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Missing Fuel Filters

Posted 9 August, 2007 at 11:16pm by Michael Chu
(Filed under: Life)

So, last month I took my Volkswagen Jetta TDI into the dealer for its 40,000 mile service. As recommended by the manufacturer, the fuel filter should be replaced every 20,000 miles. The last week, I noticed a hesitancy during acceleration which meant to me that I had a clogged fuel filter. This was odd because I have the filter changed every 10,000 miles. I called the dealership to double check that they did in fact replace the filter and found out that they removed fuel filter replacement from the list of things they do on during service. My invoice clearly states that they fuel filter was part of the work order, but the adviser kept repeating that policy had changed but the computers hadn't been updated. I think it's pretty stupid to remove a required service, but they do it all the time. Brake service and coolant service used to be part of the service packages, but no longer. I do think they should have done the fuel filter replacement for free (they didn't, they gave me a token 10% off) for two reasons: 1) They put it on the invoice and I agreed to and paid a price with an expected amount of service and 2) having been told that it had been replaced, if I didn't know what it felt like to drive on a clogged fuel filter, I might not have ever found out that they didn't replace it.

I also noticed that they put in some fuel cleanser without asking (not shown on the invoice or work order at all). I found out because it was checked off on a maintenance checklist that I got with the 40K service (first time I ever recieved a checklist). Since I run on biodiesel, this isn't something I want added to my tank.

2 comments to Missing Fuel Filters

Terraunbound, August 19th, 2007 at 7:45 am:

  • Ever consider bringing this to the attention of the BBB? If its on the invoice, then its a binding contract… they say they performed xyz service but really didn't - doesn't matter that their software hasn't been updated; its a false statement. Its similar to having one price on a sign at a gas station and another at the pump. The lowest price is legally binding. Does head manager of the dealership really want their reputation sullied?

Michael Chu, August 19th, 2007 at 9:28 pm:

  • Here's an update - the service manager of the dealership called me (after I sent him an e-mail with my concerns) and "claimed" that they did replace my fuel filter as part of the 40K service and that my second filter replacement was unnecessary. Because of the unnecessary fuel fitler replacement, they offered to send me a check or credit my account with the full amount of what I spent for the new filter replacement. I accepted but secretly (or not so secretly now that I'm blogging about it) suspect that they did not replace the filter the first time and they just wanted to go on record as saying they did.

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