20k Service And Oil Issues

[GalMan]

Just had my 20,000 mile service carried out by my local Ford dealer. When presented with the invoice I asked what oil had been used as the type is never printed on the invoice. "Oh the usual 5-30 sir" came the reply. I hope not I said as that's the wrong oil for the diesel Galaxy. She went off to discuss with the "technical" people and came back and said that actually they had used 5 40. I asked if it was Formula SD 5-40 as that was the only oil Ford use that's compatible with the VW505-01 oil. Yes, came the reply without a bat of the eyelids.

I suppose you have to have some amount of trust, but why can't they print the oil type on the invoice ?

A question, is the Formula SD 5-40 oil a semi-synthetic oil?, as that is what is written on the invoice.

When I had arrived home and let the car settle over night I checked the oil and guess what, it was at least quarter of an inch above the max mark. I phoned the dealer and the "technical" person said that it would not cause a problem. Why is it then that it is written on the oil filler cap " Do not fill past the max mark as this causes damage to the engine" I asked, the reply "Oh that's sort of just a precaution, but if you really want to you can bring the car back and we'll drain some off you" Which I am certainly going to do.

Do you think I am right to take the car back ? In their defence the overall service by the dealer was very good, nice clean car waiting for me, I just wish they could sort the oil issue out for these engines.

 

Galman.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Of course you are right to take it back and to get them to drain the excess oil out. This is garage incompetence and they should put right what they did wrong.

 

19-09-2004

Ford SD is the correct 505.01 spec oil for the TDI PD engine.

Edited September 19, 2004 by Ivor_E_Tower

[buford_t_justice]

Can confirm that Ford SD is a semi-synthetic oil.

 

The other stuff Ford do as a 5W40 is Formula S which is a fully synthetic oil but is not comptatible with the VW505.01 spec.

[GalMan]

Thanks guys,

 

You pay

[rwtomkins]

Yes, SD5W40 is semi-synthetic and yes you have every right to take the car back but frankly I wouldn't bother. I had mine over-filled by no less than 3/4 inch and was assured by AA engineers and Ford Technical Services that it didn't matter. The margin for error is apparently enormous and if there were any problems, you would probably have found out about it by now - weird engine effects such as over-revving or black smoke coming out the back.

 

I would advise any TDI owners having an oil change to supply their own oil and insist on having it used, otherwise most garages will use the 10W40 stuff they buy in bulk. Also, if you don't want overfill, check your engine's oil capacity and drain an appropriate amount out of the container before giving it to them, otherwise they'll just bung the whole lot in.

[HJT]

I supplied them 5 litres and asked for the half a litre back for top ups, that way you can at least see your oil has been used for something (hopefully in your engine and not someone elses).

 

Howard

[Taliska]

This makes me cry...

 

Dealer put the right oil in on the 2nd service - that's cos we went round to the parts department and got a can of it.

 

Only today when I checked the oil level did I notice that it was way over the full mark - have they put the whole damned can in???

 

Incompetent bunch. Ford really p*ss me off.

 

Volkswagen - why won't you service my Galaxy for me???

 

Taliska

[neilb]

Im confused now......... :(

 

What oil should be used in my alhambra plse?

 

Its a 1.9TDi SE 2001.

 

Should it be some of this semi synthetic stuff??

 

Also, there is a VW dealer on my doorstep, my nearest SEAT dealer 20 miles away. Would there be any problem in asking VW to do my services?? Ive already clarified that it would not affect my 24 month warranty.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

2001 spec 1.9TDI engine uses VW spec 505.01 oil (or Ford SD). Don't use 506.01 or Castrol SLX II.

Use VW-branded or SEAT-branded 505.01 spec oil from their Parts Counter, or buy from Castrol if you can find a specialist retailer who stocks Castrol 505.01 - yes it is actually called "505.01" (Catrol make the oil for VW), or use Millers 505.01 spec oil if you intend to buy it yourself from eg a local car accessory shop or motor factors.