local Euro shop that only deals with VW, Audi, and Mini. They're ALL enthusiasts and all have a wonderful time working on my car. Owner of the shop has a lower'd Audi wagon and a lower'd MKVI GTI. Such an awesome community to be a part of.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Kobra it's a lot of fun when everyone is am enthusiast!!

[@KobraPun]

Indeed, and when I sealed the deal that I'd be bringing it back there for future services, they gave me a bunch of stickers, ECS tuning lanyard, and a hat. Something you may not always get going to the dealer. XD

[@yucannthahvitt251]

When I brought my 30 year old swapped and turbocharged car to the dealer for an alignment all of the techs took a break to crowd around. They didn't care that I was using a big coupon, just were happy to see something other than the same old boring leased 328s.

[@davidgates1122]

I have an 03 F350 with two mods that deal with the oil cooler issue. One of those is the factory oil cooler delete setup. I let the service writer know about it and leave the install instructions in the truck for the tech. The other mod is my bypass coolant filter with the custom mounting bracket. I made it easy to get out of the way by removing 1 bolt. I made sure that bolt was metric to match everything else on the truck. I also painted the head of the bolt yellow and leave a write up in the truck that contains a picture of the bolt. Never had pushback from a tech working on it, and they have pulled the valve covers to replace injectors.

[@VWAudidoneright]

I also used to be a vw and audi tech. You nailed it. We didnt care about mods that didnt cause the problem we were trying to fix. As long as you were honest we tried to help you out. When customers were pain in the ass and very dishonest ive even went out of my way to report and void their warranty.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

You are one of the rare dealership mechanics. I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma and a 2002 Chevy Express 1500 van. Both dealerships must have mechanics from the Home Depot parking lot! The most recent failure was the Chevy dealer that had my stock van for three days with a hard starting problem and a broken sliding cargo door handle. At the end of the third day they said they couldn't duplicate the hard starting problem and that the door handle was broken. They charged me $125 to tell me that. My van will NEVER see that dealership again. BTW, I've had many modified cars before but lack the work space now that I live in a condo.

[@mrman17]

Most cars that get tuned or "upgraded" here in the UK are of an age that they won't get taken to a main dealer - they may go to a smaller independant (or "back street") garage, or a make specific/specialist garage. Either that, or the owner/person who has done the work is sufficiently skilled that they do most of the work to the car themselves. Anything that is fairly new or "high end" would normally go to a specialist. In my years at the VW dealer, I can't remember working on anything that had been modified, at least nothing beyond wheels and maybe an exhaust or air filter. The only exception was fitting a lowered set of springs (it was only a small drop, nothing drastic) to a VW Sharan for the new car sales department (it was a demo car for one of the sales peeps), and that was changed back when it was put up for sale.

[@olenaerhardt7725]

I've seen a film about a couple of Russian guys,. who modified their car in the way that they installed a jet on it instead of the internal combustion engine, so the car was propelled by that jet, and they were driving that car on a small street with flames coming from that jet. They also modified another car replacing the internal combustion engine for the electrical one, but that is minor, as you can understand. Thank you for posting your film, this is very essential for any DIY mechanic. I personally never thought of the questions you discussed here, and always was thinking of a dealership like about a last resort where you can go and surrender if you messed up something greatly. I used that opportunity recently very successfully, when I did all the work on rear brakes, but realized at the end that there is no other way to adjust that adjuster star wheel properly, but to have a lot of experience. So at one dealership they adjusted it for me for $39 (it was a bit loose). It was very kind of them, of course I did alignment there. Very happy to have all the new and best parts now (w/expensive Cooper lubricate, ceramic pads, new wheel cylinders, drums, springs and everything) for about $300 (including adjustments and alignment work and parts). Thank you again.

[@Stevo2140]

I feel like chat gpt or smt wrote this comment lol

[@olenaerhardt7725]

@@Stevo2140 Actually there are films w/vehicles propelled by jets and in US, but what I saw they were trucks, like 18 wheeler. It is a special show.

[@Zackydude]

Hey Charles. Had a diesel Volvo with a running fault recently, no DTC's. Turned out it was running crappy red diesel which is illegal to use in road cars in the uk. If the customer told us this it would have saved me so much time, and saved him money because warranty wouldn't cover the repair! Loving the work by the way keep it up :D

[@HumbleMechanic]

Zackydude I have seen a few AG diesel cars, and it's a dead giveaway. Once you get there anyway. Generally not the first check..:/Thanks for the kind words

[@tatsumaru12345]

The hometown hyundai of beckley,wv dealer tried charging me 'while under warrenty' for my door lock that messed up, because I had aftermarket tint and aftermarket speakers. But I could sit here all day at what all they did to butcher my car. Thankfully, I know a mechanic nearby that is a godsend that hasn't messed a single thing of his work up.

