So in short, the check engine light came on yesterday so I took it into the dealership for a check up. They came back saying that the fault code was for major tank leak, but they ran the tank test and it passed. So basically nothing was wrong and they just switched off the check engine light.

When I got to the cashier to finish up the paperwork, I was told that since nothing was "malfunctioning", it will not be covered under CPO warranty, and you will have to pay the labor, which was $164. Is this right? Anything I can do about it?

Thanks in advance for the advices.

 

Wow, I actually laugh when I read this. They must be in need of money real bad.

One thing that I do myself is... whenever I get a code, I'll reset it myself. If it comes back, then I would find out what and bring the car in.

 

You gotta laugh at this more if I tell you that the service adviser told me, "We already gave you a discount and only charged you 1 hour labor instead of 2 hrs." SO NICE OF THEM!!

How do you reset the light yourself? Do you need the fault code reader to do so?

 

That's bad... but funny they said that.

Yes, get a OBD II scanner/reader, it plugs right into the jack under your steerwheel. I got mine from Ebay for $60.

 

Get a Durametric. Read the Porsche specific codes. Ask on 6speed what the code means. There is more knowledge here than anywhere. If needed, take that data to the dealer and it will ensure stuff gets covered under CPO becaue you will have a specific complaint. If your code was

P0455 Fuel Tank Ventilation System (Major Leak) - Below Limit
Possible fault cause
- Tank cap missing
- Tank cap seal
- Ventilation lines detached from EVAP canister
- Ventilation line detached from tank
- Ventilation line detached from fuel tank vent
- Break in ventilation lines

The answer is here if you have the questions (and P codes)

http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx

 

Thanks for the info.

I think that was the code they came up with. He told me that the gas cap was left loose, but I was like it is not possible, as I always turn the gas cap until I hear like 5 clicks. And the last time I fueled the tank was like 1.5 wks and 200 miles ago. Shouldn't that code get trigger earlier than that if the gas cap was loose?

 

1. Did you sign a Work Order that approved any dollar amount?

if yes, it is hard to disagree.

2. I'd argue that either (a) the tank was bad, or (b) the fault check system was bad! Let them chose which one is the 'issue' then go from there. Try to have them argue that it is "normal" to get erroneous fault lights....


MAKE SURE they accurately reflect- in the work order and work history- exactly what your complaint is and what they do. If it isn't documented it doesn't exist.... indeed, I would have insisted that they write in the actual computer record that "no fault found, normal to get erroneous warnings"...had they refused, we'd be back to "OK, if you won't write this warning is normal, then fix it!"

Anyway, likely won't make headway- this stuff happens. This is why the CPO sucks- you have to go to the dealer and may stupid rates, and stuff is often not covered. Wait until they want $5k for a tranny teardown to tell you 'not covered'...

 

1) Yes. I thought that will only be charged if some wrong was found and not covered under warranty. Not even when nothing wrong was found. Lesson learned here.

2) All that was documented was:
"Customer states - Engine check light is on
10 Check out and perform test as needed - fault for major tank leak - perform test and found car to pass tank test - gas cap was left loose"

I guess I will see if they are going to contact me back after they receive the complaint I filed with Porsche NA.

 

Nice, so when/if it comes back on will they refund your money when they really have to fix something?

 

The "diagnosis" labor was supposed to be covered under warranty if the check up comes up to something under warranty is faulty. What the dealer will do at this point is still unknown. PNA said they will forward the complaint to their manager and that's all they can do about this matter. Whether the dealer will contact be back or not, or what they will do on this will up to them.

 

Oh, that evap tank code is a total money maker for all dealers!

I didn't realize that was the one... for sure you want to read your own codes, not just to save $164, but who needs the time sink of taking the car in.

Technically, based on their write up they DID in fact determine that there WAS a fault and it was NOT covered: you left the gas cap loose! (Not saying you did, they are saying you did and the record supports their assertion.)

Now it would be nice for the SA to say "Let me pull the code real quick before we write it up, if it is just the gas cap we can clear it and you'll be on your way"



A porsche dealer??? I crack myself up sometimes...

A

 

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ajor-leak.html

Check out the link for a similar problem I've had.

+1 on the Durametric.

 

This is unfortunate, but in this economy where they are not selling as many cars, it is a sign of the times as far as where they can gain those nickels and dimes.

Hope that you win the argument, it seems to me you have a solid complaint.

 

at your local auto parts they generally loan you or check for you the fault codes no its not as good as a durametric but its free to see what it is and clear it

 

gee if i know i'm right my words are i'm not payin and thats it!!!! this usually works quite well, it's honestly never happened to me at a porsche dealer, but it has happened at big o tires in santa rosa ca.(on my dd) they sold me a tire and it went flat an hour later they wanted to chg me to replace it.....it was defective....