Jeeps Canada - Jeep Forums - 99 Wrangler Exhaust Manifold Dead

Opps, I meant EPA rules ... (not EPS)

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vgokh4h1btss40@corp.supernews.com...
> Sorry to not simply have posted the link, but here is the entire text ot
the
> EPS rules for Emissions Warranty coverages. Sadly, it turns out that the 8
> years or 80,000 miles. portion of the warranty covders only three main
> parts, the cat, the ECU, and the OBD computer. It appears that your
manifold
> is not covered after 2 yrs or 24000 miles on a 1995 or newer vehicle.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> United States Air and Radiation EPA420-F-96-020
> Environmental Protection March 1996
> Agency
>
> Office of Mobile Sources
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> EPA Environmental Fact Sheet
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> EMISSIONS WARRANTIES
> FOR 1995 AND NEWER CARS & TRUCKS
>
>
> Federally required emission control warranties protect you, the
> vehicle owner, from the cost of repairs for certain emission related
> failures that result from manufacturer defects in materials and
> workmanship or that cause your vehicle to exceed federal emission
> standards. Manufacturers have been required by federal law to provide
> emission control coverage for vehicles since 1972. There are two
> federal emission control warranties discussed in this fact sheet: (A)
> "Performance Warranty" and (B) "Design and Defect Warranty". This
> fact sheet explains each warranty in detail, provides you with a list
> of some of the parts covered under these warranties, explains the
> procedures for making an emissions warranty claim, and answers some of
> the most commonly asked questions about emissions warranties.
> Finally, we will give you some tips on how to prevent future
> emission-related failures and maintain the longevity of your vehicle's
> engine.
>
> A. PERFORMANCE WARRANTY
>
> The Performance Warranty covers repairs which are required during
> the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use because the vehicle
> failed an emission test. Specified major emission control components
> are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles. If you are a
> resident of an area with an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program
> that meets federal guidelines, you are eligible for this warranty
> protection provided that:
>
> * Your car or light-duty truck fails an approved emissions test;
> and
>
> * Your vehicle is less than 2 years old and has less than 24,000
> miles (up to 8 years/80,000 miles for certain components); and
>
> * Your state or local government requires that you repair the
> vehicle; and
>
> * The test failure does not result from misuse of the vehicle or a
> failure to follow the manufacturers' written maintenance
> instructions; and
>
> * You present the vehicle to a warranty-authorized manufacturer
> representative, along with evidence of the emission test failure,
> during the warranty period.
>
> During the first 2 years/24,000 miles, the Performance Warranty
> covers any repair or adjustment which is necessary to make your
> vehicle pass an approved, locally-required emission test and as long
> as your vehicle has not exceeded the warranty time or mileage
> limitations and has been properly maintained according to the
> manufacturer's specifications.
>
>
> B. DESIGN AND DEFECT WARRANTY
>
> The Design and Defect Warranty covers repair of emission related
> parts which become defective during the warranty period. The Design
> and Defect warranty for model year 1995 and newer light-duty cars and
> trucks is outlined below:
>
> Design and Defect Warranty Coverage for 1995 and newer light-duty
> vehicles:
>
> * Emission control and emission related parts are covered for the
> first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use; and
>
> * Specified major emission control components are covered for the
> first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use.
>
> According to federal law, an emission control or emission related
> part, or a specified major emission control component, that fails
> because of a defect in materials or workmanship, must be repaired or
> replaced by the vehicle manufacturer free of charge as long as the
> vehicle has not exceeded the warranty time or mileage limitations for
> the failed part.
>
> Design and Defect Warranty coverage may vary depending on the
> type of vehicle you have (e.g., heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles or
> recreational vehicles have different time and mileage requirements).
> To determine the length of warranty coverage that applies to your
> vehicle, look for the emissions warranty information in your owner's
> manual or warranty booklet. If you own a California vehicle, you may
> be entitled to additional warranty coverage.
>
> The owner's manual or warranty booklet will also provide you with
> guidance on the procedures for obtaining warranty coverage. If you
> have questions about the emissions warranties on your vehicle or need
> help in filing a warranty claim, contact your local car dealer or the
> manufacturer's zone or regional representative listed in your owner's
> manual or warranty booklet.
>
> What Emission Control and Emission Related Parts Are Covered by The
> Design and Defect Warranty?