[@EKing322]

Why is anyone taking their car to the dealer if they're modding their car. Unless it's a recall.

[@affordablepropertymaintena9213]

free oil changes for life like me, something breaks under warranty..

[@EKing322]

damn I would be in the dealer with a nodded car too then

[@jimbeaver27]

Or, why are people modding cars still under warranty?

[@christopherbrooke2142]

Jim Davis Bc warranties often last quite a while, and race car bro

[@themadmachinist8637]

Call me old school but if you have a modded car and lack the technical skills to keep it on the road yourself then you don't need a modded car. I do understand buying a car and not knowing that things have been messed with. I was doing the brakes on my 81 chevy shortbed and every part that knuckle head gave me was wrong or wouldn't fit. I finally talked to my father (handed down truck) and he put 3/4 ton brakes on the truck because he was always dropping big power under the hood. Once I had that knowledge everything went on perfect.

[@jonahvick693]

Probably comes down to time. My dad is a mechanic, with multiple modded cars. Including a Cabriolet with an ABA swap, and a lot of times he brings it to his friends shop because he doesn't have time or is so burnt out he doesn't want to work on his own cars

[@j0hnCi4]

My jeep is way way modified, barely any Jeep left. I have brought it to the local indy shop for stuff I just don't have time to get around to. I ALWAYS tell them the thing I need done, and to ignore this or that, and know that it will probably cost me more than if it was stock. I also like to have a chat with the tech to explain why this is or that so they dont have to figure it out. So far, they love me and like the truck a lot. I think one reason they like it is it is almost practically brand new with all top of the line parts so it's super easy to wrench (no rust, nice CNCed parts).

[@dirty-moto]

It's also an issue of having the space to work on your own car. I would love to do more myself, but I live in an apartment in the city and park on the street so it's ultra impractical. And being that I'm in the pacific northwest, it rains a LOT, so you really need a covered space.

[@themadmachinist8637]

***** If you don't have a space for a modded car you should probably not have a heavily modded car. If you are a single car family I really think you should stick with a stock configuration. The more you modify a car the less reliable the engineering in the vehicle becomes. I would never mod a daily driver. Typically what I do is drive the vehicle and if I like it I mod it after I buy my new car. It is important to like the car you drive and it is cool to make it your own but lets not forget the primary function of a car is to reliably get you from point A to point B. When you change things mechanically you run the risk of incapacitating the vehicle rendering it useless ,and if it is your only car, putting yourself in really bad position.

[@themadmachinist8637]

John Ciavarella But you do know how to fix it and how to explain whats been done to it. You're not going into a shop with a problem and telling the guy I don't know, figure it out. I think its fine if one of your modded parts goes out and you order another take it in and say here's what I have here's what I want please do this I don't have time. That's not lacking the technical skills to keep it on the road.

[@ibanez1403]

tbh the people who don't expect to pay extra are the ones who paid to get their modifications done.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not every one has the skills, tools or often the place to DIY

[@Blaylock1988]

Good video, you covered most of my concerns. The only topic left untouched is the rumored VW blacklist where if you have a modded car the tech or SA reports your VIN to some VAG database that all dealers see. I'm curious about how much of that is true and do dealers really care that much.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Blaylock1988 That does exists. Reporting really does depend on the situation with the car. In my experience, it does not happen all that much.

[@carbonfiber492]

It’s more to do with the pr codes if your cars tuned a new pr code td1 pops up if a log is sent online (basically for anything done on Odis online it will set the new pr code or even if it it’s just saved and sent later)

[@gtipiggott]

the nearest VW dealers are about an hour away in any direction, I lucked out and there is a small shop nearby that is owned by a former VW Dealer tech, They have seen my car from bone stock when i bought it to its current state and have worked with me on a lot of the modifications and maintenance, being honest with any shop is in your best interest, this might mean that it isnt covered but it gets the car in and out of the shop quicker and back on the road when all the information is available

[@ArmstrongRacing]

Well said, totally agree. I'm a Subaru tech and we see a lot of tuned cars. If the problem is not related to the tune we fix it no problem.

