I'm going to re post this again so others can see for themselves what it really says....
I think some clarity needs to be put out on the moss act issue.
Here is a summary of this law.
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Federal Warranty Laws
1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))
This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of this law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle makers brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty(Like the statement in owners manual requiring api certified oils only) which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:
“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name....” (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).
This does not keep them from denying warr on the basis that the oil is not certified. It does keep them from discriminating against them by brand, trade or corporate name. It also provides for the consumer the option to use qualified oils that meet the api certifications, which gives the consumer many options thereby the manufacture can not be liable for violating this moss act as they have provided alternatives that do meet the specs as per api.
So, to use a non api certified oil, regardless of if it meets specs of not, can be voided. As for if one that has a certification, obviously has met the requirements at least once to receive that certification, then that is all they need no matter if it does meet of not now. Yeah, I know, who would want to use something that doesn't meet, but that's the way the game is played in corporate america.
Anyone that doesn't follow this, can be denied due to the api certification requirements by the contract(which btw, is the owners manual.) Point is, if you don't have to do what they require, then why should they have to do what you require by the contract? This is commonly called a breach of contract. Cut it anyway you want, you may win the battle with court, but the owner will lose the war because no matter how hard you try, it will cost you IF the Dealer wants to make you work for it. IMO, it is not a good idea to go against the warr requirements. It's just too simple to just do what is needed to avoid these headaches, which I have seen first hand, people who tried this. If you side with the oil makers stating it's not possible for them to do this, then you should get this in writing with the warr they will do IF for what ever reason, there is an issue for the improper use(like extending oil drain intervals beyond recommended drains) and or because of the api requirements listed so then if it comes to a denial, then you can wave that in the oil companies face.. Oh, bTW, make sure the dealer/distributor is giving you all the facts on this, as many independent dealers can say one thing but be mis understanding this and the oil company they rep for, holds themselves not responsible for their actions as they are not a direct employee of that company so the one that is telling you this, is the one you would have to take recourse on and many have very limited funds to cover such a claim.
What you'll notice in the manuals is not only do they state meet the api certs they even give you a neat little picture of the star or donut used on the bottles so to ensure a customer knows without a doubt what they require.
