Water pump and thermostat replaced, then more problems 4 months later...

[sondra]

The thermostat and water pump on my 2013 S5 coupe (34,000 miles) was replaced in early July. The fix took 2 full days and as I was driving home, the check engine light came on almost immediately. I took the car back to the dealer and the next day they told me that they had put a vacuum hose(s) on backwards. Four months and 1,000 miles later, my husband smelled antifreeze and I took the car back in. This time they tell me the water reservoir is cracked, the water reservoir cap is bad and the A/C condenser is leaking. My question is: is this pure coincidence or is it possible that during the replacement of the water pump and thermostat, that they damaged these parts? Any insight would be welcome, thanks!

[doug97gxe]

i would cross post this in the B8 S4 forum, they are basically the same car mechanically but more S4's are around that have had this type of work done and you might get more insight there

[BrianVan]

Welcome to the never ending repair cycle of automobiles. This is not specific to any make, model or brand, but items that "somehow" break soon after a non-related repair are always suspect. A guarantee return customer is pin hole in a hose, radiator or some other expensive but easy fix and common part always seems the culprit. My gut tells me that the cap popped off, some antifreeze swashed out, and rather than make no money on the lift, they cracked the reservoir for a visual and told you the condenser is bad because they "luckily" have 3 in the back on the shelf, but tell you they only had 1 left. At 34,000 miles, I wouldn't think an AC condenser would go bad. That's like TWO summers of use at that mileage. S5 drivers have money and dealerships know this....sorry for the negative, but I doubt many people would think too differently...AND depends on the dealership. Having a mechanic in the family is always helpful.

[sondra]

Thanks, I will do that.

[sondra]

Thanks. I hate to be so suspicious, either, but my gut tells me something is fishy.

[sondra]

I just remembered, I had my 35,000 mile service done at the same time as the Thermostat and water pump replacement. I think the following was done and would have thought they should have caught these problems then?
Replace brake fluid
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine oil & filter
Replace multitronic transmission fluid
Inspect battery
Inspect brake system
Inspect cooling system
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect exhaust system
Inspect front and rear axle
Inspect horn
Inspect interior lights
Inspect lights
Inspect odb system check for codes
Inspect plenum panel
Inspect power steering fluid
Inspect ribbed belts
Inspect underbody
Inspect wiper blades
Inspect wiper, washer, headlight washer
Inspect/lubricate door hinge mechanism
Inspect/lubricate rear lid hinges
Inspect/reset service reminder light

[NuVega]

I've always been sketchy of dealers, had my car in for transmission work, got the car back, fine for three days, then I got a CEL, ran it with VCDS and discovered an O2 sensor issue, found it under the hood and it was unplugged, snapped it back in and tried to undo the plug, wouldn't budge, so the plug didn't just un-snap by itself. I normally do all my maintenance at home and avoid the dealer if possible.

[Stealthsi009]

If you live in southern cal there are plenty of independent shops who run reputable establishments who are always a better choice than a dealership or try to find one in your area.


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[SixShifter]

if I'm not mistaken, the brake fluid service is supposed to take place every 2 years, which would have been at the 25k service ... unless there was some reason to do the one you listed mid-cycle. might be something (else) to check into.

[JoshDub]

Is the car not under warranty?