Too many issues.. Need a mechanic...

[V_Dub_Wagon]

So, I took my 03 Passat Wagon V6 to a dealer to do a brake light switch recall. Turns out, they needed to replace my fuel pump, said brake light switch, and something with the heated seats.
Well, now that they've finished, I have problems... First: My fuel gauge won't go all the way to FULL... I fill 'er up and it only goes as far as 3/4. Once the gas goes down to about 3/4, it works fine. Also, after I fill it up, it has a hard time starting. No other time, mind you, just when I put gas in it. It'll eventually start, but I have to crank it a while, 3-5 seconds. Every other time, she starts right up.
Dealer said my problems weren't related to the work they did, I think it's a little fishy, so I told them to look anyway. Now, I've got more problems...
1. Needs fuel meter -about $323.61
2. Check engine lights on, they said its got cracked vacuum lines & a faulty purge valve - $360
3. Cam seals & Valve cover gaskets - $1037
4. CV Boot has a tear - $280
5. Serpentine belt $171

I bought it used about a year and a half ago, it's got about 77K miles on it.

SO... here comes where I need you guys...

- I used to do work on my 98 Blazer, the VW is a completely different beast.. anything I can do myself (serp belt, purge valve, vacuum lines)?

- Anybody know a good, honest mechanic in the Grayslake, IL area? I went to Dub Works, and I'm waiting for a call back w/ an estimate...

- What can I expect in the near future?



Used to use this site all the time w/ my old Blazer... you guys are da best...
Thanks

[Headnsouth]

First off how did it need these parts when you just went for a brake light switch? I think what happened was you were coming in for warranty work and they found other sh** to fix and soak you for some $.
If you had a problem after you left them I'd go back and ask why its having all these problems.
Did you have aby problems before going to these guys? Have you used them before? Any reputation?

I'd get a second opinion and/or a Haynes manual and fix this stuff yourself.

[inafogg]

i agree with headn, ''sounds fishy''.they replaced fuel pump & now fuel gauge is screwed up......as far as normal maintenence you could do most of....
good luck

[V_Dub_Wagon]

My sentiments exactly.

Looks like the valve seals and gaskets is a common issue for a car this old though.

Anyone know of a good place to go North of Chicago?

[veedubmechanic]

Just to let you know, its a common issue when doing the fuel pump recall when removing the old pump or installing the new one that they bend the rod on the fuel level sensor. They messed up that one and they should fix it for free. VW had lots of issues with that on 04-05 passats where the person that installed the pumps in the tank bent the arms so it read 3/4 when the tank was actually full.

The evap valve, common issue also there about 80.00 for a new valve and its right on the airbox, takes 10min to repalce.

valve cover gaskets and cam seals, replace the timing belt and water pump with them to save the 1000 when doing seperately.

The cv boot, yea common issue.
And the serp belt, they HAVE to remove the 60.00 belt to replace the cam seals, they are overlapping tech time to get more $$$ out of you.

[V_Dub_Wagon]

The miracles never cease... I filled up after they "couldn't find anything wrong" and ALAS!! It goes all the way to FULL again... how 'bout that?