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Unwarranted behaviour

I have a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 Diesel car that failed a year ago. The Renault Garage replaced the complete fuel injection system free of charge. I assumed it was covered under warranty or it was a known fault that they accepted responsibility for. The new fuel pump failed 4 months later. They charged me half of the cost (£500). I fought my case, explaining this should be covered as it was less than 4 months old and either the part or the workmanship must be at fault for it to fail that quickly. As I needed the car back I had to pay. I've been working with Consumer Affairs and the motor industry regulator since to see if I can get my money back. As part of that I just received a letter from the regulator saying the garage is now claiming the work was initially completed as part of their "goodwill program" and therefore they should not be liable for any faults after that time. Previously they had always said that Renault replaced the system under warranty, but the warranty had run out after the initial replacement and I should therefore pay for the 2nd fuel pump. If you have any info that could help me, I'd appreciate it.

Asked on 3 April 2010 by T.M., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
A replaced part is never warranted any longer than the original car was warranted. So if a car has a 3-year warranty and a part is replaced at 2 years 9 months, that part is warranted for 3 months. If a part is replaced under goodwill, then it carries no warranty at all. And a component like a fuel injection pump can be damaged by the fuel you use, either by mistake or by being incorrectly supplied. You might inadvertently part fill with petrol, the filling station might have some petrol in its diesel tanks, or the diesel might be contaminated in some other way, all of which could have damaged the pump.
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