Is it worth having the dealer perform a diagnostic ?

[Sukks2bu]

So I'm taking my car into the dealership because its overheating after 10 min of driving once the car is at operating temps.
Planed on having the dealer replace the thermostat, water pump and pcv.
Dealer recommended running a diagnostic ( not included in the repair ) before doing the work.
What are your thoughts?
What would they do to diagnose the problem?

[Works2shoot]

So I'm taking my car into the dealership because its overheating after 10 min of driving once the car is at operating temps.
Planed on having the dealer replace the thermostat, water pump and pcv.
Dealer recommended running a diagnostic ( not included in the repair ) before doing the work.
What are your thoughts?
What would they do to diagnose the problem?

Are you asking why a dealership would want to perform a diagnostic before throwing parts at a problem?

[TEB]

So I'm taking my car into the dealership because its overheating after 10 min of driving once the car is at operating temps.
Planed on having the dealer replace the thermostat, water pump and pcv.
Dealer recommended running a diagnostic ( not included in the repair ) before doing the work.
What are your thoughts?
What would they do to diagnose the problem?

I've had a shop charge extra for the diagnostics as long as you have them do the repair. I could be out of touch with your geography though.

[Sukks2bu]

I guess what I'm asking is, what else could it be besides the thermostat failure. I have fluids, fans both run, no visible leaks. Everything seems to be in order except the fans kicking in full tilt, and the car starting to overheat as per the thermostat failure symptoms.

[JaB6]

Just a suggestion if you decide you want the diagnostic, ask if the fee for it can be applied to the repair, even partially. Some dealerships/advisors will negotiate with you.

[SteveYem]

Just a suggestion if you decide you want the diagnostic, ask if the fee for it can be applied to the repair, even partially. Some dealerships/advisors will negotiate with you.

This seems like a reasonable approach.

[jimrobbington]

Are you going to the dealership because it's still under warranty? If not, I would skip the dealer completely and take it to a real shop that won't try to bend you over.

Sent from my SM-G930VC using Tapatalk

[jaxkewl]

is it possible to look at the heat distribution on the radiator if the car is in service position? Using one of those flip one IR cameras. That way you can see if there is even heat distribution or any blockages.

[The Machine]

When I brought my car to the dealership to have them diagnose something for me, it was $135. If I had them do the work it would have been applied to the bill. I chose to do the work myself so I just had to pay the $135 fee.

[Sukks2bu]

Thanks for your replies.
My car is not under warranty, however, if I'm going to pay to have the thermostat replaced, and do the water pump as preventative maintenance, and also have them replace the pcv cause I am burning oil, I feel better about having the dealership do the job. That way they can apply the software update that's required with the new pcv, and if anything were to go wrong, it's easier to get them to fix it again.
Plus I get a loaner, and the dealership has overed a decent price when considering the overlap involved.

[ValidatedS4]

Thanks for your replies.
My car is not under warranty, however, if I'm going to pay to have the thermostat replaced, and do the water pump as preventative maintenance, and also have them replace the pcv cause I am burning oil, I feel better about having the dealership do the job. That way they can apply the software update that's required with the new pcv, and if anything were to go wrong, it's easier to get them to fix it again.
Plus I get a loaner, and the dealership has overed a decent price when considering the overlap involved.

FYI it’s consensus that it’s not a requirement to update the software after the PVC replacement.

But from my experience most Indy shops that specialize in Audi or German cars offer a way better price on repairs. Last time I did something at an Indy shop they gave me a loaner as well. It’s no brand new Q5 but It’s worth looking into as an alternative.

But to each their own. Maybe money isn’t a issue for you. And convenience is more important. I’d rather throw the price difference into mods or maintenance.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Sukks2bu]

FYI it’s consensus that it’s not a requirement to update the software after the PVC replacement.

But from my experience most Indy shops that specialize in Audi or German cars offer a way better price on repairs. Last time I did something at an Indy shop they gave me a loaner as well. It’s no brand new Q5 but It’s worth looking into as an alternative.

But to each their own. Maybe money isn’t a issue for you. And convenience is more important. I’d rather throw the price difference into mods or maintenance.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

They gave me a 2017 s5 as a loaner.
Aside from the exaust sound, I actually like by b8 s4 better.

[SteveYem]

They gave me a 2017 s5 as a loaner.
Aside from the exaust sound, I actually like by b8 s4 better.

Pretty nice to get an 'S' car as a loaner. The best I've ever gotten was a 2018 A4 S-line. They usually give me an A4 or a Q5 which has me pining away for my S4....not exactly a smart sales incentive strategy on their part!

[Sukks2bu]

Pretty nice to get an 'S' car as a loaner. The best I've ever gotten was a 2018 A4 S-line. They usually give me an A4 or a Q5 which has me pining away for my S4....not exactly a smart sales incentive strategy on their part!

Ya, I have a pretty good relationship with the dealer I go to in kitchener.
They are the ones who got audi Canada to replace my mechatronics unit, when I didn't even have a check engine light or the dreaded gearbox malfunction warning.

[TEB]

Ya, I have a pretty good relationship with the dealer I go to in kitchener.
They are the ones who got audi Canada to replace my mechatronics unit, when I didn't even have a check engine light or the dreaded gearbox malfunction warning.

Ah, Kitchener. I used to work for a company that had a plant in Kitchener. All I remember from my visits up there is a restaurant that was famous for its pig tails.

[Sukks2bu]

Well Kitchener came thru again.
So took my car in for the thermostat, PCV and water pump.
Car is stage 2 UNITRONIC.
They replaced the thermostat, and PCV, water pump had already been done by previous owner.
Had the small service done and an oil change, and a 2018 S5 as a loaner for 5 days.

Total tax In, just over $2k. (Can)
Pretty happy about the service.

Also never flashed back to stock, and no mention of being tuned or flagged td1.

Great service.

Thanks guys