Another One For The List

[tim-spam]

As the warranty is about to expire, I will be doing all my own servicing from now on, as, each time my car visits a dealer, at least one thing is done incorrectly. So far, the full dealer service history has resulted in unnecessary aircon parts replacements (before which the system worked, after which it didn't, although after a further visit it did, and happily still does), creased sill, various pipes left unclipped, only 4 out of 6 fasteners on the undertray, both battery cover fasteners missing, etc, etc.

 

A few months ago, I pointed out that the fuel filter was fouling a couple of coolant hoses. Instead of just adjusting the fuel filter a little, they replaced the coolant hoses, but this time they were correctly routed well away form the fuel filter (so far, so good). However, I did not check their work thoroughly enough this time, because on my way home last night, the car suddenly lost power, emitting loads of black smoke and sounding as if the exhaust was blowing.

 

I pulled off the road, and opened the bonnet with the engine still running. What had happened was that the dealer had not correctly re-fitted the charge air hose, and had left the fuel filter bracket detached from the car body. The fuel filter had been resting on the charge air hose, which had blown off - hence the total lack of turbo boost, the induction noise and the black smoke. So, out came the toolbox, and all was correctly fitted back together in about 10 minutes and I was on my way again.

 

As I said before, I will not be paying the extortionate

[seatkid]

It comes as no surprise.

 

Garage servicing standards are abysmal.

 

No further comment....

[HJT]

The trouble is, not everyone has the knowledge, tools, ability or time to do the work themselves. It's about time the OFT and the DTI started slapping some heavy fines about. That might make the industry sit up and take notice.

 

Howard

[tim-spam]

Well, I completed my first major 20,000 mile inspection service at the weekend with no problems. The only thing I need to buy now is a lead and copy of VAGCOM so that I can download and fix any errors - for now though, the car appears to be running absolutely fine.

 

The lubrication part of the service was a doddle - how can the dealers justify over

[Guest blatters]

Where can I get some clear and solid guidance then on doing the basic servicing? I haven't seen the Haynes manual for the new type Galaxy - is there something on-line?

 

Blatters

[tim-spam]

The basic items to be done / checked are all listed in the service record that comes with the car. In terms of how to do the various things, I use the Ford Galaxy TIS CD and a workshop manual for the VW Golf IV. This forum is also a very good source of info. - eg: Seatkid's pollen filter changing instructions.

I hope this helps.

Tim

[JONESERIC]

Hi may I suggest a copy of the ford TIS, its fine once you get used to the navigation!. As an aside our Sharan was over filled by approx 4 litres of oil onits first service. The dealer instructed me to DRIVE it their workshop, I confirmed their orders and recorded the conversation! Whislt driving to dealership the engine disappeared in cloud of white and blue smoke; In short VW had to replace the engine and cat converter. I would say that a fair propotion of technchians are not up to the job, they are not trained and are certainly not intuative in any analysis of problems.

 

Eric :lol:

[steve67car]

:D just had a guy come it to work with a 360 mondiala[ spelt wrong i know]

oil and filter at gray paul main dealers so to get the book stamped

 

[Masked Marauder]

A guy I work with only ever has a basic service done at the main dealers, everything else is done at a trusted mechanics garage before the service.

 

That way he does not pay over the odds for anything extra they decide wants doing, but still gets a stamp in the book.....