Ford parts warranty - only if fitted to a ford?

GhostWKD · 28 Oct 2016 at 15:50

Hi guys,

Bit of a random one that someone might be able to shed a bit more light on.

I've got an alternator which was bought new from Ford in Jan & fitted to my Noble in Feb or March. It's now stopped delivering any charge to the battery, checked battery and all is good with that so it's definitely the alternator or wiring which I'll do some digging on at the weekend (already had a quick look and all seems ok with wiring)

Phoned Ford in the meantime incase it is a faulty alternator and they've told me that the part wouldn't have any warranty because it's not fitted to a Ford... Surely that can't be legal? I paid well over the odds to have a proper Ford unit and am not keen to be out of pocket for it.

Cheers,
Alex

Jamesyboyjim · 28 Oct 2016 at 15:57

Well maybe they could argue you aren't using the product as intended, but that would be a joke because its still doing the same job!

Why cant you just take the part out of the car and return it without saying what it was used in?

GhostWKD · 28 Oct 2016 at 16:20

Jamesyboyjim said:
Well maybe they could argue you aren't using the product as intended, but that would be a joke because its still doing the same job!

Why cant you just take the part out of the car and return it without saying what it was used in?

Yeah I was worried that would be the angle they went with, but it's fitted to a Ford engine (albeit modified compared to a Cougar or Mondeo)...

The latter point was what I now wish I had done - to be honest I was kind of hoping they'd order me one in if I phoned them in advance as it took a week for the last one to arrive.

Liquidfox · 28 Oct 2016 at 16:20

As above, I'd just take the unit out and hand it over to the parts department asking to return it under warranty. Unless you mentioned your invoice number etc they're not going to know it's you if you just walk in with it.

233 · 28 Oct 2016 at 16:27

2 year warranty on all genuine ford parts for defects.

pop off down your dealer invoice in one hand alternator in the other shouldn't be an issue

Gaygle · 28 Oct 2016 at 16:51

EDIT: Just read it again.

I suppose they'll make the argument that if it's fitted to another car, that car may work the alternator too hard? That is of course if you tell them it's fitted to a non Ford.

GhostWKD · 28 Oct 2016 at 17:06

The reason the non-ford car came up was that they told me I'd need to bring the car in for them to diagnose the alternator. Not letting the Noble go in there as I only let Jetstream Motorsport (specialist) work on it other than myself.

In hindsight should've said it was already off the car but we shall see where it goes as she took my details and will apparently come back to me.

jamoor · 28 Oct 2016 at 17:57

Things like alternators are usually repaired rather than replaced anyway

GhostWKD · 28 Oct 2016 at 18:39

jamoor said:
Things like alternators are usually repaired rather than replaced anyway

TBH I'd be fine with that. I think it's the regulator as it started flashing battery warning light only with revs at first, and then progressed to being constantly on.

Will crack on tomorrow regardless and check wiring before hopefully getting it off . I dislocated my shoulder 4wks ago so movement is still rather limited but hopefully I'll manage

tom_e · 28 Oct 2016 at 18:44

There's normally wording within a warranty about the item not being used in the way intended and this voiding the warranty. Unfortunately I imagine this will come under that clause.

snapdragon69 · 29 Oct 2016 at 10:58

Usually needs to be returned on the car too for diagnosis (as said) - certainly is the case on the VW / Audi small print. The part also needs to be originally fitted by the dealer or a VAT registered garage, not the car owner.

chaparral · 29 Oct 2016 at 15:57

GhostWKD said:
I've got an alternator which was bought new from Ford in Jan & fitted to my Noble in Feb or March.

I never heard of a Noble before

So I googled them

662 horsepower engine

0-60 MPH: 3.0 seconds

0-100 MPH: 6.5 seconds

Standing quarter mile: 11 seconds

Top speed: 225 MPH

http://moneyinc.com/fascinating-history-boutique-car-company-noble/

WOW there super quick :eek:

Don't know if your is the same spec..
Edit:Guessing your going have one something like this M12 GTO one with the ford V6 engine http://www.supercars.net/blog/noble-m12-gto/

GhostWKD · 29 Oct 2016 at 16:54

Well I got the alternator off today and will see how conversation goes with Ford. Won't buy another alternator from them though will go Valeo from ECP or similar. A bugger but not the end of the world if I get nowhere with them. A friend who's a salesman at the dealer I bought the alternator from has offered to try and have a helpful word also though which is a bonus.

chaparral, nail on the head with the edit

Mine's a M12 GTO3 (sadly in Vauxhall Yellow, previous owners choice)

Joe T · 29 Oct 2016 at 16:55

That is very cool indeed. :cool:

chaparral · 29 Oct 2016 at 17:24

GhostWKD said:
Mine's a M12 GTO3 (sadly in Vauxhall Yellow, previous owners choice)

That looks great

GhostWKD said:
Won't buy another alternator from them though will go Valeo from ECP or similar.

I buy a lot of these woodauto alternators & starter motors for the machines at my work place..
http://www.woodauto.com/

You can search your alternator by typing in the number on the side of your alternator on there website and it will list the price they sell them for..

Housey · 29 Oct 2016 at 17:26

Block exemption legislation means it is illegal for Ford to insist on their parts being fitted by their dealers. However you have a Noble so I am unclear on the law but I would suspect it's much the same. You bought a Ford part, used it as intended and it failed. To me it's clear cut and should be replaced.

So to your point what Ford told you is illegal and perhaps you should remind them of the 2002 Block Exemption legislation so they can correct their data...

Scythe · 30 Oct 2016 at 10:11

Housey said:
Block exemption legislation means it is illegal for Ford to insist on their parts being fitted by their dealers. However you have a Noble so I am unclear on the law but I would suspect it's much the same. You bought a Ford part, used it as intended and it failed. To me it's clear cut and should be replaced.

So to your point what Ford told you is illegal and perhaps you should remind them of the 2002 Block Exemption legislation so they can correct their data...

I wouldn't think Block Exemption is applicable in this case. Granted, he has taken a Ford alternator and fitted it to a Ford engine, but there's no guarantee that the engine hasn't been modified for the Noble. It could be running hotter as a result of a higher power output which could overheat and eventually fry the alternator, for example.

chaparral · 30 Oct 2016 at 14:41

Scythe said:
I wouldn't think Block Exemption is applicable in this case. Granted, he has taken a Ford alternator and fitted it to a Ford engine, but there's no guarantee that the engine hasn't been modified for the Noble. It could be running hotter as a result of a higher power output which could overheat and eventually fry the alternator, for example.

Also does a Noble even use ford own electrics & wiring ?

I.E the wiring that connects to the alternator

Doogles · 30 Oct 2016 at 16:02

I actually like the yellow, I do prefer the blue but it is more common.

nutcase · 30 Oct 2016 at 16:40

As much as I love nobles (never forget the blast I had round brunters a few years back :eek:

) I'm with Ford - the engine will spin up faster and possibly to a higher rev limit etc. - so the unit is being used out of what Ford will have tested it to. More power from the engine also means more current draw from the alternator as well.