>
> An emission control part is any part installed with the primary
> purpose of controlling emissions. An emission related part is any
> part that has an effect on emissions. Listed below are some examples
> of parts or systems which fall under these definitions. A more
> complete list can be found in your owner's manual/warranty booklet.
> If any of the parts listed below fail to function or function
> improperly because of a defect in materials or workmanship, causing
> your vehicle to exceed federal emission standards, they should be
> repaired or replaced under the emissions warranty if your vehicle is
> less than 2 years old and has been driven less than 24,000 miles. One
> manufacturer may use more parts than another, so the following list is
> not complete for all vehicles.
>
>
> EMISSION CONTROL PARTS
>
> Exhaust Gas Conversion Systems
>
> oxygen sensor thermal reactor
> catalytic converter dual-walled exhaust pipe
>
> Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
>
> EGR valve thermal vacuum switch
> EGR solenoid EGR spacer plate
> EGR backpressure transducer Sensor and switches use to
> control EGR flow
>
> Evaporative Emission Control System
>
> purge valve fuel filler cap
> purge solenoid vapor storage canister and filter
>
> Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
>
> PCV valve PCV solenoid
>
> Air Injection System
>
> Air pump diverter, bypass, or gulp valve
> reed valve anti-backfire or deceleration
valve
>
> Early Fuel Evaporative (EFE) System
>
> EFE valve thermal vacuum switch
> heat riser valve
>
> Fuel Metering System
>
> electronic control module (unit) or EFI air flow meter, computer
> command module or mixture control unit, deceleration controls,
> electronic choke, fuel injectors, fuel injection units and fuel
> altitude compensator sensor, bars or rails for EFI or TBI systems,
> mixture settings on sealed fuel mixture control solenoid, diaphragm
> or other systems, fuel metering components that achieve
closed/other
> feedback control sensors/loop operation switches and valves
>
> Air Induction System
>
> thermostatically controlled air cleaner, air box
>
> Ignition Systems
>
> electronic spark advance timing advance/retard systems,
> high energy electronic ignition
>
> Miscellaneous Parts
>
> hoses, gaskets, brackets, clamps and other accessories used in the
> above systems
>
>
> EMISSION RELATED PARTS
>
> These are examples of other parts of your vehicle which have a
> primary purpose other than emissions control but which nevertheless
> have significant effects on your vehicle's emissions. If any of these
> parts fail to function or function improperly, your vehicle's
> emissions may exceed federal standards. Therefore, when any of the
> parts of the following systems are defective in materials or
> workmanship and have failed in a way that would be likely to cause
> your vehicle's emissions to exceed federal standards, they should be
> repaired or replaced under the emissions warranty:
>
> Fuel Injection System
>
> fuel distributor
>
> Air Induction System
>
> turbocharger intake manifold
>
> Exhaust System
>
> exhaust manifold
>
> Ignition System
>
> distributor spark plugs
> ignition wires and coil
>
> Miscellaneous Parts
>
> hoses, gaskets, brackets, clamps, and other accessories used in
> the above systems.
>
>
> What Are Specified Major Emission Control Components?
>
> There are three specified major emission control components,
> covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use on 1995
> and newer vehicles:
>
> * Catalytic converters.
>
> * The electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU).
>
> * The onboard emissions diagnostic device or computer (OBD).
>
> Catalytic converters are critical emission control components
> that have been installed on most cars and trucks manufactured since
> 1975. Since engines don't burn fuel completely during the combustion
> process, the exhaust contains a significant amount of harmful
> pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of
> nitrogen. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these
> pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water
> vapor, nitrogen, and oxygen before the exhaust is expelled into the
> environment.
>
> The electronic emissions control unit or computer monitors
> certain powertrain functions and controls various operating parameters
> to help the vehicle run efficiently and with the lowest possible
> emissions. Ignition, transmission function, air injection, exhaust
> gas recirculation (EGR), engine operating temperature and fuel system
> parameters are some of the systems monitored and/or controlled by the
> electronic emissions control unit.
>
> The onboard emissions diagnostic device monitors the operation of
> a vehicle's emission control system and alerts the driver with a
> dashboard light when malfunctions occur. The system will record where
> the problem is occurring and assist automotive technicians in
> diagnosing and repairing emission control malfunctions. Since some
> emission control malfunctions do not have an adverse effect on vehicle
> performance, they can go undetected by the driver for quite some time.
