IMPORANT READ! Timing belt inspection/extension

[biketsai]

Just in case some of you havent gotten notice: (short version) Any questions, let me know! Thanks~ Kim


Subject: Warranty Extension for 2000 - 2003 Model Year Audi A4 or Audi TT
Equipped with 1.8L Turbo Engine





We are writing to inform you that Audi is providing revised maintenance instructions and a warranty extension covering certain timing belt tensioner system related repairs on 2000 – 2003 model year Audi A4 and Audi TT
vehicles equipped with 1.8L Turbo engines.


What is the Issue?
Some Audi owners and lessees have reported internal engine damage resulting from a broken timing belt. If the
timing belt of your vehicle were to break, the engine will not run and may sustain serious internal damage.



What Will Audi Do?
Audi is implementing an extended warranty for timing belt related engine damage for 2000 – 2003 model year Audi A4 and Audi TT vehicles equipped with the 1.8L Turbo engines to 105,000 miles, regardless of time in
service. This extended warranty is fully transferable to any subsequent owner. This extended warranty does not affect - and is in addition to - any other applicable warranty covering your vehicle. This extended warranty does not cover replacement or repair of the timing belt system as part of scheduled maintenance or as indicated by
inspection of the system.
In addition to the extended warranty, Audi is providing an inspection of your vehicle’s timing belt and tensioner system, free of charge during your next scheduled maintenance at a mileage of up to 105,000 The extended
warranty will be voided if this inspection is not completed at an authorized Audi dealer within 1,500 miles of the
next scheduled maintenance as required in the owner’s manual or maintenance guide that was provided with your
vehicle. This inspection and other inspections required in the revised maintenance instructions included
with this letter must be performed in order to qualify for the extended warranty. Be sure to retain proof of
these inspections.
If your vehicle has more than 105,000 miles, and the originally installed timing belt has previously been replaced,
you may obtain a free inspection on or before September 30, 2008 at any authorized Audi dealer.
Audi will cover necessary engine repairs if a broken timing belt causes a malfunction in your engine at or before
105,000 miles and you have had the timing belt and tensioner system inspection completed within 1,500 miles of
the next scheduled maintenance.
This warranty extension does not cover normal wear and tear or engine damage due to improper maintenance or
timing belt or tensioner system repair or replacement which occurs as a result of recommended inspections.

What We Would Like You To Do
Please contact your authorized Audi dealer and arrange for an appointment so that the timing belt system
inspection can be performed within the time requirements as described in this letter. This inspection will typically
add approximately one half hour to the time required for your next scheduled maintenance. However, your dealer
may need additional time for the preparation of the inspection as well as to accommodate the daily workshop
schedule.

Reimbursement of Your Prior Out of Pocket Expenses
If you have previously paid for a repair as a result in a timing belt failure, regardless of mileage, Audi will reimburse
you for the cost of repairs made to your vehicle, if you provide the requisite proof of repair, described in the Notice,
upon making a timely claim no later than September 30, 2008. Additionally, Audi will reimburse your out-of-pocket
expenses relating to the timing belt failure, such as towing, alternative transportation, etc.



(I recieved this from a person at an Audi dealership, if this is completely wrong, please LMK)

[808a41.8t]

i just got the exact same letter in the mail today

[MattzWarsteiner]

WoW, Im impressed with Audi's honest and generous offer.

[kingtr]

So just to be clear... With 130k miles, having replaced the belt twice now (so no broken engine), this extension means nothing to me. Correct? Just making sure..

[sean1.8t]

^correct. only if you have model years 2000-2003. and mileage UNDER 105,000 miles.

WoW, Im impressed with Audi's honest and generous offer.

haha. it's not like Audi decided out of the goodness of their heart to send these letters and reimburst people that have had timing belt failures.

they were forced to offer this warranty thanks to the courts

[Nebone]

I have a 2001 w/ 130k miles and I am granted a free inspection. Got that today from a buddy VW tech who replaced my cam chain tensioner. Couldn't say no for $50.

[kingtr]

I have a 2001 w/ 130k miles and I am granted a free inspection. Got that today from a buddy VW tech who replaced my cam chain tensioner. Couldn't say no for $50.

