Thermostat replacement - How many miles did service drive your car after replacing it

[jimmyrecluse]

What is reasonable? They put 3 on mine, and I have no gas so Im guessing they were hard miles.

[Ray Khan]

I didn't check, but they probably want to take a spirited run to really test things out. This means getting to a place where they can open the car up and giving the car enough time to get up to operating temperature.

[SM_ATL]

I didn't check, but they probably want to take a spirited run to really test things out. This means getting to a place where they can open the car up and giving the car enough time to get up to operating temperature.

No quite sure they would do that. Provided that they are installing a new model of thermostat that is proven to be reliable, they just need to install it properly. Maybe a quick ride as a routine check...

[ENV²]

My dealership usually has to drive conservative but long enough for operating temp so 7-11 miles cause they are right next to a highway

[kstrike155]

No quite sure they would do that. Provided that they are installing a new model of thermostat that is proven to be reliable, they just need to install it properly. Maybe a quick ride as a routine check...

From what I understand, the thermostat install requires removal of the supercharger. I've also heard a story (maybe more than one?) about it not being put back together properly (something with the gasket seals). I wouldn't be surprised that they beat on it a bit to make sure the supercharger is generating the correct amount of pressure and that there are no leaks; something that can't be done without giving it some throttle under load at proper operating temperature.

[NWS4Guy]

They likely let it idle for quite a while, which is required in order to circulate the coolant throughout the system (both engine and intercooling loop) to properly bleed all air from the system. I'm betting more fuel was used doing this than any test drive.

[nick71692]

Sorry to jack the thread, but has any experienced the overheating issue yet?

[NWS4Guy]

Sorry to jack the thread, but has any experienced the overheating issue yet?

Yes many have had it fail, and it does so in the closed position causing the overheating issue. At this point you have to flatbed it to the dealer.

[FINA4]

Three miles. Just had it done today.

[rktskicar]

From what I understand, the thermostat install requires removal of the supercharger. I've also heard a story (maybe more than one?) about it not being put back together properly (something with the gasket seals). I wouldn't be surprised that they beat on it a bit to make sure the supercharger is generating the correct amount of pressure and that there are no leaks; something that can't be done without giving it some throttle under load at proper operating temperature.

Mt T-Stat was replaced today and they still have it as it was leaking coolant from somewhere by the ICs after install. I will report prognosis when I get my car back tommorrow.

Bruce

[Zee Dgerman]

Monday Morning I get a letter from Audi Canada concerning the recall, I call my dealer and get an appointment for next week.

On tuesday I leave for a 2 day trip to the states, I'm on the bridge just about to leave montreal... the car starts overheating like crazy, I have to pull over and get the car towed to the dealer LOL... that's pretty unlucky I guess, maybe I shouldn't have opened that letter :-), what are the odds? the car had about 20000 km (12500 miles).

They changed the thermostat and everything seems ok now :-)

[wwhan]

What is reasonable? They put 3 on mine, and I have no gas so Im guessing they were hard miles.

4 miles

[bimmerhead12]

Sorry to jack the thread, but has any experienced the overheating issue yet?

Last week I got the warning to check my coolant since my engine temp was hot in the red.. only a few days after my 35k service.. got me scared so i pulled over. I called Audi Roadside Assistance and they towed my car to the dealership to check it out.. they pulled the logs and said my thermostat needed to be replaced since the engine was fine and the logs indicated the engine never overheated. After they replaced the thermostat everything was back to normal. Felt weird since it happened a few days after I just had the car serviced.

[sf_loft]

My dealer said about 20 miles to fully test out the system and not take chances. There have been posts on here where their water pump was replaced and the system was not fully bled, given back to the customer, and when he drove it home which was 18 miles away it failed on him. My dealer reset the trip odometer and when I picked it up it showed 25 miles. When you have to remove the supercharger and disconnect a bunch of stuff, they need to make sure that it is driven long enough under normal conditions to expose any small leaks or problems.

I didn't have a problem with it because of the transparency. I think people are always concerned due to horror stories of valet parkers and dealership test drivers beating the crap out of your car. The chances are really low and these service guys have a job to protect. My dealer is next to the highway and they may push it a bit, but it should be nothing that an S4 can't handle, especially on public roads. Once, my SA took me on a test drive when I complained about my STaSIS exhaust. He pushed it while I was in the car and it was an odd rush, sitting in the passenger seat, as the car felt so different when you're not in control.

[ahcow]

Just got my letter from Audi Canada, I guess I should bring it in soon....

[Zee Dgerman]

@ ahcow - Don't wait

[gehmjc21]

They put about 20 miles on my car when I picked it up yesterday. However I feel like the car drives louder now. I don't know how else to describe it besides driving with crappy, old tires. Any ideas what the heck it might be?! I have to bring it back in next week for them to fix my "sticky" clutch. The sound isn't horrible but I can tell it's off...Thoughts are welcome. Thanks

[S4IN333]

I think they did about 3-5 kms after they replaced mine, it's been 3 weeks now, everything seems to be good, except i constantly smell the coolant when i'm outside the car, but I'm pretty sure there's no leak.

[rx7ven]

over the phone they told me a "40 to 50 mile road test" this was from replacing the seals from the leaking differentials as well.
they smash the shit outta my car. i think i only got a total of 170 miles from this tank of gas.

