Yes, the sticker contradicts the manual.

I think it's intentional--the cost of performing the service on EVERY car would have been much greater than the handful of payouts they'd be responsible for on the ones that break early. Just math.

The conventional wisdom around here is that you should do it before 85k at latest. Peace of mind is much better than digging through receipts to prove you maintained it properly, then being without a car for a couple weeks while they rebuild or replace your engine.

 

I've seen that sticker, but it does seem to be a hit-or-miss thing. My 98 doesn't have one, but a friend's 99 does have it.

Here's what I'd do - if you think you'll keep the car even 1 mile past 100,000 miles of powertrain warranty, just change the belt when you hit 75,000 miles. Your peace of mind is worth much more than the 25,000 miles you might get out of that belt.

That said, I think if it snapped before 105,000 miles you would be fine since the official VW word on the matter is to change it every 105,000.

 

To get it covered by the 100k mile warranty, documented timing belt inspections by the dealer at 40K and 80k need to be performed. Keep the documentation available.

But at 80k, most dealerships are going to recommend changing the belt because of the known issues and to cover themselves.

I'v got the same sticker on my 99, but it is red.

 

Thanks for the replies. So it is possible to have it changed under warranty in/around that 75k mile mark? I have every receipt from dealer maintenance up to the 60k I just had done.

I'm getting nowhere locally. No one's ever seen this sticker before and there's debate whether the timing belt is covered by the warranty at all. It's in the manual and the sticker is on the car, what else is needed?

Do any of you live anywhere close to southwest Ohio and know of a dealer that has actually seen the sticker and done the work under warranty for you? I'd be willing to drive decent distance to find a dealer that will work with me on this.

thanks

 

Thanks for the replies. So it is possible to have it changed under warranty in/around that 75k mile mark? I have every receipt from dealer maintenance up to the 60k I just had done.

I'm getting nowhere locally. No one's ever seen this sticker before and there's debate whether the timing belt is covered by the warranty at all. It's in the manual and the sticker is on the car, what else is needed?

It simply won't be covered under warranty unless it breaks. Think of it like brakes or tires...a wear item if you choose to replace it. The good news is that it's the ONLY expensive piece of regular, preventive maintenance and you'll be good for another 85k+ once it's done.

 

Your timing belt change won't be changed under warranty, guarantee it as it's a wear item. What would be covered is if it broke before the 75k mark in your case as it's on the car and they could use that to deny you if you went over.

 

A dealership is not going to change it on a preventive basis. If you have the proper inspection records and it breaks, it may be covered. The only VW dealer that I know is in Columbus or possibly Wheeling, WV

 

X4?, if VW recommends replacement of the belt at the 40k or 80k mile inspections, you will have to pay for that service since it's considered maintenance. Read your warranty on what's covered and the proof of maintenance requirements.

 

It's listed among the 10/100 drive train parts that are covered in the manual as the cogged belt IIRC. The dealer in Florida that did the 60k service agreed that it was covered after seeing it in the manual. There's no other cogged belt I know of in the drive train and cogged is the German English for toothed so it all points to the timing belt being covered. I wasn't really surprised that the dealer didn't know it was there, the dealers didn't know about the family transfer continuing the warranty until I pointed that out in the manual for them and then they agreed after reading it.

I agree with the brakes and tires analogy too. As someone who has always done my own timing belts because they have never been covered on any other VW I've owned, I was surprised to see it in there and even more surprised when the dealer agreed it was covered after I showed it to the service manager. Maybe I need to drive back to Florida!

As far as replacement, it depends who you ask. The Florida dealership said inspections starting at 70k with replacement no later than 105k. The local dealership said 105k. The sticker on the car is 75k.

I guess I'll have the 70k service done and be sure that they inspect it as they are supposed to (according to the Florida version of the process) and go from there. I'd like to unload the car regardless, I'd rather have something more suited to the way we use a car but it's in my wife's name and she seems to like it.

I (mistakenly) interpreted some of the posts as meaning that the belts were replaced by VW for some of you as a warranty item. I'd still be interested in what cogged belt is covered if it's not the timing belt so I'll be sure to ask that one and post an explanation if I get one.

Thanks for the input and replies.

 

I (mistakenly) interpreted some of the posts as meaning that the belts were replaced by VW for some of you as a warranty item. I'd still be interested in what cogged belt is covered if it's not the timing belt so I'll be sure to ask that one and post an explanation if I get one.

Thanks for the input and replies.

If the belt breaks, and it was inspected on schedule (and NOT recommended for replacement) then it (and the associated engine damage) is covered. If an inspection is done, and they suggest replacement, then it is on you to have the work done, and if you don't have the work done, then the breakage will not be covered.

The timing belt is kind of unique in that it is both covered by the warranty (if it breaks), and also a maintenance item that you must replace if worn (if problems are noticed before it breaks.)

This is similar to the CV Boots/axles. If the axles go (due to torn boots), but you had your inspections done on schedule, it's covered. If, during one of the inspections, they notice the boots going, and tell you about it, then the axles are now not covered until you get the boots replaced.

SirWired

 

OK, thanks for the explanation. Not an easy deduction from the way it's included in the manual but I guess that's not unusual.