NineHighline
Member
I'm new to this whole forum thing but I just have to share my TDI problem with others who can understand and relate. My car has 11,000 km's and at about 10,000 km the lift pump started to make a lot of noise (high pitched whine). I figured maybe it was just a bad tank of diesel, so I ran the tank down then topped it off. Noise didn't go away. Then I started searching online and all this information started coming up about hpfp failures and metal in the fuel system. So I got a new filter and started the process of changing mine, making sure to document the entire process with pics/videos. Sure enough when I cracked open that canister...the top of the filter had a significant dusting of glitter and a couple larger particles. I removed the old filter and fuel and saved it all in a sterile glass jar (in case I needed it for a future battle with VW). I installed the new filter, topped off the canister with fresh diesel and did a road test. Car ran great but the lift pump noise remained. So then I booked it in with my dealer (2 hrs away) and they ordered the part. I told them about the glitter in the fuel filter (showed them a pic too) and they denied anything and everything about hpfp failures. They told me strictly not to use any additives and adhere to the 8,000 km oci. Then not even 800 km later the auxillary fuel pump is making a buzzing noise, which is getting progessively louder. My initial plan was to just drive it until the fuel system failed, but the last thing I want is some sleezy tow-truck driver towing my car. I then checked the fuel filter again and found glitter on the top of the filter, but not as significant as on the original filter. So eventually I took the car to my local dealer to get their reaction. Of course they acted as though I was the only one with this problem and they'd never heard of any hpfp failures. Then one of the more experienced mechanics came out to have a look. He acknowledged the problem as the aux pump and that I wasn't the first one with this problem. I probed him about the hpfp and he just played dumb with me, denying my claims. I told him about the metal in the fuel filter, he said it would have come from the lift pump and asked if the other dealer flushed the lines. I told him the lift pump was plastic and metal contamination from it was impossible, and flushing the lines is pointless if the tank already has glitter in it. The service manager even told me there is a block on ordering the hpfp meaning they can't even order one without approval from VW. How would he know that? Did he have to order one before? Anyway, the whole conversation with the service manager and mechanic was very cloudy. I eventually agreed to let them change the aux pump and flush the lines. Suprisingly they had the aux pump in stock. However I couldn't get it booked in for a couple of weeks (the exact reason I avoid this dealership).
What do you think the fate of my car is? Should I cancel the appointment and drive the car until the aux pump or hpfp gives out? I'm afraid that if they change the aux pump it will just delay the death of the hpfp by another 10-20,000 km. I have used an additive in the winter, but only on the coldest of days (-40 c and colder). The additive was approved for use in ulsd and never caused a problem at the time. I've never put gas in the car (this is not my only diesel vehicle). I called VW Canada and complained but got nowhere. I mean, there just should not be ANY metal particles or glitter in the fuel system at all, especially at only 11,000 km. I'm at the point where I cannot rely on this car and am considering getting rid of it. Too bad because I've put alot of extras on the car (karthoum rims, chrome mirrors, stainless grill inserts, spoiler, and a bunch of 3M paint film) and would take a significant hit $$$. Another concern is how the resale value of these cars will be affected if this issue really gets known about.
I would insert a picture of my fuel filter but don't know how. As far as there being no hpfp failures or fuel system problems in Canada, obviously there is.
What do you think the fate of my car is? Should I cancel the appointment and drive the car until the aux pump or hpfp gives out? I'm afraid that if they change the aux pump it will just delay the death of the hpfp by another 10-20,000 km. I have used an additive in the winter, but only on the coldest of days (-40 c and colder). The additive was approved for use in ulsd and never caused a problem at the time. I've never put gas in the car (this is not my only diesel vehicle). I called VW Canada and complained but got nowhere. I mean, there just should not be ANY metal particles or glitter in the fuel system at all, especially at only 11,000 km. I'm at the point where I cannot rely on this car and am considering getting rid of it. Too bad because I've put alot of extras on the car (karthoum rims, chrome mirrors, stainless grill inserts, spoiler, and a bunch of 3M paint film) and would take a significant hit $$$. Another concern is how the resale value of these cars will be affected if this issue really gets known about.
I would insert a picture of my fuel filter but don't know how. As far as there being no hpfp failures or fuel system problems in Canada, obviously there is.
), checked the lift pump, tank and fuel filter canister for glitter, then installed another new filter. They claimed they found no glitter or metal contamination anywhere, but they can't fool me. I told them if the hpfp goes then I'll point my finger and say "I told you so." Afterwards I put some additive in and filled the tank with fresh diesel. I didn't tell them (vw) I was going to start using an additive, but after all this trouble I don't give a s%#t and I'm doing it anyway. When I was at the ford dealer (getting parts for my stupid f150 