[ahcow]

Appointment made for May 4th. They told me 4.5 hr job...going to drop it off in the morning. No courtesy car though -.-

[wbwynn]

5 miles and filled me up with gas & detailed the car for free; just great service from AOC

[rktskicar]

What is reasonable? They put 3 on mine, and I have no gas so Im guessing they were hard miles.

Unknown. I haven't got my car back from T-Stat replace yet. That was 5 days ago. Apparently, they cracked one of my SC ICs during T-Stat replace and there are no replacement ICs in the the USA. Will have to get ICs from Germany, not sure how long that will take... :(

Bruce

[ahcow]

Unknown. I haven't got my car back from T-Stat replace yet. That was 5 days ago. Apparently, they cracked one of my SC ICs during T-Stat replace and there are no replacement ICs in the the USA. Will have to get ICs from Germany, not sure how long that will take... :(

Bruce

Ouch, that sucks. What car they give you to drive in the mean time?

[rktskicar]

Ouch, that sucks. What car they give you to drive in the mean time?

VW Jetta 2.5. They are an Audi/VW dealer. Most their loaner cars are VW's.

Bruce

[ahcow]

VW Jetta 2.5. They are an Audi/VW dealer. Most their loaner cars are VW's.

Bruce

Really? Mine is both too but when my car went down for 5 days because it had a faulty part (it wouldn't crank the engine, so my car won't start -.-), at least I got an A4 to beat around for the weekend lol. Well, at least it will make you love your car even more when you get it back... the 2.5L is slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww. A bit better than the new 2.0L (omg, it's like a Corolla....) but that's it.

[rktskicar]

I drove a Jetta for 10 years when I was younger (25 years ago). It was an MT though. This VW 2.5 Jetta is an auto, which is not as fun IMO. My mom's old '99 bug 2.0, 5MT was fun to drive. I could wind the piss out of it in normal driving, which I cannot do in normal driving in my S4's without going really fast.... ;)

Bruce

[QSonx]

20 miles... and nothing is that far in Hawaii...

[rktskicar]

20 miles... and nothing is that far in Hawaii...

You must be on Oahu.

Bruce

[S4IN333]

Really? Mine is both too but when my car went down for 5 days because it had a faulty part (it wouldn't crank the engine, so my car won't start -.-), at least I got an A4 to beat around for the weekend lol. Well, at least it will make you love your car even more when you get it back... the 2.5L is slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww. A bit better than the new 2.0L (omg, it's like a Corolla....) but that's it.

which dealer gave you an A4 loaner? =P

[HyperM3]

Just got mine done yesterday. Said it would take all day so they gave me a brand new A3 TDI. Pretty fun car to be honest. Really zippy. Picked my car up today and it only had 3 more miles put on it.

[Gdlaszako]

I do all my own work and for any kind of road test I usually go 3-4 miles so back roads and the highway.

[Matt336]

I had my thermostat and waterpump done today and they also completed an RVU for a radio software update (TPMS confirmation screen language?) and I had 2 miles put on the car.

[b6bydesign04]

Does anyone know if they'll have to reflash or update anything to the ECU during the Thermostate TSB?

[30piece]

when i bought my car in in had 10697 miles, when i got back it has 10708 miles on it. I got an A5 2.0t as loaner!

[Un1k]

Does anyone know if they'll have to reflash or update anything to the ECU during the Thermostate TSB?

was interested in this also, but no one mentioned it so I think it'll be ok

[nick71692]

Dropped my car off tonight to get it replaced, will let you know tomorrw.

[ahcow]

which dealer gave you an A4 loaner? =P

Agincourt, now Midtown.

Bringing my car in tomorrow morning, not sure if I will get a loaner or just get them to drop me off and pick me up. Don't need to go anywhere anyways.

[zillmc]

Does anyone know if they'll have to reflash or update anything to the ECU during the Thermostate TSB?

I brought mine in to get this done and send it in for the flash. Dealer wanted to do the t-stat replacement first and test it before pulling the ECU to ship in case they didn't do it properly and there are ECLs they need to clear. I doubt they're reflashing anything and just clear them.

I should be getting it back tomorrow but they've had it over a week. I had an option between a Q5 and A6 loaner, I took the loaded A6 and while it's nice it drives like a boat and I miss my car. Surprised how poorly the A6 stacked up against the 540/545/550 i drove, but to be fair I guess it's not the v8 or v6t, but the handling and steering is awful!

[81bear]

Agincourt, now Midtown.

Bringing my car in tomorrow morning, not sure if I will get a loaner or just get them to drop me off and pick me up. Don't need to go anywhere anyways.

Got mine done through Midtown Monday and had to bring it back Tuesday as I had them do the 25k service at the same time and I guess the dealership needs a bit more practice at oil changes as they installed the filter incorrectly and oil was all over the bottom of the engine bay and the floor of my garage. I was given a Jetta as a loaner car but only after I freaked about need to pay for additional insurance and gas/mileage on the first loaner car (Nissan Altima). I guess this dealership has a thrid party rental car company working out of their office renting cars to those who can't get loaners.

Anyway hope you have a better experience with them than I did.

[nick71692]

5 miles on mine. WHat I am more pissed about is that they let the car sit under a tree and now it has sap all over it.