[@gordonbabcock6136]

Most of the Vette owners have their TOY modified No way will they get their hands dirty. 4X4's here get changed almost admittedly. A 4 inch lift and wonder why the u-joints went then cry because the service rep killed the warranty

[@TheRealCannonCooper]

True depends on the tech, I took a 2007 f150 in because the power steering had went out at 30k a tech blamed my aftermarket 20" wheels. They wanted to charge me $800 for the pump but the Harley and limited trucks have the same pump but came factory with 22" wheels...

[@mauricemotors8207]

+Nhoj Sivad Steering pump can go out on any vehicle with power steering

[@jimbeaver27]

same pump maybe but could be your trucks suspension not made for 20 inch wheels and it took out the pump, or since it's a Ford could be just a bad pump

[@LethalBacon479]

Magnuson-Moss Act is a law that states it must be repaired under warranty unless the dealership can prove your modification OR aftermarket part caused the issue. Indeed, you have a great attitude for this industry and it's a breath of fresh air to hear it come out of a person!

[@jeffweaver9514]

Hey man, i'm going to school to be a technician right now and i wanted to let you know that your videos are really educational as far as providing a good view of how hands on work will be. Also your very entertaining I really appreciate your content keep up the good work you're really helping me out.

[@deplorabledave1048]

I had a fairly highly modded BMW E46 M3 under warranty still. I was SO lucky to have my local dealer work on it NO PROBLEM. In fact I was given unbelievable breaks and latitude when I broke my half shaft TWICE! LOL. I did give the shop foreman a bottle of very expensive Single Malt scotch from time to time. And yes, the guys loved seeing my car. It was well done and most issues had zero to do with my mods. Basically I had very few issues because I must have had a car built on a Wednesday in Germany. The shop did rent me a car for free for two days while they checked out a clicking noise. It was some after market lug bolts that were too long. They ground them down and DID NOT CHARGE ME A DIME!!! They never messed with my DCM which DID have a custom tune on it. I consider my self very very lucky to have a dealer that was so cool.

[@rogerbrandt6678]

Awesome video I have 6.6 litre diesel with work done, and you brought up some really good points thanks.

[@GolfCoyote]

This is a super fair answer. it just sucks when the dealer nickels and dimes you to death even if part A has nothing to do with part B

[@DavidHansen725]

I brought my dropped 71 Super in to Capitol VW for an alignment. They got a kick out of that. One of their old timer VW techs did the work. He did a fantastic job. :D

[@HumbleMechanic]

HELL YES!!!

[@riothero313]

I have a huge race inter-cooler, aftermarket crash bar, and intake on my car before my first service check. I'm hoping they don't freak out about it. I know what you are saying about amp installs 100%, I was an install lead at a shop for 6 years and I've seen it all. One car was burned from the trunk to the battery. The wire welded to the metal in spots after it burned through the carpet and the seat he had it ran over. Props on the Founders sticker! Love Great lakes too even though they aren't from Michigan, drinking a Eliot Ness right now :)

[@HumbleMechanic]

+riothero313 Oh, man I bet you have seen some "interesting" installs. Cheers :)

[@kicker758]

I agree with you about communicating with your Tech and Service Writer about mods. Before i bought my tiguan i talked with the service writer who than set me up with the 2 techs i should work with. The tiguan only gets worked on by them and ill wait in line to work with the service writer i trust. They do what is requested which is just oil changes and i make sure the tiguan is aired up so its easy for lift access.

[@jaygames1980]

When I was fixing diesel trucks to pass emissions at regular shop, people blame anything but the modification

[@totomechanic6375]

I work in a transmisssion shot. My biggest bane is after market tuners (aside fron brands that make normal operations a pain). Tuners can add hours to a normal process and if I don't know ahead of time, it can brick a computer. A mechanic is like a doctor for your car. Be honest, we are hear to fix the problem, not judge you.

[@krismichalsky]

When my Mustang was under warranty most Ford dealerships would not want to touch the car at all. They tried to tell me since the car was modified it had been "raced" so therefore they didn't want to cover anything. Too damn bad!!! So when I had installed Eibach springs and Tokico shocks they tried to tell me that those were the cause of the throw out bearing squealing. I told them to prove this to me, and they couldn't so warranty covered my TOB. In fact, I had my TOB changed twice under warranty. Oh yeah, they also tried to tell me that the short throw shifter messed up the TOB. Again, I called their bullsh*t and it still was fixed.

