Probably a good time to catch people who don't bother changing diff fluid or trans fluid.

 

Very interesting question! I would think that this discussion only applies to the power train repairs needed. If you need new brakes I don't think they can force you repair that. What if you fail the state inspection for safety/emissions that are not covered by the power train warranty? As you say, if it's smoking and won't pass inspections, who foots the bill?

 

I remember reading that while maintenance is encouraged, it will not void your warranty unless it is the cause of the failure. So, if your diff fluid is sludge but is still in good working order, it will not void your warranty. That I do have a problem with because bad maintenance is a culprit, but i did read it in the warranty info on Dodge's website

Only issues that directly affect the Powertrain would be required to be repaired.
If the engine fails inspection due to smoking, that is something that would be covered under warranty.

 

I would expect only things within the scope of the original power train warranty to be covered. So if you have worn valves and they get into there to repair and discover excessive cyl wear for example, will they find it more expedient to just replace the 300,000 mile engine rather than keep taking it apart to rebuild a bunch of worn out things one at a time? I don't know the answer. Seems like at that point it is more cost effective to rebuild or replace the entire engine. Then would they do it again after another 300,000 miles? We may be the first owners to have the factory keep our power trains in order, until we die.

 

I was told that if the cost of the repair is MORE than the truck is worth hey would write you a check for the amount of your truck?
My 5 yr one up in Febuarey
2009 Rambox cc. 196,000

 

Interesting, this may be but I don't see it in writing. Did the dealer tell you this? Below is all I can find in print about the Chrysler lifetime warranty. The last line (What does lifetime mean?) is interesting:

__________________________________________________ ___________

LIFETIME POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY

The first of its kind to be offered by any automaker. Ever. Because with this warranty, you're covered, and it lasts for as long as you own your vehicle. A Lifetime warranty provides worry-free ownership for new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge owners.


Who Is Eligible?

You are eligible for the Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty if you are the first registered owner or lessee of 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle. Subsequent owners or lessees, even if they are within the same family or business, are not eligible. Successor business entities or persons to whom the vehicle 18 transferred by operation of law are also not eligible.


What's Covered?

The Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a powertrain component listed below that is defective in workmanship and materials. There is no coverage for towing in the event of disablement.


When It Begins

The Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty begins at the end of the Basic Limited Warranty.


Excluded Vehicles

SRT vehicles, Sprinter vehicles, diesel equipped vehicles, all Ram Cab/Chassis vehicles, rental vehicles and government vehicles are not covered. Vehicles used as a police vehicle, taxi, limousine, postal delivery vehicle, or ambulance are not covered by the Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty.


Parts Covered

The Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty coven the parts and components of your vehicle's powertrain supplied by Chrysler Motors Company LLC:




Gasoline Engine: ■cylinder block and all internal parts
■cylinder head assemblies
■timing case
■timing chain
■timing belt
■gears and sprockets
■vibration damper
■oil pump
■water pump and housing
■intake and exhaust manifolds
■flywheel with starter ring gear
■core plugs
■valve covers
■oil pan
■turbocharger housing and internal parts
■turbocharger wastegate actuator
■supercharger
■serpentine belt tensioner
■seals and gaskets for listed components only







Transmission: ■transmission case and all internal parts
■torque converter
■drive/flex plate
■transmission range switch
■transmission control module
■bell housing
■oil pan
■seals and gaskets for listed components only
■MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PARTS ARE NOT COVERED AT ANY TIME





Front Wheel Drive: ■transaxle case and all internal parts
■axle shaft assemblies
■constant velocity joints and boots
■differential cover
■oil pan
■transaxle speed sensors
■transaxle solenoid assembly
■PRNDL position switch
■transaxle electronic controller
■torque converter
■flywheel with starter ring gear
■seals and gaskets for listed components only
■MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PARTS ARE NOT COVERED AT ANY TIME







All Wheel Drive (AWD): ■power transfer unit and all internal parts
■viscous coupler
■axle housing and all internal parts
■constant velocity joints and boots
■driveshaft and axle shaft assemblies
■differential carrier assembly and all internal parts
■output ball bearing
■output flange
■end cover
■overrunning clutch
■vacuum motor
■torque tube
■pinion spacer and shim
■seals and gaskets for listed components only







Rear Wheel Drive: ■rear axle housing and all internal parts
■axle shafts
■axle shaft bearings
■drive shaft assemblies
■drive shaft center bearings
■universal joints and yokes
■seals and gaskets for listed components only









Four-Wheel Drive (4x4): ■transfer case and all internal parts
■transfer case control module and shift mode motor assembly
■axle housing and all internal parts
■axle shafts
■axle shaft bearings
■drive shafts assemblies (front and rear)
■drive shaft center bearings
■universal joints and yokes
■disconnect housing assembly
■seals and gaskets for the listed components only





When Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty Does Not Apply

You can not be covered by The Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty if you are a second or subsequent owner of the vehicle.


Inspections

In order to maintain the Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty, the person or entity covered by the Powertrain Limited Warranty must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer once every 5 years. This inspection will be performed at no charge. The inspection must be made within sixty (60) days of each 5 year anniversary of the in-service date of the vehicle. You must have the inspection performed to continue this coverage.


What does 'lifetime' mean?

Lifetime is lifetime.

 

This is just funning, but what if things are worn out but not defective? We'll get good coverage and Chrysler will take care of us that stick with the truck upkeep, I'm sure. It just feels like there are a bunch of Chicago lawyers around every turn.

 

I'm betting they will go with the odds and they will send you away until it actually breaks. The odds are still that you will get rid of the truck, killing the warranty, before anything breaks. Had a tranny shop tell me that the tranny had a couple thousand miles left on it due to the metal in the fluid but the warranty company refused to pay until it finally died on the side of the road. It cost them twice as much but they told me they play the odds and win more then they lose.

Just imagine how many 2009s have been sold/traded killing the warranty. It would be interesting to see the actual numbers.

 

On Monday the wife and grandson had my truck . They got back in it and would not start
It would turn over , but not fire
We have Geico ins . Called them and tow jam showed up in 30 min

Thursday got truck back from dealer
Fuel pump , and found thermostat gasket leaking
Covered under max care cost 100.00

They also did the 5 yr inspection , truck has 196,000
No notes from dealer on inspection

 

I must be coming up on my 5 year checkup as well. Do they call you, send you a post-card or is this something I have to be proactive and set up myself?