Voided warranty?

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Why would mx life void the warranty? Did it meet specs? An auto maker cant void your warranty for aftermarket anything unless theyre willing to provide it for free.
 
Originally Posted by wdn
Yes it is required for the Ford OCP used car warranty, to use the ATF that meets Ford engineerng spec. I posted the warranty, above where it says just that. The applicable Ford engineering specification is "MERCON LV" per the owners manual for that model year of the Ford Taurus.

So Valvoline is lying?
 
Originally Posted by D1dad
Why would mx life void the warranty? Did it meet specs? An auto maker cant void your warranty for aftermarket anything unless theyre willing to provide it for free.

An automaker CAN void the warranty if the aftermarket/not approved part CAUSED the failure. And when I say "void the warranty," I'm not saying that ALL warranty is permanently erased from the vehicle. What I mean, and maybe you meant the same thing, is they can deny certain warranty repairs. For example, if you put an aftermarket turbocharger on your engine, and then the engine blows up, the dealer will likely find that the turbocharger CAUSED the engine to blow up. Since it's an aftermarket part that the automaker did not design or ever approve of, they will not pay for a warranty repair. Now, even if they deny that particular repair, that doesn't mean you no longer have ANY warranty. Let's say you get your car fixed at your own expense, you keep driving it, and let's say something on the suspension breaks. The suspension has nothing to do with the engine or the turbocharger, so they can't say the turbo caused the suspension failure. So you can bring the car back to the dealer, with the turbocharger still installed, and they will fix the suspension for free under warranty. It doesn't matter that you had some other warranty claim denied in the past.

Now, as for Maxlife, if Ford finds that the fluid CAUSED the transmission to fail, AND they find out it's not an approved fluid, then YES, they will deny that warranty claim. If they find that the transmission would've failed regardless of the fluid used, then they cannot deny warranty coverage.
 
Originally Posted by exranger06


You're forgetting the fact that Ford says that this particular transmission requires NO maintenance until 150k miles, under normal service. So the OP doesn't have to show ANY receipts or proof of maintenance for this repair. He could tell the dealer that he never did a single thing to maintain the transmission, and the warranty would stay perfectly intact, since that's exactly what Ford TOLD him to do.


Very good point. If that is the case then fine, OP has a magic bullet. OP can say I never serviced it, what's in the transmission must be the factory fill. He would be lying of course but let's go with that.

In that case all the Ford mechanic has to do is take out the dipstick if any or drain a small sample. Does it look like 93,000 mile factory fill ATF or like fresh ATF with only about 10K miles on it.
 
Originally Posted by kschachn
Originally Posted by wdn
Yes it is required for the Ford OCP used car warranty, to use the ATF that meets Ford engineerng spec. I posted the warranty, above where it says just that. The applicable Ford engineering specification is "MERCON LV" per the owners manual for that model year of the Ford Taurus.

So Valvoline is lying?


I quoted Valvolines own statement that MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF meets no Ford spec whatsoever, nor is it evalated or approved by any ORM, right on this page of this thread. Perhaps you overlooked it.
 
Since there seems to be some confusion over whether Ford has "the right" to deny a warranty claim, hopefully this clears some things up. Let's compare this to engine oil. Let's say you have a car that, according to the automaker, requires 5w30 oil. Let's say it's a basic economy car engine that doesn't have any special requirements or specifications the oil has to meet, aside from the latest API spec. (think: oil requirements for a 1998 Ford Escort). Now, the automaker isn't going to say, "You MUST use Brand X oil, or the warranty will be void," and they probably don't even care which brand oil you use. Just make sure it's 5w30, and you're good to go. Now let's say that, for whatever reason, you decide to use straight 60 weight oil instead, and on a cold winter morning, the super thick oil doesn't flow adequately and the engine seizes as a result. If the automaker finds out the wrong oil viscosity is in there, AND they determine that the engine failed BECAUSE you used the wrong oil, THEN they'll deny warranty coverage.