[@TedGrigg]

The most informative video I've seen about how dealers cover the factory warranty after a tune. I was wise to have my APR upgrades done by a VW dealer in my area.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@Tolcum]

First time viewer, and I was like, "I know those stickers!" I have half of the same ones on my gun safe! Yay NC!

[@nicholaselias8542]

I used to have a 07 mustang that I modded with a 4.10 ring and pinion and hot rod cams but both were made by Ford Racing Performance Parts and luckily I had no issues... installed both myself :)

[@thewholls7176]

I once worked on a modified vehicle it was lowered and yes it takes 10 minutes extra to get it on the two post Hoist then you lift it up and the springs come out of the saddles so after thinking I broke it it’s just a poor lowering job then to do the air cleaner instead of snapping a new one in they have a K&N so now I’ve gotta take it out wash it with special soap and spray it with special oil wait for it to dry respray it a bit more.....just a total stuff around then on the tune it can do weird stuff and if you have to take the air intake off and if it’s got a cold air induction that takes twice as long so I’ve seen an extra hours labour stuffing around with modified cars that’s fine as long as you can charge for it and it’s not a $99 oil change special and they expected the job for $99 and it took you an hour and a half....!!!!!

[@BarthVader316]

One thing you mentinoed "what technician you get, and what dealership you take it to" There are about a MILLION different variables right there. If I could have you as a technician whenever I took my car in, great! but I have met a few VW technicians that have told me "Man, you should just put it back to stock" And that particular visit was about a front fog light going out that I replaced with a xenonmatch HoenUSA bulb I have found that most vw tech's, at least in my area, don't even drive a VW or they do, and don't care about modding it or the enthusiasts. If you get an enthusiast tech, man you are lucky. =)

[@HumbleMechanic]

:) I will be talking a little more about this on Monday.

[@matthewjensen9550]

I had a thermostat go on my car once, and had an aftermarket intake installed and I had a tech claim that my intake caused my thermostat to fail 😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

Bahaha. That’s silly.

[@wpgngaming-videos888]

I think th eonly modifications I made to my mustang was going to a cold air intake. But, it wasnt an issue. The pipe and filter assembly go right to the cavity that the old intake bolted to, all I had to do was put a cover on it. Its nice though because it frees up a lot of room in the engine bay as the pipe is slimmer than the old intake and is routed along side the apron and sites better there than the huge bulky previous intake. Leaves me lots of room if I need to work on other things like pulling plugs, coil packs and such. Other than providing me maybe a few more horsepower, all it really does is make my filter replacement less frequent and gives me more room to work. I usually dont mod my vehicles too much. Just small QoL things that dont affect much, most of my vehicles are still stock for the most part.

[@Monkeywrenchmotorcycles]

Wife bought a modified R56 Mini JCW and we took it to the dealer several times because it kept having an engine light come on. They kept telling us it was different things and charging 1 hr diag for pulling the codes and said that the codes are because the car was modded. I ended up buying a BMW/Mini specific scan tool that could read manufacturer specific codes and now I read them myself. Most of the codes were for intermittent working running lights but the dealer just basically didnt want to work on it since it was modified. I do all the work myself on it now and save alot of money...

[@northwoodsroadwarrior3823]

I started working at a Lincoln dealership in Maine back in 1998. I can remember the days of the early 90's to mid 95 Continentals coming in for services and every tech in the building hiding so they wouldn't have to work on them. For those unfamiliar with these they were the 3.8L front wheel drive ones. Also know as the Lincoln Guinea pigs. All the newer technologies were tested out on these models at the time. Which made for a mess of problems. Most were wiring and sensor related. But also the Lincoln air ride suspension was somewhat unique. They also had serious issues related to head gaskets and power steering line blow outs. All of which were major repairs that booked many hours of labor but always took hours more then they called for. I do work on the side and these cars I would actually refuse to work on. That says a lot cause I'll work on anything, factory, modified, custom, and such. But those evil Continentals and quad four pontiac/Gm engine rebuilds are about the only things I refuse to work on. This episode just brought those old memories flooding back. Are there any cars or specific engines that make you feel the same?

[@test15799]

I've been honest with my dealer, however, Its gotten to the point where I just do all my troubleshooting and service at home. The thing that I've always adhered to, and I tell other people is, when you start modifying and tuning the car, you've got to "pay to play". Pushing things past the OEM "factory limits" (Which have been proven are really really low limits), can take its toll on items, and things that usually don't cause an issue might. Be willing to work on the car, or ready to shell out the money if something goes wrong.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Andrew Bowers Nothing really to add man. You hit it right on the head!!!!

