Understanding the warranty coverage for your performance parts is crucial, especially when you’re invested in upgrading your vehicle with components from trusted brands like ACCEL Performance Group. When it comes to enhancing your car’s performance, ACCEL has been a go-to name for enthusiasts for years. And with modern vehicles increasingly relying on OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) systems for engine management and diagnostics, knowing how your ACCEL parts are warranted in this context is essential. This guide breaks down the ACCEL Performance Group warranty, ensuring you’re informed and confident about your purchase and how it relates to your vehicle’s OBD2 system.
ACCEL Performance Group, encompassing brands like ACCEL, Hays, Lakewood, Mallory, Mr. Gasket, and Quick Time, stands behind its products with a limited warranty. For most products, this is a ninety (90) day limited warranty from the original retail purchase date, protecting against defects in material and workmanship. However, ACCEL also offers extended warranties on specific product lines, recognizing the importance of certain components in your vehicle’s performance and reliability.
Extended Warranty Coverage for Key ACCEL Components
Specifically, ACCEL provides longer warranty periods for critical ignition system parts, demonstrating their commitment to quality and durability in performance applications:
- Distributors and Starters: These essential engine components are covered by a limited one-year warranty.
- Ignition Wires: High-performance ignition wires from ACCEL also come with a limited one-year warranty.
- 275+ through 500+ Ignition Systems: For more advanced ignition systems designed for high-performance applications, ACCEL offers a limited one-year warranty.
Who is Covered Under the ACCEL Warranty?
It’s important to note that the ACCEL warranty is for the original purchaser at retail only. To ensure your warranty is valid, you must provide proof of purchase. This requirement is strictly enforced, so keep your receipts and purchase documentation in a safe place.
What is Covered Under the ACCEL Warranty?
The ACCEL warranty covers parts defective in materials or workmanship upon original installation only. This means the warranty is designed to protect against manufacturing flaws and issues present when you first install the product.
What is NOT Covered Under the ACCEL Warranty?
Like most warranties, the ACCEL Performance Group warranty has specific exclusions. Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is. The warranty does not cover issues arising from:
- Abuse, Accident, Alteration, Modification, Improper Installation, or Misuse: Damage caused by incorrect installation, accidents, modifications, or using the product improperly is not covered. This also includes damage from improper operational adjustments, tampering, or negligence.
- Repairs or Service by Unauthorized Parties: If someone other than ACCEL Performance Group or their authorized service providers repairs or services the product, the warranty is void.
- Incidental Charges: The warranty does not cover labor costs for removal or installation, transportation charges, or other incidental expenses.
- Consequential Damages: ACCEL Performance Group is not responsible for any consequential damages that may arise from the use of their products. This means they are not liable for indirect losses or damages resulting from product failure.
- Wire Set Specific Exclusions: For ignition wire sets, the warranty specifically excludes wires that are burnt, abraded, cracked, torn, ripped, cut, or otherwise damaged due to improper installation. Careful installation of wiring is crucial.
- Products Used in Racing or Non-Recommended Applications: ACCEL Performance Group explicitly does not warrant products used in racing activities or applications not specifically recommended in their official catalogs. Their products are designed for specific uses, and deviating from those recommendations can void the warranty and potentially lead to performance or safety issues.
ACCEL’s Commitment: Repair or Replacement
In the event of a valid warranty claim, ACCEL Performance Group, at its discretion, will either repair or replace the defective parts free of charge. This ensures you can get back to enjoying the performance enhancements ACCEL products provide.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
If you believe you have a defective ACCEL product covered under warranty, here’s the process to follow:
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Return to Place of Purchase First: The first step is to return the product to the original place of purchase. They are often your quickest route to resolving warranty issues.
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Contact ACCEL Technical Service if Needed: If you are not satisfied with the resolution from the place of purchase, or if you have questions about the warranty, contact ACCEL Performance Group directly. You can reach their Technical Service Department by mail, email, or phone:
- Mail: Technical Service Dept., ACCEL Performance Group, 1801 Russellville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Email: Through their website (www.mrgasket.com)
- Phone: (270) 781-9741, Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM CST, and Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM CST
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Do Not Send Parts Without Approval: Do not send any potentially defective parts directly to ACCEL Performance Group without prior authorization. You must obtain approval before sending anything.
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Send Approved Parts with Proof of Purchase: If you receive approval to return a part, send it postage prepaid to ACCEL Performance Group at the address provided above, along with proof of purchase.
Important Warranty Disclaimers and Legal Information
The ACCEL Performance Group warranty is a limited warranty, and there are other crucial legal points to understand:
- No Other Warranties: No other warranties, express or implied, apply to ACCEL products. This means the written warranty is the sole warranty.
- Limited Duration of Implied Warranties: Any implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the duration of the express warranty outlined in their policy.
- Limitation of Liability: ACCEL Performance Group shall not be liable for loss of use, inconvenience, loss, or any other damages, direct or consequential, arising from the use or inability to use their products, or any breach of warranty.
State Law Variations
Warranty laws can vary by state. The ACCEL warranty statement acknowledges that some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts. Therefore, some of the limitations or exclusions in their warranty may not apply to you depending on your state’s laws. The warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
Product Changes and Notices
ACCEL Performance Group reserves the right to make changes to their products without notice. Materials, components, specifications, colors, model changes, availability, and prices are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Emissions, Noise, and Safety Compliance
ACCEL Performance Group products are performance parts, and it’s the purchaser’s responsibility to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal emission levels, noise levels, and safety standards. ACCEL makes no representation or warranty that their products comply with these regulations.
Aircraft Use Warning
ACCEL Performance Group products are strictly not engineered or manufactured for use in any type of aircraft. They explicitly warn against aircraft use and disclaim all liability for any issues arising from using their products in aircraft. Ignoring this warning is at your own risk.
Conclusion: ACCEL Warranty and Your Performance Upgrades
The ACCEL Performance Group warranty provides a framework for protecting your investment in performance parts. Understanding the terms, coverage, and exclusions is vital. While the warranty has limitations, it reflects ACCEL’s commitment to product quality. By adhering to proper installation and usage guidelines, and keeping your proof of purchase, you can ensure you are well-positioned should you need to utilize the warranty. For further clarification or to initiate a warranty claim, always refer to the official ACCEL Performance Group warranty information and contact their technical service team for expert assistance, ensuring your performance journey remains smooth and worry-free, especially in relation to your vehicle’s critical OBD2 systems and overall operation.