> The onboard diagnostic device will help catch malfunctions early,
> preventing a significant output of harmful exhaust emissions from your
> vehicle, and possibly in time to be covered by the emissions control
> warranty. Often this "device" is part of the electronic control unit
> mentioned above.
>
> In the future, there may be other parts or components that
> qualify for this coverage. Check your owner's manual or warranty book
> for possible additional coverage.
>
>
> How Long Do the Emissions Warranties Apply to Individual Parts of My
> Vehicle?
>
> For 1995 and newer model year vehicles, emission control and
> emission related parts are warranted for the first 2 years or 24,000
> miles of vehicle use. Specified major emission-control components are
> warranted for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use.
>
> Parts with a stated replacement interval, such as, "replace at
> 15,000 miles or 12 months," are warranted up to the first replacement
> point only.
>
>
> How Do I Know Whether I Am Entitled to Coverage Under the Emissions
> Warranties?
>
> If you or a qualified automotive technician can show that an
> emission control or emission related component, or a specified major,
> emission-control component, is defective, the repair or replacement of
> the part is probably covered under the Design and Defect warranty. If
> your vehicle failed a federally approved emissions test and has not
> exceeded the time and mileage limitations for the Performance
> warranty, any repairs or adjustments necessary for your vehicle to
> pass should be covered by the manufacturer if the failure was not
> caused by improper maintenance or abuse. When you believe you have
> identified a defective part, or your vehicle fails an emission test,
> you should follow the procedures for making a warranty claim as
> identified by the manufacturer in your owner's manual or warranty
> booklet. When taking your vehicle in to have repairs performed under
> the Performance Warranty, be sure to have with you a copy of the I/M
> test report as proof of your emissions test failure.
>
>
> May I Have My Regular Repair Facility Perform Warranty Repairs?
>
> If you plan to have the manufacturer pay for a repair under
> either of the emissions warranties, you must take the vehicle to a
> facility authorized by the vehicle manufacturer for repair to give
> them the opportunity to diagnose and repair it. Note that if your
> regular repair facility is not authorized by the vehicle manufacturer,
> they are not obligated to advise you of parts that are covered under
> warranty. Before giving your automotive technician the "go ahead" to
> perform repairs, check your owner's manual/warranty booklet for
> possible warranty coverage.
>
>
> Do the Emissions Warranties Apply to Used Vehicles?
>
> Yes. It does not matter if you bought your vehicle new or used
> from a dealer or anyone else. As long as the vehicle has not exceeded
> the warranty time or mileage limitations, these warranties apply.
>
> IMPORTANT NOTE: Before buying a used vehicle, be sure that all of
> the emission control components as originally installed by the
> manufacturer are present and functioning properly. If emission
> control components are missing or have been tampered with, or the
> configuration of the exhaust system has been changed, the emissions
> warranties on this vehicle may be void. In addition, if you live in
> an area with an I/M program, the vehicle will probably not pass
> inspection and you will incur the expense of parts or repairs
> necessary for the vehicle to pass.
>
>
> Can Any Portion of An Emissions Warranty Repair Be Charged to Me?
>
> If you have valid warranty claim, you cannot be charged for any
> costs associated with the diagnosis or repair of the problem,
> including labor charges, parts, or miscellaneous items that are
> necessary to complete the repair. For example, if a manufacturer
> agrees to replace a catalytic converter under the emissions warranty,
> you should not be charged for the diagnosis of the bad converter, or
> any pipes, brackets, adjustments, or labor needed to complete the
> replacement.
>
>
> What Reasons Can the Manufacturer Use to Deny a Warranty Claim?
>
> If your vehicle is within the age and mileage limits for the
> applicable emissions warranty, the manufacturer can only deny coverage
> if evidence shows that you have failed to properly maintain and use
> your vehicle, causing the part or emission test failure. Some
> examples of misuse and malmaintenance include the following:
>
> * vehicle abuse such as off-road driving or overloading; or
>
> * tampering with emission control parts or systems, including
> removal or intentional damage of such parts or systems; or
>
> * improper maintenance, including failure to follow maintenance
> schedules and instructions specified by manufacturer, or use of
> replacement parts which are not equivalent to the originally
> installed parts.
>
>
> What Should I Do If My First Attempt to Obtain Warranty Coverage Is
> Denied?
