Rodent Damage on wiring harness, warranty question

2983 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by BuckeyeQuickey, Jul 8, 2020

Roadracer_Al

Discussion Starter · Jul 4, 2020

Hello -- on our 2016 Sorrento SX, I recently had the CEL (check engine light) come on, so I got out my ODB2 reader and scanned the codes.

I replaced the O2 sensor which was indicated as bad, cleared the codes, but it threw the same code immediately.

About the same time, the hatch actuator failed, so I took it to my local KIA dealer service department.

They, too replaced the sensor with the same results. Upon further inspection, they discovered rodent damage to the wiring harness, and they sent me a photo of literally 2 damaged and one interrupted wire.

Of course, it's damage, not a MFG defect, so not covered under warranty, which I understand. I haven't gotten the quote for repair yet, but expect it to be $$$$$ as he suggested we try to get our auto insurance to pay for it.

I mentioned that I could easily repair that damage, and the service tech claimed that a DIY repair on the wiring harness would void the vehicle warranty as being "modified."

Is this true?

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DavesSpectra

· #5 · Jul 4, 2020

If you use the same gauge wire with similar insulating properties, solder the splices and insulate the repair to keep water out then I can't see how they could void your warranty... They would do the same repairs as you would ...Now if your repairs cause the dealer time and parts in the future then sure they could dishonor the warranty in JUST that area... You probably paid a diagnostic fee so they shouldn't act like asses ...They sould not turn in a warranty claim as they did nothing in warranty... Repair the wiring and re-tape it like OEM ...The next dealer will never know it was damaged and would probably care less... You need to find another dealer...
Dave

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