Re: ABS warning light!! -Reply -Reply

[Vojin Janjic <vjanjic@mail.state.tn.us>]

>>> <deecee@exit109.com> 08/25/97 08:50pm >>>

>>make sure that the
>>incident was documented BEFORE your warranty expires.  If the same
>>problem reoccurs later, VW should be responsible to fix it 

>generate a paper trail. However if the problem doesn't replicate it self
>within a normal period of time or miles when the car is out of warranty
>than the chances of VWOA participating is low. 

Don, thanks for your input.
I am not sure if different services and dealerships have different policies
when dealing with these situations.  What I wrote was based on
information I got from VW Service Manager in Chattanooga, Service rep
from Nashville and, most importantly, VWofA's technical representative
for South-East (based in Atlanta).

Here's an example of a problem, which, if reoccurs, should be fixed by
VWofA.  Power locks on my car worked hmmm... randomly...  last
winter.  Apparently, when it gets cold, my GLX does not like to be
unlocked.  Quite an annoying problem, I might add, when you try to tank
up your car (especially if the trunk is STUFFED with skiing equipment, so
manual release lever is even less accessible).

Anyway, during first two visits to service they gave me a "could not
reproduce" story.  They also tried to convince me that I do not know how
to use keyless entry and/oroperate power locks.  Whatever.

The third visit was a "full success".  Power locks would not work, no
matter what the manager or mechanics would try.  They took the car in,
but could not find out what was wrong with the system.  They just told
me to come again when it fails completely.

Next visit, same story.

So, it has never been fixed,  but it has not really been cold since.  I am
expecting problems with power locks this winter.  I am also expecting
VW to pay for the repair, whenever they diagnose it.

>Better check you >Warranty
>booklet for the items covered under the 10 year 100,000 you might be in
>for a shock. The same goes for the Emission Control Warranty. VW has
>been changing and deleting alot of componets that use to be covered. I
>guess because the FEDS have changed the standards.

I could check my booklet, but 
1.)  considering my low interest and poor understanding of internal
combustion engines, transmissions, emission control systems and other
components that make up my fine car, it would be rather pointless
2.)  in shock when compared to what?  I have no idea what the
warranty was one or two years ago!  Even if I knew, it would not make
any difference.  I'll have to live with it and trust my honest VW service
reps :-)

I just enjoy the car and hope it will run as great as it has been for the last
31,000 miles.

Vojin