FAQ

Automotive Discounts free shipping throughout the continental United States. There is a 1–3-day handling time once the order has been placed. We use USPS Priority shipping to deliver all of our modules. This usually takes 1-3 business days on average and most of our modules are delivered to the customer in less than 5 business days. For overnight shipping we use UPS - please keep in mind overnight is an additional $89.00.

Yes, we ship to a vast majority of countries worldwide.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) refers to a unique code that is given to each vehicle. The VIN is basically a vehicle's fingerprint, as no two vehicles have the same VIN. A VIN is composed of 17 characters. Each character is used to reference the vehicle's unique features, specifications, and manufacturer.

The VIN is coded in your vehicles modules, more importantly in your vehicles security / skim / pats system. The VIN is what allows us to program the module so that it can arrive in simple plug and play conditions.

You can locate the VIN (17-digit identification number) there is a small plate on the bottom corner of the driver’s side dashboard you can see it through windshield. You can also find it inside the driver’s door. It can also be found on the title, registration, or insurance card of the vehicle.

While entering your Shipping information during the checkout process there is a text field titled "VIN" where you can add the number before you pay. 

n the event you missed that you can always email us at service@automotivediscounts.com - please be sure to include your order or transaction number.

We will be sure to send you a confirmation email assuring you we have received the VIN.

Core Policy

Automotive Discounts does not require a core return on all orders.

If a core return is required, it will be clearly stated in the original product listing or order documentation.

When a core return is required:

• A prepaid return shipping label will be provided for customers located within the 48 contiguous United States.

Customers located in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or any international location are responsible for all return-shipping costs.

• Core returns must be received within 30 days of receiving your replacement or remanufactured module.
• All cores must include the customer name and order number inside the package.
• Once your core is received and approved, your extended warranty will be activated.

Core returns should be sent back using:

• The original packaging when possible
• The provided return shipping label (if applicable)

If no core requirement is noted and no return label is provided, no core return is needed.

Core Condition Requirements

To qualify as an acceptable core, the module must be:

• Complete and rebuildable
• In a repairable physical state
• Not previously tampered with or heavily modified

The following will not be accepted:

• Physically destroyed modules (fire-damaged, crushed housings)

If you are unsure whether your core is acceptable, please email a photo to info@automotivediscounts.com before shipping.

A Return Request Number (RRN) is required for proper processing.

Items returned without an RRN may be delayed or refused.

U.S. & INTERNATIONAL ORDERS

• Return requests must be initiated within 30 days of delivery
• Returned item must be received within 30 days of delivery — no exceptions
• Returns received after 30 days are eligible for store credit only
• Customer is responsible for return-shipping costs
• For international returns, customer is also responsible for duties, taxes, and brokerage fees

RETURN FEES

Return fees are assessed after inspection at the sole discretion of Automotive Discounts.

Fees are not determined by the return reason selected by the customer.

Fees may include:

• Up to a 20% restocking fee
• Customer responsibility for return-shipping costs
• Original shipping is non-refundable
• $25 non-refundable programming fee (if programmed to your VIN)
• $50 key-replacement charge if included keys are cut, damaged, or not returned

RETURN ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for return, items must:

• Be in the same condition as shipped
• Not be opened, altered, modified, or tampered with
• Not show fluid contamination (oil, coolant, etc.)
• Not show signs of improper installation or electrical damage
• Include all originally supplied components

Products showing signs of tampering or misuse will be denied.

Installed items may be returned only if tested and confirmed non-functional.

Cosmetic condition alone does not qualify an item for return.

SPECIAL-ORDER ITEMS

Special-order products are non-returnable once the order is placed.

These items are sourced specifically for the customer’s vehicle and cannot be canceled, returned, or exchanged.

RETURN OUTCOME OPTIONS

Customers may request:

• Refund
• Store credit
• Exchange (availability & compatibility required)

Requested outcomes are not guaranteed.

Approval is based on inspection results, eligibility, and compliance with this policy.

WRONG PART PURCHASED

If the incorrect part was ordered or the vehicle was misdiagnosed, the return may be approved at our discretion and may be subject to:

• Up to a 20% restocking fee
• Return shipping at the customer’s expense

Confirm part numbers before purchase.