>
> If your first attempt to receive emissions warranty coverage is
> denied, you should do the following:
>
> 1) Ask for a detailed explanation, in writing as to why emissions
> warranty coverage was denied; and
>
> 2) Ask for the name(s) of the person(s) involved in the decision
> to deny coverage, including anyone from the manufacturer's
> regional or zone office; and
>
> 3) Ask for the name(s) of the person(s) with the manufacturer you
> should contact to appeal the denial of coverage under the
> emissions warranty.
>
> 4) Contact and, if necessary, write to the person mentioned above
> requesting coverage and giving the basis for your request. Repeat
> and continue the appeal process until you are satisfied or have
> exhausted all means of appeal.
>
>
> What If the Dealer Claims That My Vehicle Can Pass the I/M Test
> Without Repair?
>
> The law does not require that you fail every I/M test in order to
> trigger the warranty. If a valid test shows that you have an emission
> problem or there is a defective part, you should get it fixed, while
> your vehicle is still within the warranty period. Otherwise, you
> might fail a future test because of the same problem and have to pay
> for the repair yourself. If you doubt your original test results or
> the dealer's results or diagnosis, you can always get another opinion
> from another dealer or your I/M program.
>
>
> How Can Maintenance Affect My Emission Warranty Coverage?
>
> Performance and the cost of scheduled maintenance are your
> responsibility. You may either perform scheduled maintenance yourself
> or have a qualified repair facility perform it for you.
>
> If a part fails as a direct result of your vehicle not being
> properly maintained or being used in a manner inconsistent with the
> manufacturer's recommendations, or a part fails as a result of the
> vehicle being involved in an accident, the manufacturer may not be
> required to repair or replace the failed part under warranty. For
> example, failure to replace the spark plugs at the intervals specified
> in the maintenance schedule can lead to misfiring and eventual damage
> to your catalytic converter - a very expensive part to replace. If
> the maintenance is not performed properly as recommended, the
> manufacturer may deny warranty coverage.
>
> To ensure maximum air pollution reduction from the emission
> control system, as well as to ensure continued warranty coverage,
> better gas mileage and performance, and longer vehicle life, you
> should have all maintenance performed as recommended by the
> manufacturer's schedule. A list of scheduled maintenance for your
> vehicle can be found in the owner's manual or warranty booklet.
>
>
> Do I Have to Show Any Maintenance Receipts Before I Can Make an
> Emissions Warranty Claim?
>
> No. Proof of maintenance is not required in order to obtain
> coverage under the emissions warranty if an emission control or
> emission related component, or a specified major emission control
> component, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
> However, when it is likely that the lack of proper maintenance has
> caused the particular part to fail, you may be asked to show that
> scheduled maintenance was performed.
>
> If you perform scheduled maintenance yourself, you should keep a
> detailed log of work performed and any receipts for parts purchased to
> perform the maintenance. In some instances, you may be asked to
> qualify your ability to perform such maintenance. Vehicles should
> always be maintained according to manufacturers' specifications.
>
>
> Are Dealers the Only Persons Allowed to Perform Scheduled Maintenance
> Recommended by the Manufacturer?
>
> No. Scheduled maintenance may be performed by anyone who has the
> knowledge and ability to perform the maintenance and repair. You may
> even maintain the vehicle yourself, as long as the maintenance is
> performed according to the manufacturer's instructions provided with
> the vehicle.
>
> For your protection, before taking your vehicle to a repair
> facility to have any maintenance performed, check your maintenance
> booklet and make a list of the scheduled maintenance to be performed
> at that time. We suggest that you present this list to your auto
> technician as opposed to merely asking for a "tune-up" or a "12,000
> miles servicing." Your receipt should list all the maintenance
> performed and should be kept for your records.
>
> If you maintain the vehicle yourself, you should keep receipts
> for parts and a maintenance log to verify your work.
>
>
> If I Need Replacement Parts, Must I Use the Vehicle Manufacturer's
> Parts Only?
>
> No. A manufacturer cannot require the use of any specific brand
> of parts in the maintenance of your vehicle. However, the
> manufacturer can require you to use parts that are of equal quality to
> the original parts.
>
>
> If I Buy a Used Vehicle, How Do I Know Whether It Has Been Maintained
> According to The Maintenance Schedule?
