Frustrated with Volksagen

[roguemagic]

My wife and I just purchased a 2008 Beetle that we immediately fell in love with. When we bought the vehicle, I was underwhelmed by the poor sound system. Two weeks after our purchase we had a very nice system installed professionally. Our Beetle was in the shop yesterday and they told me that since the original deck was removed that the VW computers could not communicate with the car and that they would not be able to service such things as 'check engine lights,' and electrical issues in the future. Basically, a lot of the remaining warranty will now be unavailable. It seems that the stereo deck is somewhat like a computers hard drive.
Has anyone else had a similar problem? I spent a lot of money replaing the stock stereo, and now i may need to have it removed.

[FarrisK]

Sounds like they are trying to wimp out of doing work. The ONLY potential problem with replacing the deck is called the "K-line." It's a wire that needs to be left disconnected when the stereo is replaced, but sometimes people hook it up to +12VDC. If that was done, then the shop won't be able to diagnose things.

Just HAVING an aftermarket stereo doesn't mean squat as far as not being able to plug in.

[Smileybug]

When I got my car, it had an aftermarket head unit in it and I've put another one in it too. I haven't had any issues at all getting a VAG-COM to read anything.

I'm not as familiar with the newer NBs, but maybe the wiring wasn't done correctly when the headunit was put in? Or they are just feeding you lies. I doubt that its true. I'm honestly not sure. I just know I've had zero problems with my '99.

Maybe someone with a newer NB can chime in.

[roguemagic]

I have called 2 other dealerships and was told by both that the newer Beetle's stereo deck acts as a computer for diagnostics. They did say that it is easy enough to swap out the deck right before I go in for service in the future so that they soould get readings from the car. I'm not exactly thrilled, but it does make sense. Oh well.

[FarrisK]

Originally Posted by roguemagic

I have called 2 other dealerships and was told by both that the newer Beetle's stereo deck acts as a computer for diagnostics. They did say that it is easy enough to swap out the deck right before I go in for service in the future so that they soould get readings from the car. I'm not exactly thrilled, but it does make sense. Oh well.

They are lying to you, flat out. The stereo does not act as a computer for diagnostics.

Try to find an independent shop to go to. Preferably one that won't lie to you.

[Smileybug]

Bingo. The computer in the car that holds your diagnostic codes is an entirely separate unit.

If things aren't hooked up right, then you can't hook up to the computer due to the electrics. But the stereo isn't for the diagnostics! As Farris said, the K-line is the only potential problem.

[BUGSTUFF]

http://newbeetle.org/forums/attachme...20warning-.pdf

The radio itself does not hold the codes. But an improperly installed aftermarket radio harness may prevent the dealership's diagnostic computer from communicating with the computer in your car. There is a chance that, when hooked up to the diagnostic computer, electrical damage could occur to the diagnostic computer or the one in your car.

So, to the original poster, here's what you might have to do:

Go back to the professional installer and confirm that they left the K-Line disconnected.
Ask them to confirm and document that in writing so that you can show it to the dealer when you take the car in for service. But the dealership might still insist that you pull the headunit before you bring it in for service because they can't risk damage to their expensive diagnostic computer.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by FarrisK

Sounds like they are trying to wimp out of doing work. The ONLY potential problem with replacing the deck is called the "K-line." It's a wire that needs to be left disconnected when the stereo is replaced, but sometimes people hook it up to +12VDC. If that was done, then the shop won't be able to diagnose things.

Just HAVING an aftermarket stereo doesn't mean squat as far as not being able to plug in.

Originally Posted by FarrisK

They are lying to you, flat out. The stereo does not act as a computer for diagnostics.

Try to find an independent shop to go to. Preferably one that won't lie to you.

I agree with Farris. They're feeding you a lot of rubbish. I installed my Sony deck in Cup- got the kid from BestBuy, with connector/install kit. The dude in the install dept. told me make sure I don't connect a certain line, which by what Farris is saying is that dreaded K-Line.

Get thee to another jobber.