It is free right? What does the cam chain tensioner have to do with it? Paid 50 for that?

[ILoveT]

What if you are like the 300th owner of the car in question... Would they send you a letter?

[kingtr]

What if you are like the 300th owner of the car in question... Would they send you a letter?

I see no reason why they wouldn't. I got two notices, one for my last car (2000 that is totaled) which I was the third owner of (visited local Audi dealership ONCE). And one for my current car (2001) which I am the second owner of and it has NEVER visited my local Audi dealer. The reason I mention whether it has been to dealer or not under my ownership is that it demonstrates that regardless of service etc they (Audi) seemed to be able to track down my car(s). Granted, they sent me a letter for my old car (which left me 20 months ago).

Even without letter, if your car is in that year (and mileage) range, you could take it in. The "inspection" seems stupid though, how does one visually inspect the tensioner and decide if its about to freeze up?! Cracks in belt is another story...

[Nebone]

Free inspection is good I guess but this forum is for people who DIY most of the time and get others to do it so their cars never see the dealers. Audi is shelling out lots of cash for this issue.

[kingtr]

Free inspection is good I guess but this forum is for people who DIY most of the time and get others to do it so their cars never see the dealers. Audi is shelling out lots of cash for this issue.

Well yeah, but those same DIYers would know WHEN they changed their belt, and they would also probably know that there is nothing to really "inspect." If belt is cracked, obviously bad, beyond that, theres not much to see. Visually know when tensioner going to crap out? Probably not. Only people this helps is those who had no idea what they were doing with their car, followed dealers service guide (took to stealer), and grenaded their engine.

[sean1.8t]

to be honest. if i was any of you in the specific years, i would just get the inspection, and then not change the belts until 105k. if it breaks, no biggie. audi will fix it(as long as your modifications aren't too out of the ordinary IE-BT/BAT). if it doesn't break by then, then fix it yourself or pay someone to do it.

that is it. nothing really more to this

[RAUDIS6]

^^^BINGO We have a winner!!! Although I no longer own my 2000 and 2001.5 A4's, still got the letters as well. I was hoping for something on my S4 or S6 along those lines. O'well.

[Affinitive]

I have a 2001 w/ 130k miles and I am granted a free inspection. Got that today from a buddy VW tech who replaced my cam chain tensioner. Couldn't say no for $50.

Your "buddy" charged you 50 bucks to spend 30 seconds pealing the timing belt cover back a little to see wether the belt was starting to crack. I sure hope I misunderstood that.

While Audi may have been forced to do this under court order, it will proove to be very profitable for them. They're gonna get a ton of cars into the dealers so their techs can spend 30 seconds to pull the timing belt covers back to find timing belts cracking at 60K and in turn end up selling timing belt jobs left and right, They'll end up being booked 3 weeks out for customer pay timing belt jobs. Many people don't realise dealers make more money on customer pay jobs cause factory doesn't pay full labor rate on warranty repairs and service departments also charge more for parts than the parts department does to the customer. The dealers will be lovin this.
On the other hand, Audi will also avoid having to pay for tons of new engines when customers decline to pay for timing belt jobs at obsurd prices. This was one law suit they were more than happy to settle.
Sadly enough (from the customer's point of view), all this could have easily been avoided had they simply put the timing job into the maintenance shedule at 60K.

C

[matt719]

I'm pissed that this hasn't affected all 1.8T engines. The previous owner of my car had to replace the head at 80,000 miles when the TB or tensioner broke. I would have been able to collect some serious cash that was never mine if it covered my year. I don't really understand why it isn't covered for all 1.8Ts... didn't AEBs have the tensioner issue that was fixed in later years?

[FACT]

I hope this is news and I'm not embarrasing myself right now but this morning I got a letter in the mail from Audi of America, Inc. telling me that there has been a warranty extension for year 2000 to 2003 model year Audi A4 or TT cars equipped with the 1.8L turbo engine. This is part of a class action lawsuit by someone named Alexandra Olson in California against Audi and VW. According to the document I received, audi is extending their warrantee for timing belt related issues on the above mentioned cars for up to 105,000 miles. If your timing belt has broken in the past, regardless of mileage, Audi will send you a check as reimbursement for whatever it cost you to repair your engine after a timing belt had broken (Mine has broken twice, resulting in 2 head rebuilds!). For those of you who have not had their belts broken, audi requests that you take you car in for a belt inspection at 40,000 miles, 80,000 miles, and will replace it at 105,000 miles.