>
> The best way to learn whether the vehicle has been maintained
> according to its schedule is to ask the seller for receipts proving
> that all of the scheduled maintenance was performed. Having the
> receipts on hand will provide necessary evidence if the question of
> maintenance arises when considering repairs under warranty. To
> prevent any loss of your vehicle's emission performance, you should
> continue to follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual or
> warranty booklet.
>
> If the seller does not have the owner's manual, warranty booklet
> or maintenance schedule, you can obtain them from the manufacturer.
>
>
> How Will I Know If My Claim Has Been Accepted As Valid?
>
> After you present your vehicle for a Performance Warranty claim,
> the manufacturer has 30 days to either repair the vehicle or notify
> you in writing that the claim has been denied. If you are making a
> Performance Warranty claim and your I/M program imposes a shorter
> repair deadline, the manufacturer must meet the deadline. Because of
> the significance of these deadlines, you should get written
> verification from the dealer showing that they acknowledge the date by
> which repairs must be made.
>
> There are no specific requirements for Defect Warranty claims,
> however, manufacturer responses should be made within a reasonable
> time period.
>
>
> What Happens If the Manufacturer Does Not Respond to My Performance
> Warranty Claim Within the 30-Day Deadline?
>
> You may agree to extend the deadline, or it will be automatically
> extended if the delay was beyond the control of the manufacturer.
> Otherwise, a missed deadline means the manufacturer forfeits the right
> to deny the claim. You may then have the repair performed at a
> facility of your choice, at the manufacturer's expense. (This
> requirement only applies to Performance Warranty claims.)
>
>
> What Do I Do If the Manufacturer Will Not Honor What I Believe to Be a
> Valid Emissions Warranty Claim?
>
> If you believe the manufacturer has not honored a valid claim and
> your vehicle has not exceeded the time and mileage limitations, you
> should contact an authorized warranty representative and follow the
> procedures outlined in your owner's manual or warranty booklet. If the
> authorized dealer denies your warranty claim, contact the
> manufacturer's regional or zone office for further assistance. If you
> are still not satisfied, follow the appeals procedure outlined in your
> manual or warranty booklet.
>
> Of course, you are entitled to pursue any independent legal
> actions you consider appropriate to obtain coverage under the
> emissions warranties. In addition, the Environmental Protection
> Agency (EPA) is authorized to investigate the failure of manufacturers
> to comply with the terms of these warranties. If you have followed
> the manufacturer's procedures (including those for appeals) for making
> a warranty claim as set out in your owner's manual or warranty
> booklet, have received a written denial and you are not satisfied with
> the manufacturer's determination, you may submit a letter to EPA at
> the following address. It should provide details of the situation
> including the basis for the claim, a copy of the written denial,
> copies of your letters to the manufacturers, and copies of any
> receipts for emission control parts and repairs you have paid for:
>
> U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
> Vehicle Programs & Compliance Division (6405J)
> Attn: Warranty Complaints
> 401 M Street, SW
> Washington, DC 20460
>
> Other sources of assistance may be your local or State consumer
> protection agency or office of the Attorney General. You also should
> be aware that low-cost or free legal assistance may be available
> through a local legal aid office, the State bar association, or a law
> school clinic staffed by law students.
>
>
> In Summary
>
> If an emission control or emission related part, or a specified
> major emission control component is defective, or if your vehicle
> fails an I/M test, and your vehicle is within the time and mileage
> limitations for emissions warranty coverage:
>
> * Present a warranty claim to an authorized warranty representative.
>
> If your warranty claim is denied:
>
> * Ask for the reason for denial, in writing.
>
> * Follow the appeal procedures in your owner's manual.
>
> If you are not satisfied with the manufacturer's decision:
>
> * Contact the EPA, which will investigate the denial of a
> valid emissions warranty complaint.
>
> Keep This With Your Vehicle for Future Reference.
>
>
>
> "Brice" <bricet@chartermi.net> wrote in message
> news:befe71$1ngq$1@msunews.cl.msu.edu...
> > Have a 99 Wrangler 4.0 38,00k that has started sounding loud as a
Cessna
> > Skyhawk. Annoying to the extreme. Thought it was the muffler so took it
> in,
> > and low and behold, the exhaust manifold has a crack or hole in it
> > somewhere. That is a 1000$ repair. Parts guy at the dealer said it
> shouldn't
> > have failed, and to try to get it covered under the expired warranty.
Any
> > opinions? How unusual is this? Any advice appreciated. B
> >
> >
>
>