Will Installing the Shark Fin Antenna void any part of factory warranty?

[macmaster05]

I want to order the shark fin antenna but want to know if it will void any part of the factory warranty (such as for the radio, etc).

Also, I'm kind of interested in installing these blue 2010 Toyota Emblems, and similarly, will this exterior mod void the warranty? And how difficult/ugly is it to take off the current emblem?

Toyota Prius 2004 ~ 2009 NHW20 Exterior Accessories :: Sigma Automotive You'll have to 'Find' "Heat Blue Emblem."

Thanks!

[Doc Willie]

In brief, no.

If a problem develops with your radio after you install it, the dealer may refuse to deal with it. However, they will have to prove that the mod was the cause (?Magnusson law?). It may be a hassle to go through that process, but legally, the burden of proof is on them if they claim the mod caused the problem.

The emblems are not to difficult to remove. They are held on by a layer of adhesive, which you can pull off with dental floss. Warming things up a bit helps. There are two nubbins in the back of the emblems that go in to holes to hold them in place. Get something cool to replace them:

[macmaster05]

Originally Posted by Doc Willie

In brief, no.

If a problem develops with your radio after you install it, the dealer may refuse to deal with it. However, they will have to prove that the mod was the cause (?Magnusson law?). It may be a hassle to go through that process, but legally, the burden of proof is on them if they claim the mod caused the problem.

The emblems are not to difficult to remove. They are held on by a layer of adhesive, which you can pull off with dental floss. Warming things up a bit helps. There are two nubbins in the back of the emblems that go in to holes to hold them in place. Get something cool to replace them:

I just called my dealer and asked about the shark fin antanna/warranty. he said it WILL void any part of the warranty associated with the antenna which includes the radio.

my question is, what other parts of the car are related to the antenna? he wouldn't tell me, didn't know. in fact he said he has never seen anyone do that prius mod. (bay area)

[Boo]

Originally Posted by macmaster05

I just called my dealer and asked about the shark fin antanna/warranty. he said it WILL void any part of the warranty associated with the antenna which includes the radio.

IMO, your dealer is an idiot or a liar or both.

[KK6PD]

Boo, you forgot... "Dolt"

macmaste05, I see you do not have a location listed, but a couple of points to consider.
If you live in a large metopolitan area, a Sharkfin will work OK.
If however you live in the Burbs or further out, and the station you want to listen to has poor coverage in you area with the standard whip, you can petty much bet a sharkfin wont hear it at all!
It all depends on A-Your location, B-The station ERP, and C-The stations footprint!
Basic RF transmission theory 101.

By the way you dealer is an , well Boo summed it up. It should have NO effect on you warrenty status.
It sounds like this is the kind of dealer who will say or do anything to get out of doing a LEGITIMITE repair job!!! Then turn right around and charge you up the ass for a simple repair job!!!

[bino]

Originally Posted by macmaster05

I just called my dealer and asked about the shark fin antanna/warranty. he said it WILL void any part of the warranty associated with the antenna which includes the radio.

look for another dealer... that dealer as Boo have said... is an idiot.. or a liar... or both.....

[bac]

Originally Posted by bino

look for another dealer... that dealer as Boo have said... is an idiot.. or a liar... or both.....

Agreed. However, those who choose form over function usually regret it in the end.

Read: The Shark Fin kills reception, but looks cool to some.

-Brad

[Boo]

Originally Posted by bac

Agreed. However, those who choose form over function usually regret it in the end.

Read: The Shark Fin kills reception, but looks cool to some.

-Brad

It weakens reception, but you're only going to notice that on stations that you normally receive a weak signal from.

I think it depends on the area and terrain where you live and drive, and the strength of the transmitting signals of the stations that you normally listen to.

I live and drive in and around New York City. 99% of the time I listen to strong signal stations, and I still receive those stations strongly with the shark fin antenna.

So for me (and I think many others), the loss of reception and function has been di minimis.

But for others whose normal reception of radio stations is weak or poor, the loss of function can be near total.

[Rokeby]

Originally Posted by bac

...those who choose form over function usually regret it in the end.

bac,

I beg to disagree.

To begin with, both antennas (ae) have the same function, to gather
radio signals. There can not be a form/function conflict.

On the other hand there could be a form/functionality conflict.
Functionality being used here as a synonym for efficiency. In this case
the functionality/efficiency varies with how far from ideal
the length of an antenna varies from know best length to receive the
signal desired. Neither the sharkfin nor the OEM is the most efficient.
But the OEM is longer and therefore more efficient. The form of the
antenna is inextricably wrapped up in its efficency. The sharkfin's
antennas would be no more or less efficient if it were not covered by
what some folks think is a very stylish "sharkfin"-shaped hollow shell.

If there is a conflict at all, it is between functionality/efficiency/form --
all being the same thing in this case -- and style. Efficiency can be
assigned a numerical value, perhaps the ratio of the available signal
and the portion that is received. (Input/output) But you can't easily
assign a number to coolness, to style. No direct comparison is
possible.

There are numerous posts/threads on PC that clearly say that the
sharkfin will most likely result in some reduction of signal strength.
Many folks, after analyzing their particular radio-related environment,
have decided that they don't need or want the OEM antenna. (Why?
pick one or more: Sirus/XM radio, books on tape/disc, iPod music, Pod
casts, whatever, maybe just a silent drive.)

I hardly ever listen to the radio. I prefer books on disc, iPod music,
silence, or conversation. I think the shape of the sharkfin is stylish and
distinctive. After reading many posts/threads I knew full well that the
sharkfin had reduced functionality. No problem. I have given up
absolutely nothing by opting for a reduction in the antenna/radio
functionality I virtually never use.

On the other hand, I get to smile every day at how stylish Amapola
looks to me with the sharkfin installed instead of the soda
straw/RC radio OEM antenna.

I have no regrets whatsoever in my choice of style over unneeded
functionality.

Also, my choice is easily reversible. Next week or next year, should
my needs/desires/taste dictate, I can just reinstall the OEM antenna.

One man's unanimous opinion.

[macmaster05]

Thanks for all the opinions. I'll let you into my world:

Reasons not to get it:
- I use the radio almost all the time (40 minutes to work and 40 minutes home) so reception IS important to me.

Reasons to get it:
-I live in the SF Bay Area (south) and commute to San Francisco for work. Radio reception is generally strong but how worse will it be with a shark fin- that I dont know.
-Priuses are a dime a dozen in the Bay Area. I love my dark grey prius, but I am young (23) and I want my car to be unique.

With that, this decision is quite hard. I am very open to more opinions and suggestions (especially from those in the Bay Area).