2.0L TDI Oil Change - DIY Advice

[gregozedobe]

I had an idea (I'm not certain, but I'm sure I have read it a few times) that unless the scheduled maintenance was carried out by a qualified mechanic then VWA wouldn't honour the factory warranty (ie it doesn't have to be done by a VW dealer, but it does have to be done by someone with recognised qualifications).

I certainly wouldn't like to take VWA to court if they were trying to wriggle out of paying for a warranty claim if I haven't followed their conditions - it could cost more in legal fees than the warranty claim.

[Russ59]

I still don't think that VW (like most other brands) would appreciate your average Joe, the backyard wanna be mechanic trying to carry out a service on the vehicle when it's obviously not the simple task that it used to be. IMO if you carry out work on your own and you're either not familiar with the procedure on a particular vehicle or not a licenced motor mechanic and you stuff something up whilst trying to do it, then you do so at your own risk. To then take the vehicle into a dealer and claim that something is wrong with it and expect them to fix it under warranty is going to be a tall ask. It's a bit like intentionally driving your car into a wall and then expecting your insurance company to pay for it without asking questions as to why it happened ? If you're totally confident that you can do it without buggering something, or in the event that you do, be prepared to accept the consequences, then I'd say go for it. Otherwise, I'd leave it to someone qualified to carry out the work. My .02 c worth anyway.

[Greg Roles]

You have to have the scheduled (15k) services done and stamped by a qualified mechanic. It's part of the fine print of any car I'm aware of. What you do beyond that is up to you, and if you're like me and change the car from standard, you start to mess with that warranty, and simply need to accept that. Changing oil more often, if using VW filter and oil, well I'd like to know how they could prove that, and simple things like this are unlikely to ever cause a problem.

In the end, we can debate it all we want, but if and when something goes bang, well we'll find out for sure.

[Golf]

As a few people have described, changing the oil and filter is pretty simple. Undo the sump plug to drop the oil, then undo the 32mm plastic cap on top of the oil filter housing. Repco wanted around $50 for a 32mm socket. So I just use an adjustable spanner. I just take my time and make sure I don't damage the plastic cap.

The 32mm bolt on the bottom (underneath the oil cooler) holds the oil cooler on. If you undo that bolt, then the remaining oil from the oil filter housing will drain out as well as some oil from the oil cooler. As people have mentioned, make sure you fill up the oil filter housing if you chose to drain it.

I have an exploded view of the oil filter housing/oil cooler assembly, but it's on my laptop. Might upload it later.

[Greg Roles]

Jezuz man, I got a 32 socket at my local auto shop for about $12 and it's a kinchrome or something, very nice!

[antone_86]

The bottom cap is something I'd probably say to leave alone for a first go. sure it removes the last 5%, but it also holds the fins of the oil cooler to the filter housing, and apart from being very very messy, it's not simple to just line it back up and screw it back in.

View from underneath.

Hi Greg or anyone else that might be able to answer me,

I changed my engine oil and replaced the oil filter today. I also drained the oil cooler as shown in your photo above.

What is the trick with 'lining it up'? I simply replaced it the same way it came off...? Is there some trick to aligning it?

Cheers.

[Greg Roles]

Nope, it's quite free to spin a bit but best to avoid it rubbing on anything, just make sure you tighten it right up, they are prone to leaking and can make a mess, I often have to do a second tighten after a few drives. There is no special direction, it just needs the bolt tension to keep the seal tight.

[antone_86]

Thanks Greg - you're a gem to these forums mate...

I will prop her back on the hoist today as I want to do a few more inspections I didn't get time for yesterday, check for leaks etc., and re-tighten the oil cooler and ensure it isn't rubbing against anything.

Next service I do I'll probably take some photos and do a DIY write up and put it in PDF format for all to use and have access to... I have to admit something a little embarrassing though... this was the first time I've serviced the Passat. Having serviced the Golf GTI 10+ times I assumed that the oil filter was in the same or a similar position (front of engine under splash guard)... when I unscrewed the oil cooler lock nut I actually thought it was all part of the oil filter assembly and I'd have to get in there somewhere to replace the element... thankfully common sense got the better of me and I searched the forums and viola... there was the 'ahhhhhhhhh!' moment! There's the oil filter!

What oil are you using Greg? I've been running Shell Ultra Extra fully synthetic with genuine filters, sump plug... and I'm impressed.... meets VW 50700, using it in the GTI and Passat.

Thanks again for the prompt, helpful response.

[Greg Roles]

Thanks mate!

Don't fret, when I got under my golf for the 1st 7500km change, i undid the lover bolt too, where virtually every NORMAL car has their filter, and spent a bit of time working out where it was!

I'm running Penrite Enviro, but that Shell stuff is top notch too. So long as the oil rabbits on about 507 you're pretty right, as you really need the anti shear properties in the 507, that is the ability to remain between two surfaces under extreme pressure ( the PD injection cam ) and low oil ash content for those afflicted with a DPF which clogs up due to this.

[poyta]

I've been keen to do a mid oil change too as I'm a little worried that the oil changes are so far apart at 15,000kms but worried that I'll get the wrong oil. Any advice on which oil to get and where to get it from? Will the pimple faced teenager behind the counter of the local repco store know what to give me? Where do I get the oil filter from and finally how much oil do I need?