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Overheating: Need Warranty Advice

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BQuicksilver

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Well, so my 86k Touareg with (very good) extended warranty began to overheat today. The fans work, as does the temp gauge, so I'm sure we're talking thermostat and/or water pump. No big deal, my warranty will likely handle this with no drama for $100.

Here's the rub: I didn't get around to doing my timing belt yet. I planned to do this on my own since it is $$, but never got the free time. I can't see how, but could the shop nail me on the timing belt when my issue is overheating? I DO understand the need to get this belt done ASAP.

1) Will they even notice I haven't swapped it yet?
2) Will they somehow blame the overheating on it? I can't see how, but don't want it on the lift when they decide to pin the bill to me.

Advice?
 
#2 ·
So to be clear, the engine is going to be worked on in a way that's optimal for also replacing the timing belt, but you aren't going to have them do it? Haggle with them on the timing belt replacement. Maybe they'll give you a break and save you the trouble of doing it yourself and you'll have a shop warranty as a bonus. Just a thought.
 
#3 ·
BQuicksilver said:
Well, so my 86k Touareg with (very good) extended warranty began to overheat today. The fans work, as does the temp gauge, so I'm sure we're talking thermostat and/or water pump. No big deal, my warranty will likely handle this with no drama for $100.

Here's the rub: I didn't get around to doing my timing belt yet. I planned to do this on my own since it is $$, but never got the free time. I can't see how, but could the shop nail me on the timing belt when my issue is overheating? I DO understand the need to get this belt done ASAP.

1) Will they even notice I haven't swapped it yet?
2) Will they somehow blame the overheating on it? I can't see how, but don't want it on the lift when they decide to pin the bill to me.

Advice?
Click to expand...

Sell the Touareg, due to neglect. Seriously, an owner who "can't get around to it" is a bad candidate for a Touareg, they are high maintenance, not like Japanese cars.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Dave, I agree that may be a good idea, though I'm reticent to fess up for fear of it effecting my warranty. Frankly I don't feel great about a Touareg out of warranty, so I'm just trying to be careful now that we're here.

Niner, kicking a guy when he's down is just internet "tough guy" talk. Take it elsewhere please.
 
#5 ·
BQuicksilver said:
Dave, I agree that may be a good idea, though I'm reticent to fess up for fear of it effecting my warranty. Frankly I don't feel great about a Touareg out of warranty, so I'm just trying to be careful now that we're here.

Niner, kicking a guy when he's down is just internet "tough guy" talk. Take it elsewhere please.
Click to expand...
Good luck with your Touareg, long, long long time VW owner here... been there, done that.
 
#7 ·
Should not be an issue, if the timing belt went on the TREG you'd have more to deal with than over heating on your hands. Have them replace the belt and get the old belt in your hands just in case of a problem with the warranty.
 
#8 ·
Are you sure it's the water pump? Are you getting any puddles when you park?


May be a better idea to actually have a shop do a diag/pressure test to make sure that's going to fix it. Sure would suck to go in with the mindset that this is the issue only to get it back and still over heat.

If you go in there and have them just change it please remember you did the diag not them. I hate it when people have us charge parts then get upset with us when that didn't fix their problem.


Coming from a shop side I do not see any way this could be blamed on the timing belt so if your wty covers the water pump go for it.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#9 ·
To check the waterpump (with engine cold, for obvious reasons) remove the small return pipe on the expansion tank (header tank) with engine running, if coolant doesn't run out, the waterpump impeller is either broken or loose. While you're in there replace the thermostat.
 
#10 ·
In any event you need a new timing belt, water pump, thermostat and tensioners.

If the warranty company know their stuff, they will be expecting to see the car maintained according the manufacturer's specifications, but you may be lucky they don't know what should have been replaced already.

Get the car properly diagnosed first without mentioning anything to the garage and then, if the water pump is to be changed, get them to agree the value of the work with the warranty company and only then ask the garage "Whilst you're at it, can you please also replace . . . " and negotiate the extra needed to complete the job properly.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Sorry guys, I put up another thread before realizing this one had some very helpful replies.

I did pull off the return hose and after the temp crossed 200 the coolant would pump out in proportion to the rpms the engine turned. I assume that says the water pump is ok? Can I go ahead and point the finger at the thermostat now?
 
#13 ·
BQuicksilver said:
Sorry guys, I put up another thread before realizing this one had some very helpful replies.

I did pull off the return hose and after the temp crossed 200 the coolant would pump out in proportion to the rpms the engine turned. I assume that says the water pump is ok? Can I go ahead and point the finger at the thermostat now?
Click to expand...

No... if the thermostat sticks and stays closed, you'd have no coolant flow and high temperatures. If it sticks open, you get flow and slow warm ups, very slow warm ups.

What is your specific symptom / indicator that you are running hot and overheating?
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Johan. said:
Replace the pump. The coolant must run out before the thermostat opens.
Click to expand...
I really hope it is the pump, as I'd prefer that be the part covered under warranty.

It seems like a sticking thermostat/partially open thermostat sounds most likely here. Engine heats up to about 200 with stat closed, it opens (not enough) hence the engine holding 200 for a bit, but eventually doesn't let enough coolant past and overheats.

Johan, I'm not sure what I'm missing here. The coolant pumps out in proportion to rpms after 200, which would seemingly say pump is okay.
 
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