How to Conduct a Field Destroy to Satisfy a Warranty Application

In order to qualify for warranties from various manufacturers, you may need to field destroy the product and submit pictures. It sounds way cooler than it is, but it is so that the manufacturer can ensure that the product being replaced is in fact defective. The process is super easy if you just follow these steps. Before field destroying any product, please contact us to make sure that the product qualifies for the field destroy process. Not all products qualify for this.

If you have any questions about the programs, or about specific products, drop us a comment or contact our brilliant customer service team here!

OVERVIEW

In order to be eligible for credit, you must send us pictures that we can use. We need to be able to tell from your picture that they are indeed the products you purchased, and not counterfeit, as well as we need to be able to read the serial number (if applicable). If you cannot follow these guidelines, please do not attempt to use our field destroy-program.

General Image Rules:

1. One product per image

2. Images cannot be blurry, see examples below

3. Images must be taken in good lighting

4. Serial Images must be shown in the image (we also ask that when you send us the image to type out the serial number as well)

   
   
   

List of Brands Eligible for Field Destroy:

There are some exceptions to this rule, below is a table illustrating which products are acceptable for field destroy coverage, those that are not, and those that must be returned if not serviceable at home or an authorized shop.

HOW TO FIELD DESTROY PRODUCTS

You will not always need tools to conduct a field destroy. However, having a set of wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, a wrench, saw, or hammer can and should be used in some of the following instances.

If you are not sure what to use or how to destroy a specific bulb, please ask one of our customer service representatives.

GTR Lighting CSP Mini LED Bulbs:

These can be a little tricky due to their robust construction and no exposed wiring, but with some basic hand tools and determination, you can easily field destroy the CSP Mini LED bulbs. 

PWM MODULE:

Ensure we can tell what brand the Pulse Width Module (PWM) is, that we can clearly see the serial number and that the cables are cut off as close to the body of the PWM as possible. It should be obvious that there's no way to reconnect the cables to the ballast.

D1S, D2S, D3S, D4S OEM Style HID Bulbs:

Ensure we can tell what brand bulb it is and show clearly that the ceramic-coated return wire has been disconnected, or the bulb is otherwise permanently out of commission.

DRL and Fog Light LED Bulbs:

Ensure we can tell what brand it is, and show the bulb physically dislocated from the base.

HID Ballasts:

Ensure we can tell what brand the ballast is, that we can clearly see the serial number and that the cables are cut off as close to the body of the ballast as possible. It should be obvious that there's no way to reconnect the cables to the ballast.

When sending in your picture for this product, also type out the serial number in the email, in case it's hard to read in your picture.

S-V.4 LED Bulbs:

Ensure we can tell what brand the bulb is, that we can clearly see the serial number on the tag on the wires, and that the cables are cut off as close to the body of the bulb and driver as possible. It should be obvious that there's no way to reconnect the cables to the bulb or driver.

When sending in your picture for this product, also type out the serial number in the email, in case it's hard to read in your picture.

GTR Lighting Ultra Series Bulbs:

Ensure we can tell what brand the bulb is, that we can clearly see the serial number and that the cables are cut off as close to the body of the bulb as possible. It should be obvious that there's no way to reconnect the cables to the bulb or driver.

When sending in your picture for this product, also type out the serial number in the email, in case it's hard to read in your picture.

Flexible LED Strip Lighting:

Chop up the strip (any length: 12", 2 feet, 15 feet, etc...) into chunks to demonstrate that nobody would reasonably use the strip anymore and that it is in fact "destroyed."

Festoon / Interior Dome Light Bulbs:

Either break the bulbs apart with pliers as shown or show them installed and defective. Turn them on in your housing and show that something is not working properly to get credit.

LED Interior T10 Bulbs:

Most T10/T15/T5 LED bulbs are easy to break with your hands, but pliers can also be used. Separate the LED bulb top from the base and show that the bulb is appropriately destroyed.

HID Bulbs:

The only place you need to cut HID bulbs is at the base of the bulb. Don't worry about cutting up the harness.  Make sure it's obvious in the picture what the brand is of the bulb. If we can't tell, your warranty may be denied.

When sending in your picture for this product, also type out the serial number in the email, in case it's hard to read in your picture.

Turn Signal LED Bulbs:

Most smaller LED bulbs are easy to break with your hands. You can use pliers or other hand tools if necessary. This type of destruction is applicable for all Morimoto, GTR Lighting, Profile Performance, and Xenon Depot turn signal bulbs.

In your picture, please show the brand name of the bulb if applicable.

Conclusion

The field destroy-process is just one part of the warranties that we and the brands we sell operate through. If you would like to learn more about our warranty program, check out our blog post here.

You can also view our FAQ page, or contact our customer support at support@theretrofitsource.com, to get help with your product.

Meanwhile, you can also find us on YouTube, where we post reviews, tests, new product announcements, and more! Be sure to like and subscribe while you are there.