GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: EricM on 06 February 2017, 08:29
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2013 Golf GTI PP, warranty expired in November :sad:
2 weeks ago the emission control light came on.
Took it to my local VW dealer (ordinarily I would've taken it to an independent garage as it's out of warranty but my VW dealer is next door to my work so it's very convenient) who diagnosed a bad exhaust lambda sensor and replaced it, cost me £239.
I've done 180 miles since and this morning the emission control light came back on.
Should I take it back to the VW dealer and ask them to try again?
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Definitely!
Aren't there more than one sensor for emissions in the exhaust? Seem to remember there are normally at least two and they may not have changed both...
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Yes, I've read that there are multiple sensors on the exhaust too.
They've definitely just replaced one as that's all that's on my receipt.
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Is it worth plugging it into a code reader to see (but not clear) the code and check if the same o2 sensor is showing a fault?
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Most cars have 2 sensors. 1 either side of the CAT I think. Get an OBD reader, then Google the code...
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The car needs a major service so I've just gone and booked it in to the VW dealer for that plus another attempt at fixing the emission control light.
Bracing myself for a big bill.
I might look into a code reader for the future as i've got 2 VWs in the family. Any recommendations on which one to go for?
To be honest I was a bit unimpressed by the dealerships diagnostics when I put the car in for the first time, they called me after an hour to say they were having trouble diagnosing what was wrong from the code reader and did they want me to continue!? Then after 2 hours they said they'd traced it to an exhaust lambda sensor.
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Previous Mini and VW Bora had emissions light and the dealer garages blamed the lamba sensor each time, as if by default, one even wanted to change the Cat Converter.
Both turned out to be back exhaust box replacements, diagnosed by a one man band independent whom took to for a second opinion and ended up getting the work.
Modern tech is great when it works, but when there is a ton of sensors and you are solely guided by plug in diagnostic tooling it makes the mechanic nothing more than a puppet.
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Probably not helped in VW's case by seemingly any warranty work needs the data uploading to the VW fault finding system and the part authorised by "smart" diagnosis software.
If the computer doesn't suggest the replacement part, VW won't pay for it.
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The car needs a major service so I've just gone and booked it in to the VW dealer for that plus another attempt at fixing the emission control light.
Bracing myself for a big bill.
I might look into a code reader for the future as i've got 2 VWs in the family. Any recommendations on which one to go for?
To be honest I was a bit unimpressed by the dealerships diagnostics when I put the car in for the first time, they called me after an hour to say they were having trouble diagnosing what was wrong from the code reader and did they want me to continue!? Then after 2 hours they said they'd traced it to an exhaust lambda sensor.
Did they charge you for the extra 2 hours it took to trace the problem? Sounds a bit suspicious to me. Would the diagnostics show what the fault was straight away?
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No they didn't charge me for the 2 hours it took to trace the problem.
Yes, I thought the diagnostics would show what the fault is straight away too but apparently "it's not that simple sir"
You live and learn eh
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If you are keeping your car long term then you need a VCDS cable
https://m.gendan.co.uk/product_VCHU.html
It will save you a fortune in diagnostic bills or at least give you a starting point. Plus you can code in any extra features etc
I've had my cable 10 years :cool:
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Update:
Car was in for its first major service today and to get the Emission Control Light (Engine shaped) looked at again.
Turns out the turbo needs replaced (shaft has excessive play and its using oil) and the other lambda sensor also needs replaced.
I was flabbergasted when I was then told VW would pay for the replacements and fitting on goodwill despite the car now being out of warranty.
Completely dispelled any doubts I had about continuing to use my local VW dealer for servicing!
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Update:
Car was in for its first major service today and to get the Emission Control Light (Engine shaped) looked at again.
Turns out the turbo needs replaced (shaft has excessive play and its using oil) and the other lambda sensor also needs replaced.
I was flabbergasted when I was then told VW would pay for the replacements and fitting on goodwill despite the car now being out of warranty.
Completely dispelled any doubts I had about continuing to use my local VW dealer for servicing!
Wow, excellent news.
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Result :shocked: :afro:
Just be careful they don't 'shaft' you when you return for something else :lipsrsealed: :grin: :grin: