Do Third-Party Alarms Invalidate the Basic Truck Warranty or the FordProtect Warranty & How's the Parasitic Drain?

[Jim Lewis]

Another dumb newbie question from me. Since Ford removed the intrusion/inclination detection feature from 2023 Lightnings, I am considering having a Viper alarm installed that provides those features. I was wondering if installing a third-party alarm is likely an excuse to void part of the basic Ford F-150 warranty or the Ford Protect warranty I bought through Granger (I haven't read all the fine print yet). I guess there's also the risk if the installer doesn't know his stuff, he can muck up my brand-new truck, e.g., he said the Viper alarm horn would be installed in my left front wheel well.

Also, I don't drive that much. About 3500 miles per year. With my 2007 Honda, I needed a battery tender to maintain the 12-volt battery because of the various parasitic drains. That car sat outside. With the truck in my garage most of the time, I probably don't need to lock it or arm any third-party security system, so that might help if a Viper system has little parasitic drain when turned off.

I searched the forum on "Viper," and there are no hits. Perhaps installing 3rd party alarms in F-150s is a road seldom taken? My neighborhood is pretty safe. The third-party intrusion/inclination/vibration detection feature would mainly be for traveling or leaving the truck in public parks while trail hiking, etc.

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[Jim Lewis]

The official answer from FMC on whether 3rd-party products violate your Ford warranty, copied out of a chat transcript from 5/17/23. Basically, consult a service tech at your dealer and even better, have them make any after-market modification.

James: Since Ford removed the intrusion/inclination detection feature from my 2023 Ford Lariat Extend Range truck, I wanted to know if I have a 3rd-party installer install a Viper security alarm whether that will violate my basic truck warranty.

Heather: I would be happy to look into this for you, James. Please allow me a few minutes to review my resources for guidance on this.

James: Thanks. I'm happy to wait for an authoritative answer.

Heather: Thank you for waiting, James. After reviewing my resources, this would be considered an after market modification. Ford does not recommend any aftermarket changes for Ford vehicles. We do encourage customers to have vehicle modifications performed by your local dealer. Additionally, Installation and use of aftermarket parts will not void the warranty, unless the parts used for the modification causes vehicle damage or Ford Motor Company parts to fail.
Modifications could result in the vehicle not meeting either Federal Emission Control Standards or any applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Heather: Essentially, we would recommend clearing any vehicle modifications through your local dealer, as they can provide further guidance on if it will void the warranty.