2005 Volkswagen Jetta glow plug

SMCQ

MEMBER
2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Engine Mechanical problem
2005 Volkswagen Jetta Front Wheel Drive Manual 70,000 miles

I've got a TDI

anyhow, the glow plug was being replaced by my normally wonderful mechanic. The glow plug broke when he was removing it and it fell into the diesel engine. So I had to pay for the cylinder head to be removed to retrieve the piece.

Plus, I just had a 70,000 tune-up 3 weeks ago and because of this new problem the oil and everything was changed again. Is it my responsibility to pay for all that?
thank you!

5 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

In a word, No, I would not have discarded the oil nor would I have charged a customer for my lack of skill at removing something that I put there.

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Saturday, June 7th, 2008 AT 12:50 AM

SMCQ

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Well, he didn't put it there - it's been there since I bought the car new.

With also replacing the shocks (which is the reason I took it in to begin with and also that my glow plug light had come on), the total bill was over $1200.

I'm not sure why I didn't dissect the costs when he charged me. I think I had sticker shock, plus, I've always trusted him and assumed he wouldn't charge me if not necessary. But I'm thinking of protesting the $500+ labor charge for the engine.

Opinion please.

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Saturday, June 7th, 2008 AT 9:05 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

It is curious how the story changes isn't it?
Anyhow, the glow plug was being replaced by my normally wonderful mechanic. The glow plug broke when he was removing it and it fell into the diesel engine. So I had to pay for the cylinder head to be removed to retrieve the piece.
Then,
Well, he didn't put it there - it's been there since I bought the car new.
So where is the truth?

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Saturday, June 7th, 2008 AT 10:00 AM

SMCQ

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I bought the car new in 2005. Recently the glow plug had to be replaced. He went to pull it out and it broke off into the engine. I had to pay.

Thanks for your correspondance about this.

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Sunday, June 8th, 2008 AT 10:06 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi smcq,

It is an accidental type of problem whereby the plug was faulty and while removing it broke, so the fault does not entirely fall on the mechanic unless it could be proven that he damaged it through improper removal.

The owner should be directly responsible for the repairs but as a gesture of good will, the mechanic could have given a reduced price on labor for the repairs.