Now let's say that even though you're using the wrong oil, the engine still runs fine. But one day the water pump starts leaking. You could tell the dealer you use straight 60 weight oil, and that will NOT void the warranty. Because the water pump leaking has nothing to do with oil viscosity; it would've leaked even if you used the correct oil. Again, even if you use parts or fluids not approved, you can only be denied warranty coverage if those parts/fluids CAUSED the failure.

So, getting back to the transmission: Think of Mercon LV as 5w30 oil. The engine in the above analogy can use ANY brand of oil, as long as it's 5w30. This transmission can use ANY brand of ATF, as long as it's a Mercon LV fluid. Ford does NOT care which BRAND of fluid you use. You do NOT have to use Motorcraft brand. But you DO still have to use a Mercon LV fluid* (*see note below). If you put ATF +4, or Toyota WS, or a CVT fluid, or some other wrong fluid, AND Ford determines that the transmission failed BECAUSE you used the wrong fluid, THEN they'll deny warranty coverage. If it failed for some other reason, (in other words, it would've failed no matter what kind of fluid used, correct fluid or not), then they cannot deny warranty coverage.

**Note: When I say you must still use a Mercon LV fluid, I mean (more specifically), you have to use an officially licensed Mercon LV fluid. That's because Mercon LV is a spec that was made up by Ford. Ford is the one who decides what is and isn't Mercon LV, since they're the ones who invented it. An oil company cannot mix up their own batch of fluid using whatever ingredients they want and claim it's a Mercon LV fluid, *cough* Valvoline *cough* Maxlife ah-hem *clears throat* and expect Ford to just accept it, especially when Ford is the one paying for warranty repairs. But if it's officially licensed, then that means Ford actually tested it themselves, saw that it meets their specs, and approved it. Again, this is not the same thing as saying, "You must use Brand X." You can use any brand fluid you want, as long as it's an officially licensed Mercon LV fluid.

Maxlife, as we all know, is not an officially licensed fluid. Now that doesn't mean it's a bad or poor quality fluid. It simply means Ford hasn't tested it or officially approved of its use in their transmissions. That's it! If Valvoline wanted to, they could ask Ford to test it and license it at any time. And for all we know, if that happened, maybe it would pass all of Ford's tests with flying colors and exceed their specs more than any fluid before. Or maybe it would fail miserably. Nobody will know until it actually happens. And that's why IF the fluid was the cause of failure, or could've contributed to the failure, Ford wants to know if it was the proper (approved) fluid. It doesn't matter how many people have used it without problems. It doesn't matter if Valvoline "recommends" it for Mercon LV applications. I could pee in a bottle and I could "recommend" that you use it in your transmission and sell it to you for $6/qt. The only thing that matters is that Ford officially approves of its use in their transmissions.
 
Originally Posted by wdn
I quoted Valvolines own statement that MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF meets no Ford spec whatsoever, nor is it evaluated or approved by any OEM, right on this page of this thread. Perhaps you overlooked it.

I did not overlook that specifically. However, I did overlook something else which is the specific wording on the Valvoline PDS:
Quote
Valvoline stands behind all its products, including MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF. Use of MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF in transmissions where recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle's warranty. Vehicle manufacturers are restricted by federal law from including the requirement of the use of a specific brand or trade name of product or service as a condition of their warranty.

Note that it says they are restricted by federal law from "including the requirement of the use of a specific brand or trade name of product or service as a condition of their warranty" which is not what is being discussed here. We are talking about requiring a specific standard or approval which can be met by third-party products other than the OEM.

For that reason I think the manufacturer could deny a warranty claim. I think that's deliberate obfuscation by Valvoline.
 
Originally Posted by wdn
Everything in this forum is someone else's opinion, based on viewpoint of whoever is posting, including me.