For more information visit www.timingbeltsettlement.com

[Ewok_Fetus]

Yesssss!! Repost!

[MikeWasHere05]

Good news!

[FACT]

what now fetus

[sbghms]

[slopoke]

what no 1999.5 WTF

[Ewok_Fetus]

Some reason, I don't think that suit will protect you from the flames from the surface of the sun...

BURN BITCH! burn....

[hawaii]

Why didn't I receive a letter? Does that mean I can go to the Audi dealership for a free inspection? I have a 2001 A4 1.8T.

[sbghms]

Some reason, I don't think that suit will protect you from the flames from the surface of the sun...

BURN BITCH! burn....

Oh s*** it worked!

[sixfiveoh]

So just to be clear. They aren't saying they'll replace the timing belt, only damage caused by a timing belt that has already snapped?

[tdn]

^ Correct.

Alright did some reading.

You must have your timing belts inspected at (or 1,500 within) 40,000 and 80,000 miles to be covered.

Audi is giving free inspections to those under 105,000 miles - until Sept. 30th 2008. After this date, you will pay for inspections.

Upon having it inspected it is discovered your belt needs to be changed, you are no longer covered THUS you will pay for your own replacement.

Out of pocket expenses (including towing and anything reasonable) to fix your belt before 105,000 miles before August 11th 2008 will be reimbursed if submitted on or before Sept 30th 2008. Audi has to pay within 60 days, regardless if you had an inspection.

2001 a4 and TT's will be covered up until 120,000 miles, assuming you pass the 80,000 mile inspection.


Did I miss anything?

[cyclo]

I spoke to AoA yesterday evening and was told that if your timing belt has already been changed and is under 105K that they will warranty it to 105k IF you bring it in before Sept 30, 2008. They want to examine the tensioner specifically. If there's a clean bill of health then you're good until 105k. YOU MUST GET AUDI TO INSPECT YOUR NEW TIMING BELT TO GET COVERED!!

[rsanchezp30]

I am trying to replace my timing belt by my self probably in the next week, I ordered a timing belt kit from purems.com and I am just waiting for it. SO I called my AUdi dealership and they told me they would only inspect it for free, I got 88,000 miles but I dont know what to do know, do I just dont replace it now take it to the inspectrion and sit aroun 105 K? to see if it brakes and replace it for free?

[tdn]

It seems like you're out of luck, unless it was inspected at 80k miles like it's stated in the Audi Maintenance booklet that came with your car. Though, maybe they'll cover anyone who's already past the 80k point - up until 105,000 miles if you do the free inspection and everything is found to be in good condition. Your best bet for an accurate answer is to call AOA.

In what I've read, they didn't really cover anything for those already past the 80k mark, but under 105k.

[biketsai]

WOW, I posted this like 3 days ago in big bold letters. ...

[skideeppow]

I spoke to two dealers. They are not covering or fixing the belt, only paying for the inspection.
If the inspection says you are good, then your belt breaks you are still responsible, they will cover nothing.
THe only thing you are getting out of this is a free inspection.

Kind of a shit show.

If your belt broke prior they are going to reimburse.

[mike-2ptzero]

I spoke to two dealers. They are not covering or fixing the belt, only paying for the inspection.
If the inspection says you are good, then your belt breaks you are still responsible, they will cover nothing.
THe only thing you are getting out of this is a free inspection.

Kind of a shit show.

If your belt broke prior they are going to reimburse.

How much you want to bet that 99.9% of them will not pass the inspection meaning the customer has to pay them to change the belt. Talk about bringing in business. Staring to wonder if the lawsuit is even real or if this is just some mass mailing program to bring in work.

[MattzWarsteiner]

Why didn't I receive a letter? Does that mean I can go to the Audi dealership for a free inspection? I have a 2001 A4 1.8T.