[@jamesbrook9622]

Yeah about the slammed car; the mechanic I used insisted I remove the body kit before it goes up on the hoist. Good looking out

[@javierbetancourt8225]

I worked at toyota for a bit had a bunch of moded tundra tacos and fj' s same deal. You would pick it up a bit quicker but the skid plates front bumper guards with lights and 16 inch wheels with mud slingers and bolted in center caps lol I don't miss that

[@TheMTrider16]

"Realistic Expectations" seems like that is where most conflict happens. Good video and explanation.

[@darrensussman4239]

Great vid man, I’m a Tiguan owner and have been watching your vids for years. Keep it up👌

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much :)

[@rivieraman71]

I have an 08 Jetta I just bought last week with the 2.5 and I have to agree on the engine cover. I've never cursed so much in my life changing an air filter

[@3cressidas]

Would never take one of my modified cars to a dealer. Seen too many test drives after repair, where the idiot mechanic wants to 'try it out to see how fast it is', and wreck the car.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+3cressidas a tech at our Honda store totaled an NSX doing that. It belonged to the GM. HAHA. The GM was cool about it.

[@slingitsideways]

+3cressidas Independents are just as bad, I got arrested at work for dangerous driving, because my car was seen drifting round a busy roundabout and industrial estate. after i dropped it off to have the clutch replaced. And to top it off i got 2 speeding tickets a week later for the same day. Test pilots exist everywhere and have no respect!

[@dougn2350]

My brother is a mechanic. He worked at a GM dealer and repaired the bosses son's Pontiac ...er, I forget what model... But anyway my brother totaled the car on a test drive. They shrugged it off like no big deal. Of course they were rich and the car was fully insured.

[@benthemechanic6617]

We get a lot of this at chevy. Even had an idiot that made a v6 Camero a show car. Got it tuned. Then blew it up. We found his KZbin channel. His car strapped to a Dyno. His car drag racing. All the body modification and hydroprinting helped us make sure it was him. He was a real tool. We all got a huge laugh over this one.

[@Ryukin631]

I'm in complete agreement about waiting for the warranty to end before you modify your vehicle.

[@L4ND.SH4RK]

Not me. All cars need a turbo, and I'd install one immediately lol

[@cereberum7866]

i agree with you. Same goes for jailbreaking/rooting phones. If i have a new one i wont do any software integration

[@SPK617]

I love your channel! Thanks for educating me on my MK6 GTI!

[@HumbleMechanic]

+SPK617 thanks so much!

[@Josh-py2in]

At the shop I work at, everyone hates modified cars. I personally enjoy working on them. Now I ended up being the VW guy and modded car guy at the shop. It is kind of nice, because working on modded cars I get to add time to the book time and make more money.

[@jondro454]

The techs at my local jeep dealership where I bought my 09 rubicon and my wife's 15 grand Cherokee have been very cool about warranty work and recalls on the few occasions I have had to bring my heavily modified jeep in. at this point it has a 480hp LS3 a 6L80E trans 4speed atlas transfer case and Torq super 14 axles front and rear running on 38 inch tires.

[@thepeeve]

+jondro454 Not much Jeep left there besides the tub, frame, and some of the interior lol. The Torq axles are wicked!

[@Wrenchin_RYNO]

After so many years at an independent shop. I have become the " he can work on anything guy ". But some times you will get a car that has every ebay part ever made for the car bolted to it. And sometimes the customer just doesn't understand why you can't fix it or make it how they pictured it turning out. But over all its fun to see what kind of contraption will roll or be towed into the shop.

[@brandonfoss9445]

i work with a guy who used to be a subaru tech and he told me a guy blew up the engine in his impreza. it wasn't tuned when it came in, but they found a ton of videos online of him at the track running 12 seconds. the engine was replaced customer pay and they red flagged him

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Brandon Foss DAMN!!!!

[@LambertAutoWerks]

My dealership hates modifications. Im here in Central Texas in Fort Hood and the local will refuse to touch my car overtime and i haven't had anything break ill just come in for a simple oil change or tire rotation and they will not touch the car on my mk6 2.5 jetta. On the other hand the dealer 45 minutes down the road loves my car and will do everything I ask

[@madfiat8932]

I think most people's concerns with modifications, from my viewpoint, is with major failures. Some dealers are extremely quick to point the finger at ANY modifications. For example, you crack a ring and lose compression, they point the finger at the aftermarket intake. Or your engine starts consuming massive amounts of oil at a very low mileage, they point to the aftermarket exhaust... Both of these have happened to people I know.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Alvin Brinson It does really all depend on the dealer. I LOVE mods, and working on modified cars(other than lifting dirt nasty low cars).