If you're fortunate the Ford dealer will just give you another transmission with no questions asked, and good luck to you, that would be your lucky day. Let us know how you make out. It is not a new car warranty being discussed it is a limited warranty. People who are relying on Magnusson Moss act should remember this is a limited warranty with exclusions not a new car warranty. Under the act a limited warranty has different protections under the law. A lmited warranty just needs to clearly spell out limitations and restrictions, which the Ford warranty does

Here are some claims made by Valvoline about Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF:

Valvoline has conducted extensive in-house testing, independent lab testing, and field-testing to support MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF performance in the broadest range of transmissions; however, it should be noted that MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is not an OEM licensed product. The respective vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor endorsed MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF in these applications. If an OEM licensed product is preferred we recommend Valvoline DEXRON® VI, Valvoline ATF+4® and Valvoline MERCON®V for the corresponding applications.

Hmm Not licensed not endorsed, not evaluated by Ford even though Valvoline sells other products that do pass muster, only you chose to buy the one that doesn't. Note that Ford does not require you to buy their Motorcraft brand either but they have a right to set an engineering spec that the Valvloline ATF in question expressly does not meet.

Here is the the Ford limited warranty for certified pre-owned vehicles:

"7. Care of vehicle. Your vehicle must be properly operated and maintained in accordance with the maintenance schedule in the service guide, which is part of the owner's guide, for the vehicle. Proof of maintenance may be required in the event a question arises as to whether a malfunction is caused by a defect in factory-supplied materials or workmanship or lack of proper maintenance. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of the scheduled maintenance is performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering specifications. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance as specified in the service guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance. . Make sure that receipts for completed maintenance work are retained with the vehicle and confirmation of maintenance work is always entered in your scheduled maintenance guide."

So can you prove all of the following
1. That you have proof of maintenance, all service records on the transmission including receipts for the fluid
2. All materials used meet Ford engineering specifications — already failed that requirement
3. Does Valvoline ATF meet Ford specifications and can you prove it? According to Valvoline it clearly does not
4. Valvoline does sell products that meet a Ford spec but your MaxLife is not one of them. In writing, by Valvoline
5. Do your receipts if you have receipts, show. MaxLife ATF on them? Most likely they do if they are like any auto store receipts. They show an unapproved material was used for maintenance

Nissan is the worst when it comes to wwarranty work and didnt bat an eye on a new cvt during extended warranty. Tech took a ride with me, heard the whine and got the authorization for a new tranny. No service records requested...nothing.
 
Originally Posted by D1dad
Why would mx life void the warranty? Did it meet specs? An auto maker cant void your warranty for aftermarket anything unless theyre willing to provide it for free.


MaxLife multi-vehicle ATF does not meet the Ford MERCON LV spec. Valvoline does not leave it to the imagination or stay mute on it — they come out and say it is not certified or evaluated by any OEM.

Your other statement is off by a little. First of all it only applies to new car warranties. Second, Ford would only have to provide ATF if they required you to use their own brand, Motorcraft. They don't require that they require any brand of ATF to meet Ford engineer spec MERCON LV.
 
Originally Posted by D1dad
Why would mx life void the warranty? Did it meet specs? An auto maker cant void your warranty for aftermarket anything unless theyre willing to provide it for free.


Because Maxlife is not a Ford approved ATF. Ford clearly says in their owners manuals that use of a non Mercon LV atf can cause transmission damage, that is Fords way of saying use the Licensed fluid.. Maxlife atf is recommended by Valvoline for use in Mercon LV applications but it isn't a Ford licensed or approved fluid.

As for your last statement, aftermarket parts can void your warranty. Say your aftermarket oil filter bursts or the seal blows causing a major oil leak and your engine loses oil pressure. The oil filter failed and your engine is toast. The auto manufacturer will see that the aftermarket filter failed and your engine warranty will be denied. Now, if it was an OEM oil filter then the auto manufacturer warranty would be covering the claim.
 
Disagree on the aftermarket filters. If that's the case then the dealer better provide that filter free of charge. Magnusson moss act
 
Originally Posted by D1dad
Disagree on the aftermarket filters. If that's the case then the dealer better provide that filter free of charge. Magnusson moss act


Well sorry, the OEM won't warranty a non OEM part failure. That's what aftermarket parts have their own warranty or guarantee.
 
