2017 Jetta: Dealer refused to perform recall service unless the tank is below 1/4 full

[jakedrakeblake]

Short question: Can I drain my tank to 1/4 full without consequences?

Full question:
Today, I drove my car to the dealer since it was selected for the fuel rail recall. The fuel rail bolts on my 2017 Jetta have to be replaced.
The dealer refused to perform the service, since my tank was above 1/4 full.

Their reasoning didn't make much sense, but they highlighted that the tank before and after the service must be at the exact same level.
Otherwise the "fuel level sensor" could be damaged.

Now, the question for you: Can I just pump out the fuel from a 2/3 tank to a 1/4 tank and start the car without consequences?
I am not aware how this could damage my fuel level sensor. I can imagine how it could throw off the computer and the car would report a wrong fuel level.
However, I'd assume that would be a temporary issue.

Thank you for your expert insight!

 

[Dr Sheldon]

Short answer - YES - If you do it correctly and safely - Then store that fuel safely !!

Their reasoning didn't make much sense, but they highlighted that the tank before and after the service must be at the exact same level.
Otherwise the "fuel level sensor" could be damaged.

That to me makes little sense but it does not have to - Rules are rules and VW has those rules - Alternative is that you refuse the recall - That is your choice.

I can imagine how it could throw off the computer and the car would report a wrong fuel level.

Shouldn't think so !!

The level sensor just reads what is in the tank and the gauge displays it.

Removing fuel from a tank is common practice - For example removing a fuel tank for what ever reason !!

 

[Dr Sheldon]

Are you sure it is a "Fuel Rail" recall ??

Any document to post ??

 

[Uwe]

The dealer refused to perform the service, since my tank was above 1/4 full.

I'm spit-balling here, but does the recall notice tell you to bring it in with 1/4 tank or less? If not, and the actual TSB for the recall says it has to be like that to do the work, isn't it on the dealer to drain it, and then put the fuel back in when they're done?

Can you post a copy of the recall notice? I'm thinking we should be able to find the relevant TSB from that.

I'm also quite puzzled why tank level would matter on a procedure that involves replacing fuel rail bolts.

-Uwe-

 

[jakedrakeblake]

Hi @Uwe
Good point. The dealer was claiming the instructions to bring the car with less than 1/4 tank was part od the recall letter. Unfortunately, I can't locate the letter.

However, the recall code is: 24Gi

The recall TSB is here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCRIT-20V648-7026.pdf

I can't find anything about quarter tank there

I can't find even anything about draining the tank.

It looks to me like the dealer has some internal rule: "Cars due for fuel-system repairs must be under 1/4 tank because we don't want to be responsible for refueling more than 1/4 tank back into the car in case we lose the fuel during repair due to a spill".

I'll call the dealer again today and ask them to explain why the car has to be under 1/4 tank if there's no mention about it in the bulletin.

 

[EuroX]

As much as I hate to say it. This would piss me off as well. Having worked at the dealership for a long amount of time this was a common occurrence. With such recalls when being scheduled we have always said to bring the vehicle in empty or as low as possible this ensures that the recall can be done in a timely manner. Also vw or audi does not pay the tech to drain the fuel tank and then refill it. So if I was the tech in this scenario and the vehicle had a full tank or above a 1/4 tank then yes I would question who's paying me the extra time to drain and refill. Most of the time if the fuel level is above a certain level the fuel tank cannot be opened without first draining it. The general public does not listen nor care they just want their vehicle fixed as per recall. In many cases once fuel is removed from a fuel tank it is considered to be contaminated and cannot be put back into the vehicle. However I don't see what fuel rail replacement has anything to do with the fuel level in the tank. Find another dealer that has a fucking clue.

 

[Uwe]

So if I was the tech in this scenario and the vehicle had a full tank or above a 1/4 tank then yes I would question who's paying me the extra time to drain and refill.

Sure, if draining the tank is part of the procedure.

However I don't see what fuel rail replacement has anything to do with the fuel level in the tank. Find another dealer that has a fucking clue.

This!

-Uwe-

 

[jakedrakeblake]

An update in case anyone else ran into the same issue.

The dealership really just made up the rule that they won't honor the recall service if the car's tank is above 1/4.
I assume they just don't want to pay for fuel in case they need to drain the tank.

I called another dealer and they had no problem doing the service. I dropped of the car with 3/4 tank and it took them 2 hours and I already have the car back, fixed.

 

[EuroX]

An update in case anyone else ran into the same issue.

The dealership really just made up the rule that they won't honor the recall service if the car's tank is above 1/4.
I assume they just don't want to pay for fuel in case they need to drain the tank.

I called another dealer and they had no problem doing the service. I dropped of the car with 3/4 tank and it took them 2 hours and I already have the car back, fixed.

Again replacing a fuel rail has nothing to do with draining a fuel tank. if you got a survey from the first dealer that refused, bury those those dumb fucks or make it a point to let VW AG or the service manager or GM know that they are indeed dumb fucks.

 

[jakedrakeblake]

@EuroX

Again replacing a fuel rail has nothing to do with draining a fuel tank. if you got a survey from the first dealer that refused, bury those those dumb fucks or make it a point to let VW AG or the service manager or GM know that they are indeed dumb fucks.

They kept insisting that they need to drain the tank. I asked if they could show me the recall letter and point where it states I have to drop the car with certain fuel level.
They didn't take that well. The service advisor got very annoyed and told me to go find a different dealership. On top of that, he admitted he doesn't have access to the recall letter.
I find it entertaining that they make up rules to refuse the service. Then, they claim the rules came directly from VW. While they seemingly don't have access to the dealership instructions at the service desk.

Overall, it was a very disappointing experience with an authorized VW service center.

FYI, another VW dealership quoted me $900 to replace my rear brake pads (2017 Jetta, nothing special).
Also, they wanted to diagnose my airbag light for $185 (just a diagnosis).

Thank God for this ross-tech community.