(b) An initial seller of new parts who or which has established a policy of accepting the return of a new part for an exchange or a complete refund of the purchase price for a period of time that meets or exceeds the warranty period required by this subdivision, and clearly communicates such policy to consumers, shall not have to provide the express written warranty required by this section. 2. (a) If a part does not conform to the warranty provided in subdivision one of this section, and the consumer or any intermediate seller reports such nonconformity, defect, or condition to the initial seller or its agents or authorized dealers during the term of the warranty, the initial seller shall make repairs as are necessary to correct such nonconformity, defect, or condition and, if the initial seller is unable to repair such part so as to conform it to the warranty, it shall either replace such part or cause the seller to the consumer to refund the purchase price of such part to the consumer.

(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to any claim under this section that the nonconformity, defect, or condition is the result of abuse, neglect, unauthorized modifications or alterations to the part, improper diagnosis and/or installation, or failure of another part.

(c) Any person making a warranty claim hereunder shall retain the part which is the subject of the claim until the claim is resolved or until the initial seller shall request return of such part, whichever occurs first. The initial seller shall pay the cost for shipping to it any part it requests. Failure to retain the part or return it to the initial seller upon request shall be grounds for denying warranty coverage.

(d) No repair or replacement of any part under paragraph (b) of this subdivision shall be deemed to alter or extend the term of the warranty on such part.