[@gangsterboat69]

amen, i am my warranty as i usually dont get one, or wait till factory is done or close to it.....but my dealer is very cool, when i brought in my mk6 tdi with cr170 turbo they LOVED it...tech wanted to keep driving it lol.....Now i have my t3 touareg with full deletes and tune they like it too...think im a bit crazy but once they drive it or ride in it they fall in love.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+gangsterboat69 Oh man those both sound awesome!

[@camerongraham902]

A local (not VW) dealership failed my truck (one of many cars we bought from them, good friends with all the staff) because I installed an aftermarket muffler. It passed without issues at a different shop that same day. I will not be returning to that dealership again.

[@trssho91]

Like anything, I think it depends... I'm mostly a Nissan guy and there are two dealers around here, and while I do 99% of my own work....now and again I have something that needs done that I frankly don't want to do in a driveway. The one dealership has good techs in there and take on whatever appropriate work comes in if you're willing to pay the labor rates. For example, I have a old 2000 Altima 'toy car' that I have heavily modified including doing things like converting it from a CA exhaust to a Fed since I'm in VA. That's mostly just a cat for a resonator swap, a completely different manual trans with different gear ratio, and the list goes on. This dealership will bs with me, comment on the car's pros and cons, but they do good work and is very fair. For example, when the car was newer and under warranty the intake manifold gasket failed. They pretty much all fail on the KA24DE altimas due to the proximity with the egr port. Because the car was modified and these modifications included an intake and timing advance, this affected the warranty. Both the tech and I both knew an intake didn't burn this gasket so they actually heavily discounted the work and I paid what ended up being 1/3 of the job cost, which is basically the cost of the parts kit. I was more than happy with this because as a former technician I know the risks modding a car under warranty. This place could have sent me packing or charged me full retail, but they instead took care of me. (We bought my wife's car from them 90 days later, customer service goes a long way). The second dealership is a much different story. I also have a 2010 Altima with a cvt. The CVT started acting up so I took it in under warranty. This place is not staffed so well. I ended up learning how CVTs worked and found the issue was a $28 crank position sensor going bad. On my vehicle that sensor doubles as the trans input speed sensor. The dealer told me the trans was internally shot and the whole trans needed replaced. (That was 25k miles ago and the trans is still strong, not to mention the fluid still looks new when I change it). They also did a recall for emissions that included the manifold being replaced and forgot to tighten several bolts including the alternator, but I digress.... they refused warranty work on the car because I replaced the half shafts with cardone new (not reman) half shafts and I used timken wheel bearings. They claimed the use of non Nissan parts being installed by a unqualified person damaged the transmission. Those parts have been just perfectly fine for miles before and after same reliable 25k miles as the sensor I replaced (which wasn't Nissan either). The experience was poor overall with the service manager being very rude and actually sunk to the level of name calling. Then instead of researching the codes present in the pcm, they just wanted to sell a $4500 trans replacement. That service manager actually isn't there anymore. After writing a book...basically I think it really depends on the dealer you're working with.

[@realcyberbob]

Interesting video, it confirmed most things I already assumed. In your opinion, what is the best way to tell a service advisor that you only want the best mechanic or a mechanic that is fine with aftermarket parts working on your car without sounding like a difficult or "high maintenance" customer?

[@HumbleMechanic]

That's an awesome question! I'll talk about it on Mondays show. it can be a sticky situation for sure.

[@sataneatcheese6243]

