[NETHED]

Apologies for my double entendre, by my fuel cap or evaporative systems seems to be having serious issues.

The car: 06 Passat 2.0T under pre-loved warrantee.

Here's the timeline.

A month or so ago, I got a "check fuel cap" light. I pulled over, checked my cap, and it was fine. I promptly called the dealer, told them the issue, was told its not a big deal. I made an appointment for the next week.

The dealer saw the code, but could not smoke the error out, I was told to make another appointment.

Second appointment, I was told the error was fixed.

This morning (less than a week since I've been at the dealer), I'm driving, and I get the same "check fuel cap" light. I know its not serious, but its infuriating. I've contacted the dealer again, and we shall see what it is this time.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

[Dark_Helmet]

probably need a new fuel cap

 

[NETHED]

I wonder if its something that simple. They've been throwing parts at the problem, but I don't think the cap was one of the parts.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Mine did that a couple of times when still fairly new. New fuel cap solved the problem. Also recommend when filling up, that you not go past the automatic pump shutoff, and if you need to round off, keep it to within a nickel of where the pump stopped. No more.

 

[welchrd74]

Had/Have the same problem

I had the same problem. I got a new gas cap and have stopped relying on the auto shut off at the pump. So far it hasn't happened in the last week or so. The other option recommended by the dealer was to replace the entire evap system. (to the tune of $900!)

 

[NETHED]

Can this issue crop up after a while of overfilling? I bought this car used, but with Pre-Loved. I cannot be sure that the previous owner overfilled, because I certainly have not.

(I heard Click and Clack on PBS talk about this issue enough times that I wouldn't overfill it)

 

[avgwarhawk]

I too have heard overfilling causes issues.

 

[NETHED]

Just got off the phone with the dealership.
First off, so far, Arleen (the service person I've been in contact with) at Dana VW in Northampton MA has been stellar. So thank you to her.

Now the bad news.

After attempting many things, VW techs determined that the whole tank, canister and purge valve must be replaced. (I will have the docs in a little bit, I'll be getting the car in an hour)

And this is APPARENTLY NOT covered by my Pre-Loved Warrantee. Which I whole heartedly disagree with, and will be calling/emailing VWoA about to attempt an appeal. Any techs on here to help me with my case? Anything I should say, any person to call other than the underpaid under-appreciated phone center staff?

Grateful in advance for any help.

 

[NETHED]

Work estimate

OK. Here is the work estimate.

 

[NETHED]

Anybody?

 

[welchrd74]

I recently went through this with two dealerships. First one replaced the gas cap as mentioned above. The problem came back. The first dealership wanted to replace the canister, valve and tube. Second dealership was able to isolate the problem to the valve only.

Good luck!

 

[tumalc]

Hey Nethed I live in Northampton we should meet up!

I stopped going to Dana because I was tired of them using my car as a guinea pig. I would have an issue; they would attempt to fix it only for it to break again. I would bring it back and repeat. Then I would be told that the issue not covered under warranty and that they are doing me a favor. Dana VW is going through some changes and their service department is suffering as a result. I would love to explain this to you further over a beer or a bite to eat.
After the run around I contacted VW. VWoA suggested I take my car to a different dealer. I ended up taking my car to Father and Sons. They were able to resolve the issue under warranty and they were fantastic about it.

 

[tumalc]

Any update?

 

[avgwarhawk]

And this is APPARENTLY NOT covered by my Pre-Loved Warrantee. Which I whole heartedly disagree with, and will be calling/emailing VWoA about to attempt an appeal. Any techs on here to help me with my case? Anything I should say, any person to call other than the underpaid under-appreciated phone center staff?

This is part of emissions control. Federal law was any emissions control on vehicles needs to be covered under warranty for 5 years or 50k miles. I'm not sure if this law has changed or not. I see you are at 53k miles and that might be the cause of the no warranty from factory. You have no extended warranty on this vehicle?

 

[NETHED]

I have an extended warranty on it, but apparently it doesn't cover this. I'm calling VW today to plead my case.

 

[avgwarhawk]

That is bullschiz...your extended warranty should cover this issue. I think there was a TSB on some stupid hose that is attached to this canister. Your problem is a known problem. Bump to bumper warranty means just that....

 

[jdmbdub6]

i had that same problem the first day i got my passat but i got out and took the cap off and put it back on and the gas cap light went off and i havent had a problem since then. i think it was because the guy at the dealership didnt put the cap back on good enough. maybe not.... seems like it happens alot to people.

 

[NETHED]

They replaced the fuel cap, did many types of leak testing including smoke testing and continue to find small leaks. They checked the canister and found no fuel there, so its not an over fueling issue.

I agree about the warranty covering this, its not a wear item by any stretch of the imagination.

I spoke to VWoA today, and the nice person I talked to said "sorry, not covered". I asked very nicely to check as I assume this should be covered under the emissions system. I think I was on the phone a total of 30 minutes with her, most of which was on hold with her checking things. I do believe she was trying. In the end, I got her to escalate this to a regional person who will be calling the dealership.

The dealership is on my side for once, they have been trying a lot of things to make this work. Hopefully when the regional guy calls Arleen, she will help me get the car repaired under warranty, as I believe it should be.

Thanks for the moral support guys.

I'll keep you posted when they call me tomorrow (I hope they call me tomorrow!)

Ohh yea, and don't let me forget that I owe Chris a beer for being unneighborly and not responding.

 

[avgwarhawk]

I hope it works out for you.

 

[tumalc]

I hope it works out too. I am very happy to hear that Dana is on your side. Maybe there is hope for them. Look me up sometime I have weekends off. This weekend I am going to try to clean her up.