Just had a diagnostic test done on my 99 polo sdi diesel. It has 2 stored faults, 1 suspect ecu and 2 suspect injector pump.
Total = £1800. I spoke to the fitter halfway through the test and he said the diesel temperature sensor looked to be at fault, my problem is how do you get into the pump to change it since it has security screws fitted as well as the torx screws.
Obviously there is no way I'm going to pay more than the value of the car to repair it. Damn you VW......
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Are these 'faults' manifesting themselves in any way that is detectable without the diagnostic test kit?
If not, ignore them. Chances are they don't really exist, and they're simply trying to sell you some of their higher-margin items.
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Thanks Graham, yes the car is surging and since the diagnostic is also misfiring occasionally. I didn't get a printout from them since they said they didn't do one because the car was too old ??? But they did give me Fault code 2. 00539-030 if that means anything.
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Be very sceptical. The story they've spun you about the printout is a load of bull, if you can get data onto a screen then you can print it.
'Since the diagnostic is misfiring occasionally', hmmm, I wonder why?
If after they've done something to your car it works less well that it did beforehand, demand that they return it to its original condition free of charge. They cannot cite warranty limitations, terms of service, or 'wear parts', they have a legal obligation to return it to how it was (or pay the cost) if they've screwed it up.
Be tough with them, let them know you're onto their scams. Don't accept anything less than everything you're entitled too, and a little bit extra to make them think twice about trying it again.
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This gets a lot better.
I took the car to the closest autoelectrics place and as I walked into reception, lo and behold who was the only person in there apart from the autoelectrician, the service manager from the VW garage.
When he asked what the problem was, I told him the story in full earshot of the manager.
He said I did well to get the car 8 miles with a duff injector pump and ECU and plugged in his machine to reveal a faulty fuel temp sender.
Manager had left by this stage.
On arriving home a message on my answerphone from VW garage saying that the parts lad remembers selling me a cambelt recently (which was about 15 months ago) and they didn't realise that the car had had a new belt and that may be causing the problem and they would like the car back to recheck it tomorrow. I thought the diagnostic should have picked up on any timing issues.
I wonder what they might find tomorrow ?????
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There's one born every day.
Happy birthday, nig.xl
The engine is surging? At what revs? How many miles has it covered? Have you tried "the Italian tune-up"? Is it then better or worse afterwards?
What on earth is suspect about the ecu?
What on earth....injector pump?
I'd suggest you find a specialist diesel emporium. There are loads. Politely suggest that your injectors might need cleaning and see what he says.
Was your original fitter wearing a mask? Did he have a horse tied up outside?
I'm trying to give you a clue!
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Was your original fitter wearing a mask? Did he have a horse tied up outside? I'm trying to give you a clue!
Sean,
Your cryptic messages are becoming tiresome. Enough please.
DD.
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I didn't think this was cryptic.
The fitter seems incompetent or crooked. Is that clear enough?
What exactly was he diagnosing, given that the diesel engine has no ignition system to produce spark pulses?
What is this nonsense about fuel temperature sensors on the SDI?
Air temperature and water temp, yes. Fuel temp no.
How blunt do I have to be? Or is this a cryptic question?
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What is this nonsense about fuel temperature sensors on the SDI? Air temperature and water temp, yes. Fuel temp no.
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I actually saw the fault show on the diagnostic equipment and also saw the circuit diagram of the pump. It does show a temp sensor. I pulled the pump apart and tested the sensor and it gave an infinite reading. On the test equipment it is showing as reading a temp of -5.4 degrees, I just hope I can get hold of a second hand pump to swap the sensors, or better still obtain a new sensor....
As to VW I may phone them and decline their kind offer of a test until I can confirm if this sensor is causing the fault.
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Oh the car has done 66000 miles and had FSH until I bought it. Since then I put all new filters on and it's had an oilchange every 6 months with vw filter and oil.
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I would have thought going in and having a chat with the VW dealership (throwing the words "Trading Standards" and "Head Office" and "Watchdog" in as well) may well get the problem sorted for free.
Has anyone else noticed that the biggest problems with dealers trying to scam people seems to be VW at the moment. (Mods, please feel free to edit this message if necessary, I appreciate that this might be a bit close to the line.)
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Trading standards did spring to mind.
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I have asked a colleague and there is indeed a fuel temperature sensor on this pump. Apologies for that.
The rest of my comments are correct. If you are lucky you may get a sensor from German & Swedish or Euro Car Parts.
Good luck,
Sean
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Thanks Sean
Afraid first glances online with euro and gfs didn't look promising for the sensor. I may try my friendly VW highwaymen tomorrow see if they will agree that an injection pump comprises of a number of parts.
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nig.xl
I think VW will want to sell you a replacement pump. A Diesel pump reconditioning company is most likely to be able to supply you with the thermistor.
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Done a bit more searching on TDI club forums and apparently this is a common fault, the sensor even has its own VW part no.
I may have a bit of fun tomorrow with the highwaymen......
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I'm sure they would Aprilia, if anyone knows the thermistor value I would appreciate that also, since Maplin sell them for about 79p.
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For what it's worth, here's what I'd do at this point.
Ask for a private meeting with the dealership manager.
Explain to him that you know they've been trying it on, and that you won't be taken for a mug.
If he keeps trying to defend the indefensible, cut your losses and walk out - some managers have a reprehensible policy of defending their staff no matter what. You won't get anywhere talking to them.
If he holds his hands up and is apologetic, ask to be compensated. He'll probably ask what sort of compensation you're after, suggest they provide the parts you need (assuming you've had an independent establish what's required) free of charge. Take the parts back to the independent and get it sorted.
Either way, never go near the dealership again.
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Part is due into VW tomorrow. I intend to pick up and fit the part, go to the independant to reset fault code and then to return to VW and let them retest the car, which by now should have no faults. Then ask them to justify their £1800 for an ECU and injector pump.........
Price of sensor was under £15.
I then think it fair to ask for my diagnosis fee to be refunded, also maybe the price of the sensor, and I may even ask for the independants fee to be paid as well. After all if they had done a correct job the first time I wouldn't of needed to go to the independant. Seems fair to me ?
I just pity the little old lady who just pays what is asked of her. No offence intended to little old ladies.
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Latest update, fuel sensor fitted , fault cleared, car still surging.
Air temp sensor fitted, got this info from another site again, car still surging.
Now I am stumped ?
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I still have this surging / misfiring problem with the polo Sdi.
If the lift sensor failed on No 3 injector, what sort of symptoms would I get ? It's been on Vag com and no fault codes are showing, the car doesn't have a MAF sensor either.
Thanks
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