Recalls and other stuff like this goes by DMV records. Your current address on file with the DMV is where notices are sent. Could have been lost if all that is good.

From what I read about this, it sounds like you have to have a scheduled maintenance inspection to have the tensioner looked at.
Am I interpreting something incorrectly?

[anasazii]

Hello Everyone!

Someone a few posts back mentioned the cam tensioner? What does this have to do with the timing belt system?

I received the settlement notice the other day and have not had any problems with the timing belt. But I am being told that I need to repair my cam adjustment? Does one have anything to do with the other? They are telling me $800 for part and $300 for labor.

2001 A4 1.8T Quattro 64K miles

Thanks!!
Janel

[tdn]

I spoke to two dealers. They are not covering or fixing the belt, only paying for the inspection.
If the inspection says you are good, then your belt breaks you are still responsible, they will cover nothing.
THe only thing you are getting out of this is a free inspection.

Kind of a shit show.

If your belt broke prior they are going to reimburse.

Not true. Read the extended warranty part.

"Extended Warranty Program

* Audi will provide free repair of damage to the timing belt system and associated engine damage related to a timing belt system failure, at any authorized Audi dealership, starting August 11, 2008 through 105,000 miles, provided the Settlement Class Vehicle has been maintained in conformance with the Revised Maintenance Schedule, including an initial timing belt system inspection (and replacement at your expense, if necessary) at the next regularly scheduled maintenance interval as provide in the Revised Maintenance Schedule.
"

Am I reading it wrong? I mean, if all they were giving were inspections.. then they sure didn't have to write out 4 pages of info to tell us that. Also, warranty implies something... granted you have to qualify. If you're past 81,500 miles and you didn't have an 80k mile inspection.. you only get a free inspection, but those who did get inspected at 80k, will be covered under the warranty... unless you fail the inspection at 80k.

Mike, I thought the same thing when I first read the letter. I bet many shops will fail people just for the business.. hell, it wouldn't surprise me if Audi themselves encouraged that they fail people.. just so they can save some money. I'm going to get inspected at 80k, and if I fail, I'll just replace it myself. Hell, I might just replace it myself even if I pass, so I won't have to deal with the hassle of my passengers and I being stranded somewhere on our way to something important like a wedding, funeral, job interview etc...

[t1demont1]

sounds like a way to bring in work. Not many people know that that timing belts and such need to be replaced, let alone what a timing belt it. This will bring in work and save a few b5s and b6s on the road.

[MattzWarsteiner]

^correct. only if you have model years 2000-2003. and mileage UNDER 105,000 miles.



haha. it's not like Audi decided out of the goodness of their heart to send these letters and reimburst people that have had timing belt failures.

they were forced to offer this warranty thanks to the courts

ahhh.. gotcha. Thanks.

[boostedup]

so, what if?

My timing belt snapped before 105,000 and i got it fixed (over $2,000), if i still have all of my reciepts will audi reimburse me for the fix? I had to get a new head, new valves, seals, machine work, etc.

thanks, by th way car is a 2001 1.8t, no motor work besides chip and intake system.

[sean1.8t]

so, what if?

My timing belt snapped before 105,000 and i got it fixed (over $2,000), if i still have all of my reciepts will audi reimburse me for the fix? I had to get a new head, new valves, seals, machine work, etc.

thanks, by th way car is a 2001 1.8t, no motor work besides chip and intake system.

yep, you get reimbursed. congrats man!

it ain't going to happen overnight though. but just contact audi and start the process

[Nebone]

Hello Everyone!

Someone a few posts back mentioned the cam tensioner? What does this have to do with the timing belt system?

I received the settlement notice the other day and have not had any problems with the timing belt. But I am being told that I need to repair my cam adjustment? Does one have anything to do with the other? They are telling me $800 for part and $300 for labor.

2001 A4 1.8T Quattro 64K miles

Thanks!!
Janel

Its part of the timing on the engine but NOT part of the settlement. It is another part that just breaks on the 2001 models. Don't pay the $800 for the part. You can find it on This Site for under $350. Contact me if you have questions about this.