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DIY Oil Change/Warranty Question

4619 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  TDIStevestr
I have been looking over the warranty and maintenance booklet for my new 2010 JSW and have a few questions. Many owners seem to be encouraging DIY oil changes as opposed to having dealer service during the "Carefree" maintenance period. Has anyone had a warranty claim refused because of a DIY oil change? What were the circumstances? Any stories? How best to prove that a DIY oil change was performed on time and done properly? Save the receipts, bottles, and simply fill out the service record in the booklet? Witnesses required? These booklets were reviewed by lawyers - best to know how to protect my (our) warranty rights in advance.

After having a dealer deny striping the threads of my oil pan on my old car (a Honda) during a regular oil change after they had changed it the last time, I'm leaning toward DIY for the Jetta. Besides, all the stories of wrong oil and overfilling for new Jetta TDIs have me a little freaked out. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
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I've heard second hand that they can't deny anything as long as you keep reciepts and a log. The dealer will give you trouble but they have to honor the warranty. Over the 3 years of free maintenance, it's 3 oil changes? how bad do you think the dealer is,, Just check the reciept for the correct engine oil before you leave ;)
Sure, you can use the dealer. Just be extra careful when you do. Check that they use the proper oil, the right amount, and seem to know what they are talking about. A good question to ask, (trust me) ask if they use 507.00 spec oil. If they say something like "huh?" I would steer clear of the dealer in general.

Good luck!
I have been looking over the warranty and maintenance booklet for my new 2010 JSW and have a few questions. Many owners seem to be encouraging DIY oil changes as opposed to having dealer service during the "Carefree" maintenance period. Has anyone had a warranty claim refused because of a DIY oil change? What were the circumstances? Any stories? How best to prove that a DIY oil change was performed on time and done properly? Save the receipts, bottles, and simply fill out the service record in the booklet? Witnesses required? These booklets were reviewed by lawyers - best to know how to protect my (our) warranty rights in advance.
It's good practice to document everything you do on the car, particularly if you plan on selling it later. I usually save the receipts for oil and filters, then write the time/mileage/maintenance done on the back, similar to how I document receipts at my job for expense accounts.


After having a dealer deny striping the threads of my oil pan on my old car (a Honda) during a regular oil change after they had changed it the last time, I'm leaning toward DIY for the Jetta. Besides, all the stories of wrong oil and overfilling for new Jetta TDIs have me a little freaked out. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Look on the underside of the hood in your JSW. There should be a sticker that says to only use VW 507 spec motor oil. Insist that they show you the bottles they'll use. The correct bottle will say something about conforming to VW spec 507. Tell them you want to inspect the underside of the car yourself before they put the plastic skid plate back on. Also insist on checking the oil level yourself at the dealership with your service rep watching.

I took advantage of the maintenance package. You pretty much paid for it in the price of the car. It's your money, you want to be sure it's done right. Nothing wrong with that.
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On my Audi A3 (being traded for the Sportwagen which I hope arrives any day), I let the dealer do all the free stuff and did the 'tweener oil changes myself - depending.

The savings were minimal at best, so it boils down to convenience for me, based on weather, traffic and my schedule. In other words, the dealer ended up doing lots of the 'tweeners too, which I paid for.

I don't see any reason to do it differently with the JSW.

Forum members' thoughts on this?

-dan
I took advantage of the maintenance package. You pretty much paid for it in the price of the car. It's your money, you want to be sure it's done right. Nothing wrong with that.
2nd, this is my feeling too. You paid for it and they should deliver. Just double check what oil they are using and the level afterwards!

danham said:
On my Audi A3 (being traded for the Sportwagen which I hope arrives any day), I let the dealer do all the free stuff and did the 'tweener oil changes myself - depending.
Is this a A3 TDI? Can you also look in the glove compartment and see if there is a cable heater in the Audi A3? Someone emailed me and said that their Audi A3 TDI US spec (located in Chicago) had a cable for a heater. I would like to confirm this.
Is this a A3 TDI? Can you also look in the glove compartment and see if there is a cable heater in the Audi A3? Someone emailed me and said that their Audi A3 TDI US spec (located in Chicago) had a cable for a heater. I would like to confirm this.
Sorry, it is/was a 2006 2.0T gas.

My last clatterbox [g] was a '77 Rabbit.

-dan
Is this a A3 TDI? Can you also look in the glove compartment and see if there is a cable heater in the Audi A3? Someone emailed me and said that their Audi A3 TDI US spec (located in Chicago) had a cable for a heater. I would like to confirm this.
The two US spec TDIs I've seen at local dealers both had heater cables, stored in a clearly visible pocket in the cargo area. They were both identically equipped including the Premium Plus & cold weather packages, so the heater may be part of an option package.

I didn't inquire as to where they plug into the car, as I'd probably forget before I take delivery on mine (just slipped 3 weeks to early February, due to parts shortages).
Is this a A3 TDI? Can you also look in the glove compartment and see if there is a cable heater in the Audi A3? Someone emailed me and said that their Audi A3 TDI US spec (located in Chicago) had a cable for a heater. I would like to confirm this.
The Demo A3 TDI here in CO had the cable included. Plugs into the front near the fog lamps.
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