[Vwdiesel] Heater core recall

[Shawn Wright]

On 18 Jan 2005 at 15:42, Sandy Cameron <scameron at compmore.net> wrote:

> At 03:07 PM 18/01/05 -0400, you wrote:
> 
> >Dealer says my VIN# is not valid for any recall.  He never heard tell of any
> >such heater core replacement.  Anyone got the letter with the recall notice
> >number on it ??
> 
> Don't think you will find a recall number unless you find a mechanic who
> wants the work at volks-imposed book rates. You must keep checking
> authorized volks dealers to find one who's service desk will admit the
> recall exists. Then you can use any info he gives you to beat any of the
> others over the head with. In recent years they seem to be getting reluctant. I
> will get the local info for the one that was done here last year, and see what
> can be done to "persuade" the reluctant NB dealers.
> 
> Try the line "a friend had one done last year, I'll try to get the
> information from him".
> Maybe that would cause a thaw in the standoff.
> 
> Or, ask the service guy for the 1-800 number for Volks-Canada (in auburn
> hills Michigan, go figure) and ask them. They will surely have the info, and are
> more sensitive to litigeous persuasion. I'll bet a bentley that will thaw the
> icy stare

I can relate my experience driving with a failed heater core if it helps - not a pleasant 
experience, as I was over an hour from the nearest service station camping when it 
failed. Between scalding coolant on my foot, and fogged up windshield, the potential 
for litigation was *huge*. The really ironic part was the core which failed had just 
been done under the recall! My original one never failed, I just took it in to be 
"upgraded" for safe measure. I figure the dealer gave me a used one taken from 
another car. The next one they gave me lasted more than 10 years with no problems.

--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School