When I was working as a tyre fitter I had this guy come in with a Mk4 Golf R32 and he was very much in love with his car and did not hesitate to tell us all about it. It came in for a tracking (wheel alignment) as the car was pulling to one side. Now at first sight the car looked and pretty much sounded like a R32 so at no point did I need to question it being a R32. The problem came when I was under the car and having put it in the air I realised the centre section of the exhaust was very small for a R32. As I got under the engine to get to the track rod ends I started to notice that the engine was also very small for what the car was so I asked the guy what engine was in the car as I needed to know for the tracking geometry. He said that it was a R32. So now knowing that it was not by looking at the sump and the standard middle section of the exhaust going to these custom twin cans sticking out the back I then asked what engine size is it really? He very sheepishly responded 1.4. Now, I'm not judging the guy for driving a replica R32 and it was a very good rep. Exterior, interior, wheels, everything! But don't assume I'm just some dumb ass tyre fitter. I was a fully trained vehicle tech and quickly realised it was a sheep in wolfs clothing. The bit that made me laugh was he was as bold as brass at telling me it was a R32 before hand and bragged at how "fast" it was. Silly billy! And for needing to know the engine size to begin with? Our alignment chart is ordered by brand, model and engine size and each car differs in alignment in accordance to these. Thus needing to know. I'll never forget that. Made me and my colleagues chuckle for days XD

[@009013M3]

I decided a few years back to convert my 1965 Pontiac to disc brakes in the front. Unfortunately it took me three weeks to find a place that would do a front-end alignment on it.

[@storm4710]

being honest helps alot i have a W124 300TD Turbo its 2 1994 300TD Turbos combined into a 1986 300TD chassis it helps alot to know what parts fit

[@javeronh.3996]

I agree, if you modify something let whomever is to do your fixes (garage, dealer, family) know, and don't lie about it. there have been times helping my dad that it turns out a modification they did was the actual culprit but would have meant something else was wrong with a completely stock vehicle. plus if you know your vehicle's modification would make it harder for the mechanic to get the job done saying "thanks" at the least, hopefully more, should be an easy thing to do. I do minor mods, usually for durability or health boosting in mind. my truck used to be 2 wheel drive because of where I lived. I moved to another state and we made it a 4x4 because we found a truck frame, front axle, and transfer case for a year younger, but same. mine is a 2004 ram 2500 5.9L Cummins with a NV5600 transmission (I greatly enjoy the reliability of my truck) the donor parts were for a 2003. what bothered me was I was told my truck was going to fail inspection because the VIN number said it was a 2x4, but it was obviously a 4x4 (well trying at this point) due to the front axle (though at this time didn't have a 4x4 transmission so nothing was able to drive the front axle). it passed but it was because one of the guys at the autoparts store next door was in and noticed the truck, knew it was mine and said what we had done. for all I know it could have been the autoparts guy made up story to look better, but if it is true is bugs me that it would fail because they ran the VIN number and it came back as a 2x4. currently I look at it as a "are you serious story" with some laughs. if it had failed I wouldn't have been happy. with what my family and I did the ONLY way anyone could tell it wasn't originally a 2x4 is if they looked up the vin number. other than that it seems completely factory, and in a sense is since it is all the correct parts, just from 2 different trucks that have about a year difference keep up the great work

[@derekhoffman9737]

my opinion on moded vehicles is this, if ur gonna mod a "under warranty" vehicle make the simple ones first. intake exhaust and ECM tune. just tell the tech that it's got bolt on mods. there cheap and benefit your vehicle. and with ECM tuners most if not all of them save the factory settings before they tune. I have taken my ram into dodge with an ecm issue and the tech asked me to reinstall the factory tune cuz the mod tune was not allowing him to fix the issue. (it was a m.a.s mapping issue found out the sensor was bad) and the tech liked my truck so much he offered to buy it that day from me. (I guess the test drive seal the deal on that) so anyways I'm waiting until my truck is paid off even though I drove it out of warranty 6k miles ago. and I think that's all anyone should do until the vehicle is out of warranty power train wise.

[@thegauntlet90]

YOU MEAN IF I GO STAGE 3 BIG TURBO AND BLOW A SEAL THE WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT?!?!?!? LUDICROUS!

[@b0lbi]

I see this a lot working at a Chrysler dealership with Jeep Wranglers. They do all these crazy lives and suspension mods etc then they want stuff fixed under warranty and you have to hassle with them about that. The offroad shop will break their wheel speed sensor when installing their lift, their jeep group in th says bring it in and have it fixed under warranty etc.

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

I take my 06 cobalt ss/sc to the chevy garage, and they love working on my car lol. I've been in the back shop a couple times. Talked to the shop manager and the 2 guys that actually do work on it. I bring in all my parts, dealers cost too much lol.

[@Hiyaitsjustme]

Makes sense honestly. I'd personally just put the modified part back to stock (if possible) to see if the issue is fixed and if not take it to the dealer that way they won't have to tell me its not covered anymore.

