40K Service At Dealership... Worth It?

[Dumanehu]

New to TDI Club. yay. ok so i have most of the means to maybe work on my car. i have access to a lift and tools. and i am mechanically inclined... just new to my car. And i need to have a 40k service performed on it.
if i can do it myself, what kind of manuals do you recomend?
or should i just go to the dealership and have them do it for $450?

here is what needs to be performed for the 40k
Engine Oil - change
Engine Filter - change
Timing Belt - check
V-belt/Ribbed Belt - check
Air Cleaner - replace filter
Water Separator - drain
Fuel Filter - replace
Windshield Washer Fluid - check level
Automatic Shift Lock-check operation
Brake System - check damage/leaks, pad thickness, fluid level
Wheels - rotate from front to rear
Air Bag System - check function/damage
Battery - check electrolyte level
Engine - check for leaks
Pollen Filter - replace
Cooling System - check level
Transmission - check for leaks
Tires/Spare - check condition
Driveshaft - check boots
On Board Diagnostics -check Diagnostic Trouble Code memory
Door Hinge - lube
Headlights - check and adjust if necessary
Exhaust System - check for damage and leaks
Sunroof Frame - clean and lubricate
Road Test-check system functions during and after
Power Steering - check fluid level
Brake Fluid
Check Automatic Trans. Fluid and Differential for leaks, level; add if necessary
Front Axle - check dust seals, ball joints, tie rods

 

[Look4ward]

Most of that stuff is visual, if I had access to a lift and tools I would just do it all myself, you can probably save about $350.00.

 

[Herm TDI]

The 40K mile scheduled maintenance is a perfect way for the "DIY" machanic to introduce yourself to TDI basic maintenance.

If you perform all of the checks as you've listed you will have a well balanced perspective on component location and over-all layout of the TDI.

For the 40K scheduled maintenance the only "special" tool your require is a means to fill the fuel filter. Never attempt to start your engine on a new/dry fuel filter.
The fuel filter needs to be "primed". This can be done with a vacumm pump attached to the fuel filter out-let nipple or...(lacking a vacumm pump) use an inexpensive turkey baster to fill the fuel filter (#2 diesel fuel) through the top of the fuel filter via the large opening on the top of the fuel filter.

The other issue is proper torque values. Performing scheduled maintenance on a TDI is not much different that most other cars. However, this engine does require adhearence to using proper torque values. The oil drain plug ..(22 Ft Lbs) is one point. The oil pan on this engine is aluminum and EASILY striped-out. I recommend using a new oil drain plug crush washer to ensure a proper seal woutout the need for "over-torquing" the plug.
The oil pan isn't cheap..and its isn't the easist to replace. So heed the advice..and use a torque wrench.

Lastly...if you have someone in your area with Vag-Com you can check for any DTC (Diagnostic Trouble codes)..and your done with the 40K scheduled maintenance.

As for manuals...there is no need of a manual to perform the 40K mile maintenance ...EVERY item is well documented right here on this forum ...with a simple search you'll get more info than you would ever need.

Also,
You can buy a single "filter pack" that has all of the required filters right here: ... TDI Parts $65

 

[flex94]

I did it myself.

Fuel filter is a breeze. Do not fear it!

Cabin filter is a slight chore, air filter is cake.

Buy the parts...and DIY!
-Mike

 

[ymz]

>>should i just go to the dealership and have them do it for $450?<<

NO !!!!!!!!!

As Herm and the others have said, and especially if you "access to a lift and tools" and are mechanically inclined, your car will be much better off with you taking care of it personally !! That said, try and find a local TDI-head to possibly keep you company the first time you go poking around the car. If he happens to own a Vag-Com, so much the better !!

Enjoy !!

Yuri.

 

[volksviggen]

I quit going to the dealer because they would not let me request only certain items(all I needed was the fault code scan ;everything else had been done).It was eiter buy the whole shebang or go elswhere.


I can see how they would open themselves to huge problems if they were to let people piecemeal their services,but it does make it a whole lot more attractive to get DIY or GYFT(get your friends to).

 

[Dumanehu]

well. where would i find a manual or something that showes me what to do and what to check for???

 

[Herm TDI]

well. where would i find a manual or something that showes me what to do and what to check for???

Dan's Good stuff
Dan sells the Bentley manual for $70

 

[truav8r]

Dumanehu... as already stated, this site IS your manual. If you use the search function at the top of this page, you will find plenty of info/advice for the oil change, fuel filter change, and the rest of the maintenance checks.

And this thread is probably the best place to start. Plenty of how-to's.

 

[BoosTDIt]

And there is no need to drain water if you're changing the fuel filter...

Another option is to get some Lubro Moly Diesel Purge and do a purge and save 1/3 of it and pour it directly in the fuel filter so that it's full and it'll start right up...
you can fill it with some diesel too or do a full purge and get Lubro Moly Hi-Test (catane additive) and use that to fill the filter with..

I was in the same boat like you..what i did was i went for the 20k at the dealer cause i wanted to keep some sort of record of the car beeing maintained and this was under the condition that i stay there and watch....i wanted to see where and how to purge and change fuel filter...where is the cabin filter ..etc.20k was cheap cause there were no pointless checks...just visual inspection no charge..and the mechanic is personal friend.......and gave me a lesson on where what is (1st Diesel ever)....

the rest is easy...
5k - just oil
10k - just oil
20k - oil and fuelfilter - Purge optional
30k - oil and Air filter
40k - oil,cabin filter and Fuelfilter - Purge optional
50k - just oil
60k - oil,Airfilter and fuelfilter - Purge optional
70k - just oil
80k - oil,cabin filter,fuel filter - Purge optional
check/replace brakes / fluid , check/replace timng belt for pre 2003, your oem shocks will most likely be out by then...replace Glow plugs - if you're in constant cold climate ..if not they'll last another 20k
90k - oil and airfilter
100k - timing belt....

thats my timeline ...total cost $1700.00 for 2.5 years

 

[ymz]

I might have missed it (sleep-deprived...), but...

What year/model car do you have? At 40,000 miles some cars already need a timing belt change...

Yuri.

 

[TornadoRed]

What year/model car do you have? At 40,000 miles some cars already need a timing belt change...

His profile says he's got a 2002 model. So good til 80k miles, hopefully. But here's a good opportunity for him to inspect it, looking for frayed edges or signs of belt dust.

I recommend that folks NOT use the VW jack when rotating their tires.

 

[Dumanehu]

Thanks for all the help. without this forum i would be completly lost!

 

[TDIinRI]

I just did the 40K service on Cliff's Jetta last night. Piece of cake. About $115 in parts, but I also ran a can of LubroMoly Diesel Purge and did a brake fuild flush. I went really slow and took an hour break and it only took me 4-5 hours working alone in someone else's garage. (More time spent looking for tools) Even at my slow pace you'd be paying the dealer $75 an hour. No thanks!