2005 VW Jetta Low Oil After Change

VOLKSWAGEN
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HOT UNDER THE HOOD
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I have a 4 month old VW Jetta - 2005 - the newer model. At 5,000 miles I took the car in for the required warrenty work that included an oil change. Two days ago, after filling up with gas, the car wouldn't start. After talking with the service department today, they said I had no oil. There have been no leaks. My questions are:

1. Could the engine burn quarts of oil in only 5 weeks?

2. If the dealership did make a mistake - is my warrenty still good?

3. What if any issues should I be aware of?

The dealership later came back and said that the oil was only down 2 1/2 quarts. I believe this to be a lie and just a CYA on their part.

I appreciate any advice
Jan 19, 2006 at 6:00 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Be assertive. Obviously there was a problem on their end, and besides if they wont stand behind a new car its not a car worth owning
Feb 10, 2006 at 8:46 AM
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FRIEDEMANN
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If your car burned that much oil, it would be so blue coming out of the exhaust. No leaks. Obviously they did not put in all the oil, as you suspect.
Why the car did not start, I do not know. I know that on small motors, it is a protection feature(lack of oil in the crankcase). It may be the same in that car.
Dec 13, 2006 at 11:32 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Only down 2 1/2 quarts? YIkes thats a lot. A new car is highly not likely to burn it, if so that's a warranty item. Regardless it is the dealer's (or should be) headache. They cared for it, it's new-they need to make it right.
Dec 24, 2006 at 2:43 PM
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KARENCAREN
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This is why I always watch the mechanic while doing some service in for my car. I hate being ripped off.
Feb 12, 2009 at 1:58 PM
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Suggested Repair

Return to the dealership and insist they correct the oil level, inspect the engine for low-oil damage, and document the service. A new engine is unlikely to burn several quarts in a few weeks without blue exhaust smoke and no leaks, so underfilling during the oil change is the more likely cause. If the engine did consume oil or was damaged, that should be treated as a warranty item and the dealer should make it right.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a nearly new 2005 VW Jetta said the car would not start two days after a dealer warranty oil change, with no visible leaks. The dealer first said the engine had no oil, then said it was only 2.5 quarts low. Experts said that much oil loss is unlikely from normal consumption on a new car and that missing oil points to an incomplete fill. They advised being assertive, having the dealer correct the problem, and treating any actual oil consumption or resulting damage as a warranty issue.

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