[@TheSocialPraxis]

you my friend are a special breed of mechanic! you seem "humble", up front, empathetic, honest and down right cool! but this has not been my experience with dealer mechanics and this dislike them. because even getting things fixed on none modified vehicles is usually (for me) hard to get done and when they finally do fix it. they communicate the decision as if they're doing me the favor this time around. very un-cool imo. But wish you were my local Phoenix mechanic! lol

[@MatWilson2612]

That is why you ALWAYS record down the known working vag com codes, or at least triple check what you are doing and cross reference between a few sites.

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

Having to think about something critically shouldn't have to be seen as an inconvenience. It should offer a mental challenge. Which after Passat after Passat I would think that a challenge would be welcome & refreshing.

[@fromach]

Probably the most customized vehicle I have worked on so far was a Ram 3500(4X2) and the only stock thing was 'maybe' the block and it took over 45 minutes to do that oil change because it was one of the 2014-on bodies where the frame has an extra crossmember going directly under the filter. Because of how many mods had lines all around the filter, we ended up basically tearing out basically the entire intake up to the turbo to fit the filter through.

[@HumbleMechanic]

That sucks!!! And probably no most pay for you either

[@Toolaholic7]

GM,they can tell if a tuner was installed and this voids the warranty on the spot if a new vehicle.There are also tuners that can be installed and removed if the vehicle has a warranty.

[@nopenope5398]

For modified vehicles owners from a technician, if the vehicle is modified with non manufacturer parts then don't expect warranty on any repairs...as it's a risk to the technician and dealership to submit a warranty claim on a modified vehicle, just because we didn't state the vehicle is modified doesn't mean someone else hasn't reported it previously and if a warranty clerk catches it then it can trigger a dealership audit in which the expense can be 10 times the value of your car and the technician can be terminated. Don't expect us the technicians to put our jobs and livelihood on the line because you made a choice to modify a vehicle while under warranty. If the vehicle is out of warranty or you are willing to pay the CP, customer pay, then by all means go for it and modify however you want...when it breaks there is almost always a technician at the dealership that will take on the challenge of diag and repair for the CP rate. For those that don't know the difference in the majority of cases the warranty pay rate is usually around 1/2 of the CP rate.

[@iownyounoobs4388]

My car isn't THAT modified for what it is, and I still wouldnt trust taking it to a normal shop. Granted I took it in to a suspension shop recently and got a ball joint replaced, I wouldnt want anybody messing with it engine wise. It has aftermarket lifters,intake and exhaust mainfolds, turbo, MAF system, motor mounts and bushings, lowering springs, front brake calipers, an ecm tuning program, intercooler and piping, radiator fans, blow off valve, boost controller, o2 wideband, turbo timer. The only thing thats given me troubles is the turbo timer because whenever i take it to a shop for exhaust work they end up turning the car "off" and then letting the clutch out and bunny hopping it. So ive learned to turn it off before i take it in anywhere. Once i get rid of the spark plug wires and throw on a coil on plug ignition system and get ecmlink v3 (for dsm's) and get it tuned for speed density, im never taking my car to a regular shop and will only go strictly to tuning shops and other knowledgeable people.

[@ReubenAStern]

I only go to dealerships for parts. It's not good to specialize, means they gotta charge more and they are more likely to con you. I've noticed this over the years as a customer.

[@nickolastiguan]

I would love it if VW (canada in this case) would offer some tunes, like ECU, suspension etc.

[@mischief007]

Depending on the vehicle, you can get lowering springs. ECUs you won't see as much unless the dealer is an APR dealer.

[@SilverStarHeggisist]

my truck requires 30 minutes of explaining how to turn it on when I took it to shops.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+SilverStar Heggisist hahahah.

[@CarsnStuff]

Dealership would hate my car haha its a process starting it up. Ever since i upgraded my intake manifold and throttle body when you crank it over you gotta give it just a bit of throttle while cranking it almost like a carbed vehicle. And then let it idle until the wideband gauge starts getting a reading after it warmsup. If you try to drive it during the widebands warm up process the standalone basically isn't getting any mixture read out so it will bog. Takes about 20 seconds before it started getting a wideband signal.

[@jacoberavi7567]

One of my favorite people on KZbin tbh

[@butterfingarz]

Keep up the awesome videos! How many MK6's with stock ECU's have you seen with the coolant fans running constantly? I'm tuned and the tuner is giving the run around that they see no problems with the ECU.

[@L4ND.SH4RK]

Everything said is on point. Keep up the good work.

[@HumbleMechanic]

THANK YOU! :)