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VW Rabbit Basic Maintenance Questions

99 messages,  Last post on Sep 07, 2012 at 9:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Rabbit, Hatchback

Messages Page 10 of 10

#90 of 99 Re: Oil change [imgdoc] by jbaustian

Nov 27, 2007 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: imgdoc (Nov 27, 2007 5:57 pm)
I would not personally go to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. For that matter, I would not go to a dealership. I've done 20+ oil changes on my Golf, using a Pela 6000 topside extractor, so I never have to unscrew the drain plug. It's quick and easy.
 
The oil specs for my TDI are different than for the Mk5 Rabbit. But I think you can find a proper motor oil (5 quarts/liters) and a suitable oil filter for around $40. If you do the job yourself, then you know absolutely that the proper oil was used.
 
My point regarding Jiffy Lube is this: unlike other quick-lube outlets, JL should stock the right oil for your Rabbit and for my Golf TDI. That is not a guarantee that they actually stock it, or that they would actually use it. Nor is it a guarantee that they will do the job right -- their workers make little more than the minimum wage, and are pressured to work quickly so they can start on the next car.

#91 of 99 Jiffy Lube by sandman46

Nov 27, 2007 (6:56 pm)

Had a problem with them years ago using the wrong filter and have never returned...nor will I! I'd personally go to the dealer or find a good indie mechanic who will do the job right and have access to the proper equipment needed. And with my incident with JL, they wouldn't admit their mistake without giving me a hard time eventhough I had the paperwork to prove that only they had worked on the car since the previous oil swap.
Just a personal opinion though, but I'd stay away from JL!
 
The Sandman

#92 of 99 Re: Oil change [jbaustian] by jeffyscott

Nov 28, 2007 (6:13 am)

Replying to: jbaustian (Nov 27, 2007 6:14 pm)
If you do the job yourself, then you know absolutely that the proper oil was used.
 
Perhaps, but VW does not know that you did it right or on time. If you have the dealer do it you know you should have no worries with regard to warranty coverage, should there be a problem.

#93 of 99 Re: Oil change [jeffyscott] by jbaustian

Nov 28, 2007 (8:27 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Nov 28, 2007 6:13 am)
Just keep good records. Make photocopies of your oil and filter receipts. Document dates and mileage. If you are really nervous, buy the oil and filter from your VW dealership.
 
If you have an engine problem and the dealer wants to challenge your maintenance record, draw an oil sample and have it tested. A used-oil test costs about $20-25. If the used-oil test shows the oil is good, then it didn't contribute to engine damage.
 
I can understand why owners get nervous, they hear horror stories. But here's another horror story: a 20k-mile service performed at a dealership is $300-400. You can do it yourself for less than $100. And you can do everything is around 60-90 minutes. How much is your time worth? More than $200/hour?

#94 of 99 Re: Oil change [jbaustian] by jeffyscott

Nov 28, 2007 (9:27 am)

Replying to: jbaustian (Nov 28, 2007 8:27 am)
a 20k-mile service performed at a dealership is $300-400.
 
Excluding the brake fluid change that is time related, ours (on Jetta) was about $200 and would have been less if I'd have said "do X, Y, Z" (which is my normal habit), instead of taking the 20K package. IIRC, 20K requires only an oil change, tire rotation, and cabin filter, plus some "inspect and/or check" items.
 
The only 20K things that might affect vehicle warranty would be oil change and perhaps the inspections.

#95 of 99 Re: Oil change [jbaustian] by colloquor

Dec 01, 2007 (5:34 pm)

Replying to: jbaustian (Nov 28, 2007 8:27 am)
I concur with jbaustian . . . just keep excellent records. I would be willing to bet that an owner with mechanical aptitude will do the job better than the dealership. How many times have all us returned from a dealership with oil everywhere in the engine compartment, loose nuts, et. al. Frankly, I do all of the work on my car, unless it's absolutely something the dealer must do. I stay clear of them, as they've created more problems for me. Remember, dealerships generally don't used certified techs for oil changes . . . most often, it's a part-time high school co-op employee, or some other non-tech employee.

#96 of 99 Re: Oil change [colloquor] by bbrown1

Feb 28, 2008 (11:07 pm)

Replying to: colloquor (Dec 01, 2007 5:34 pm)
I agree as well. I have always done my own oil changes (I'm looking into a top side extractor) The dealer is a rip-off using fear to charge whatever they want, Jiffy Lube is IMO one of the top 3 most horrible companies in the U.S., an indie mech. is fine but to find a good one with time is a hassle.. I have only been commended on how well my car was maintained when it has been in for warranty work. Keep good records and motor on!

#97 of 99 How much oil for the 2.5 liter rabbit? by rabbitdriver

May 19, 2008 (5:49 pm)

I've had my oil changed at a dealer, more than one dealer, and both give me an invoice for 7 liters of oil. Is that right? Once, I checked the oil right after and it was over the full mark, so I got the dealer to take some out (even after they said that is was no problemo, contradicting the owner's manual, which states that too much oil can damage the engine).

#98 of 99 Re: How much oil for the 2.5 liter rabbit? [rabbitdriver] by jeffyscott

May 19, 2008 (7:48 pm)

Replying to: rabbitdriver (May 19, 2008 5:49 pm)
It takes about 6 quarts/liters, not 7.

#99 of 99 VW Rabbit After Dead Battery-- Help! by ellie_lewis

Sep 07, 2012 (9:05 am)

The battery in my VW Rabbit (2008) died yesterday-- and when I had it jumped, things seemingly returned to normal. However, my time isn't set right on it anymore in the dashboard display (how to fix??) and the center consol that controls all my audio won't turn on (or do anything/ the screen stays completely blank and unresponsive no matter what buttons I press). Am I supposed to reset something... follow some procedure, after my battery dies?

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