REFUNDS (applies to U.S. & International)

Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method when possible.

If the original card account is closed, a refund check will be mailed to the original purchaser at the billing address on file.

Refunds cannot be issued to alternate platforms (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, etc.).

Proof of identity may be required.

Refunds exclude:

• Restocking fee
• Programming fee (if applicable)
• Original shipping
• Return shipping

No refund is issued until the returned item is received, inspected, and approved.

PROCESSING TIMES

Refunds are processed Tuesday–Friday before 4:00 PM EST.

Requests received after 4:00 PM EST, on weekends, or on Mondays will be processed the next business day.

Approved refunds typically post within 1–2 business days, depending on the card issuer or bank.

Automotive Discounts offers a premium 5-year warranty. This is a one-time replacement with most modules. This covers manufactures defects or malfunctions. We only cover the module you purchased, no dealer fees, no mechanic fees, no tow truck fees. 

Warranty coverage varies by product and is based on the terms shown on the original product listing or invoice at the time of purchase, including purchases made through our website, eBay, or by phone.

MODULE WARRANTY LEVELS

Modules generally include one of the following warranty levels:

• 1-Year Warranty
• 2-Year Warranty
• 3-Year Warranty — core required
• 5-Year Warranty
• Lifetime Warranty — core required (Ford FICM / IDM)

Warranty covers the module only and includes one replacement if approved. Once a replacement is issued, the original order becomes non-refundable.

CORE RETURN & EXTENDED COVERAGE

Some products offer extended warranty coverage when the original core (the defective or damaged module being replaced) is returned.

For qualifying orders within the continental United States, a prepaid core-return shipping label will be provided.

International customers may return their core to activate extended coverage; however, core-return shipping is not prepaid. For any future warranty claims, all shipping costs (to or from) are the responsibility of the customer.

If a core return is required to extend warranty coverage, this requirement will be clearly stated on the product listing.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

Warranty does not cover:

• Labor / installation costs
• Programming fees
• Diagnostic charges
• Towing / roadside assistance
• Rental vehicle costs
• Shipping outside warranty terms
• Incorrect application or wrong part ordered
• Damage caused by improper installation, shorts, electrical faults, fire, fluid contamination (oil, coolant, etc.), water intrusion, collision, etc.
• Damage occurring during shipping to Automotive Discounts
• Normal wear, age, or non-warrantable core conditions
• Aftermarket tuning, performance modifications, or emissions-delete modifications
• Damage caused by external accessories such as aftermarket alarms, audio systems, remote starts, or other add-on electrical devices

CORE RETURN REQUIREMENTS

(Required for 3-Year and Lifetime coverage)

To qualify, cores must be returned:

• Within 30 days of receiving your order
• International core returns allowed up to 60 days
• In the same packaging/box the module arrived in

Returned cores must:

• Be the same unit originally replaced
• Be free of flood damage or excessive corrosion
• Not have been opened, altered, repaired, or bridged with wires
• Be free of severe physical damage that prevents evaluation

(Minor connector damage is acceptable)

Cores must be packaged securely. Modules damaged due to poor packaging (for example, padded envelopes) may be rejected.

REJECTED CORES

If a core is rejected:

• Extended warranty upgrade will not apply
• Standard warranty from the original purchase remains

Customers may request their rejected core be returned within 7 calendar days; otherwise, it will be discarded. All shipping costs for returning rejected cores are the responsibility of the customer.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Warranty coverage is dictated by the product listing or invoice at the time of purchase
• Warranty covers the module only; no outside costs are covered
• Replacement modules carry the remaining warranty term from the original purchase
• Warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser

COSMETIC CONDITION

Modules offered by Automotive Discounts may be remanufactured or refurbished, depending on the specific product. Cosmetic appearance may vary and may include minor scratches, small dents, or minor connector blemishes. Paid orders generally receive units with the best available cosmetic condition. Warranty replacement units may exhibit additional cosmetic wear compared to the original unit supplied. In some cases, a connector may be missing a locking tab; however, it will still latch securely and function properly.

These cosmetic variations do not affect performance and are considered acceptable under this warranty. Cosmetic condition alone does not qualify a unit for replacement.