When i changed transmission fluid i was told by the guy at the auto parts store that max life was a recomended mercon lv transmision fluid. I should have went motorcraft. This could potentially cost me a few thousand dollars. It is my fault but i really didn't know the product had to be licensed or aproved by ford. The car shifts good but its got a bad whining noise comeing from the pump or torque coverter, i guess i will take it in to ford and if they deny the claim i will pay for it out of my pocket. Thanks for all of the feedback.
 
Originally Posted by Rw30707
When i changed transmission fluid i was told by the guy at the auto parts store that max life was a recomended mercon lv transmision fluid. I should have went motorcraft. This could potentially cost me a few thousand dollars. It is my fault but i really didn't know the product had to be licensed or aproved by ford. The car shifts good but its got a bad whining noise comeing from the pump or torque coverter, i guess i will take it in to ford and if they deny the claim i will pay for it out of my pocket. Thanks for all of the feedback.


The auto parts store was correct. Maxlife is recommended for use in Mercon LV applications by Valvoline, but it's not Ford OEM approved. As far as I know Valvoline does not even make a Ford licensed ATF. Neither Maxlife or Valvoline Mercon V (for older Fords) is Ford approved.

However, that doesn't mean it isn't a suitable product. And, again, if Ford can prove the failure was the fluid, contact Valvoline. They'll probably stand behind their product, as you can see by the statement on the last page of this document linked above: https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/3fa3136a-09bd-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by D1dad
Disagree on the aftermarket filters. If that's the case then the dealer better provide that filter free of charge. Magnusson moss act


Sounds easy but explain what you will do to get your free filter if the dealer says no.
 
Originally Posted by dogememe
However, that doesn't mean it isn't a suitable product. And, again, if Ford can prove the failure was the fluid, contact Valvoline. They'll probably stand behind their product, as you can see by the statement on the last page of this document linked above: https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...bd3/3fa3136a-09bd-e711-9c12-ac162d889bd1

But not by that one paragraph on the second page.
 
Originally Posted by wdn


MaxLife multi-vehicle ATF does not meet the Ford MERCON LV spec. Valvoline does not leave it to the imagination or stay mute on it — they come out and say it is not certified or evaluated by any OEM.



What is your information source that the chemistry of Valvoline MaxLife does not meet the Mercon LV specification?
 
Originally Posted by wdn
[
Originally Posted by askani79705
Originally Posted by MolaKule
Originally Posted by Rw30707
I have a 2013 ford taurus cpo car that has the 7 year 1000,000 mile warranty set to expire next month with 93,000 miles on it. I changed my fluid atf about 10,000 miles ago with maxlife atf that valvoline recommends. The transmission is making a whinning noise in park, neutral, drive and reverse. I have had two transmission shops look at the car. One said it was it was the pump which probably has a restricted filter and the other said it sounded like the torque converter was coming apart. My question is am i wasting my time taking it to ford for warranty repair. Valvoline says it will not void my warranty but everything else i read says if it is not licensed with ford then i have voided the warranty.


Yes, a whining noise would seem to point to one or both.

I doubt Ford will even take a fluid sample, but if they do tell them you want a 4 oz. sample as well for your own analysis.

Unless they do an expensive and detailed analysis, there would be no way they can differentiate between Say Mercon LV and MaxLife, Amsoil ATL, Redline D6, etc.

This, and keep your mouth shut about the Maxlife. Don't give them an out.


Ford does not have to do an ATF analysis all they need to inspect is the customer's own maintenance receipts that will show customer did not use a Ford approved, MERCON LV approved ATF — of any brand.



It is far from this simple the law is written and implemented to support the consumer. The burden is very much on Ford in this case.
 
Originally Posted by buddylpal
Originally Posted by kschachn
The ATF is not what is failing here.

And no, Ford does not have "every right" to deny your warranty by using Maxlife in this application. Where are we getting this stuff?


So with your logic, one could put ATF+4 in their Ford transmission and expect Ford to cover repairs when the transmission goes out? I challenge anyone to take Ford to court regarding denied warranty coverage from using non OEM approved atf. You will lose, it's not worth risking.


Simply stating warranty law does not work like this.
 
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