Hi, I have now been serviced twice by an Independant Garage that Specialises in VW's and I asked both times for my Service to be done as variable. Both times I was told they could do this but it looks like that it was re-set as fixed. The second garage said that they had got it wrong and there machine could not set my Skoda to variable. They said come back when it showed it needed a service and they would re-set the service back to fixed and it would be no problem as the service light would pop on when it needed it. Despite re-setting it back as fixed.

So two questions.

1. If I get the service set back to fixed and don't get the service done will the indicator come back on when needed. I.e. Before the end of the next 10,000 miles?

2. Can someone running a VW set of kit (VAG Comm??) set my Skoda to variable or do I need to find a Skoda independant rather than a VW specialist?

I lied 3 questions...

3. Anyone used "In & Out" in Northampton for service? I used them for the MOT and they said they could set my Variable Service Indicator no problems. I guess that answer will come from question 2?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I am slightly miffed I have been done as a kipper twice and don't want to get caught a third time...

Cheers

MJ1

This isn't answering your question directly, but you are aware that variable means exactly that, and the indicator can go off anywhere between 9_000 (so before it would trigger on fixed) and 20_000 miles? It does not always mean "longer". So no I wouldn't just let the car signal for a fixed service, then cancel it without having any work done.

ISTR that a paid-for VAGCom can set up variable servicing.

And if you're in Northants, why not give the site sponsor Unit 18 a call?

Tell the dealer to sort it out! You didnt pay for them to change the intervals, and advise you will not use them, and will lodge a complaint with Skoda UK.

Why not pop to Autohaus at Riverside and ask them to sort it? Alwways sort stuff out for SWBO when she pops in there. I dont think that pop in place has full diags, and could only reset the indicator, not change its type.

This isn't answering your question directly, but you are aware that variable means exactly that, and the indicator can go off anywhere between 9_000 (so before it would trigger on fixed) and 20_000 miles? It does not always mean "longer". So no I wouldn't just let the car signal for a fixed service, then cancel it without having any work done.

I know what the difference is and I know that in my 8+ years of driving a Skoda Octavia that my style of driving gets me roughly a 20k Service. I know the last garage did not set it to variable and I am just asking if you re-set it would it pick up on the oil to know when it needs changing. After all I am guessing there are some sensors checking quality of oil.

So sorry that answer does not help and just gives me an opinon, which is noted.

Cheers.

ISTR that a paid-for VAGCom can set up variable servicing.

So that would seem to be saying that a VW specific garage should be able to set it to Variable even though I am a Skoda owner? :confused:

And if you're in Northants, why not give the site sponsor Unit 18 a call?

I will certainly do that. I have not trawled the site for addresses but will now do a search for Unit 18 as I am more than happy to support Skoda Specific businesses.

Thank you

Any proper VW garage can set it correctly for you. Sounds like they did it the lazy way using the trip reset.

Simply complain, as that's not what you paid them to do, simple as.

Any proper VW garage can set it correctly for you. Sounds like they did it the lazy way using the trip reset.

Simply complain, as that's not what you paid them to do, simple as.

Hi I did complain but they said they could not set it to variable and as I had already handed the money I had to believe what they said about re-setting the Setting when it had run it's fixed course...

So now here I am it has run it's fixed course and I am still hoping someone who knows about how the variable / fixed servicing works can answer the questions.

:confused:

Cheers MJ

The main issue you have is what oil they used.

If they used longlife, fine reset to variable and correct to the date of service. If they didnt use longlife, by running over the fixed limit you may encounter serious issues and void warranty if still valid on the vehicle.

The main issue you have is what oil they used.

If they used longlife, fine reset to variable and correct to the date of service. If they didnt use longlife, by running over the fixed limit you may encounter serious issues and void warranty if still valid on the vehicle.

Well warranty is gone as this is my car and all previous cars had been Co Cars. So I had always gone to authorised dealers but since buying my own I wanted to save a few quid and support local businesses. The company specialises in VW's and were happy to take the Skoda.

They have said that it was Longlife and it shows as RSDR-OIL-PD 5W/40W Oil PD on the paper work. As I am not expert on designation of what is LongLife does this sound right?

Anyway of checking oil and getting sample checked? I am guessing not but worth asking....

Also I go back to the point that even if it was reset to fixed the light (service indicator) would come on quickly as some sort of testing must be happening to the oil by the engine management?

Just my simplistic view on it...

:(

If the service indicator is set to fixed the oil quaility sensor is turned off and it just resets to either 10k or 1 year before the light comes on.

Anyone with VCDS or VAS can reset it from variable to fixed and visa versa.

What's the distance and timescale since last service?

Ref oil, see -

http://briskoda.net/octavia-ii/what-oils-meets-specs-vw-504-00-507-00-a/55476/

&

http://briskoda.net/technical-guides/oil-advice-recommendations-here/22016/#post273952

If the service indicator is set to fixed the oil quaility sensor is turned off and it just resets to either 10k or 1 year before the light comes on.

Anyone with VCDS or VAS can reset it from variable to fixed and visa versa.

Thanks Unit 18.

So the answer by the manager to reset it to fixed is not what one would call a good suggestion.

I think I will take it up with them on Wednesday and see what sort of responses I get.

If I get more B***lcks I will cease trying to get them to sort it and start afresh.

What some garages do if there has been a **** up and a car has been set to fixed when it should be on variable and the light has come on early, they reset to fixed again and send it back out. Take into consideration that on fixed the light ususally comes on at 9k, 1k ahead of your service. Multiply that by two and you get 18k which is the max distance on variable. Its easier than trying to reconfig a variable indicator to come on again in 9k.

Hope that makes sense.

What's the distance and timescale since last service?

Ref oil, see -

http://briskoda.net/octavia-ii/what-oils-meets-specs-vw-504-00-507-00-a/55476/

&

http://briskoda.net/technical-guides/oil-advice-recommendations-here/22016/#post273952

Thanks for the links.

It is on the 49k mark now and was last done at 39k.

As it was an 04 plate it had the Cambelt done in July 04, and they have marked up a 60k Inspection Service.

I am now leaning towards the view that the service manager wanted shot of me.

He had forgotten to tell mechanic to set it to variable and came up with some B***it to explain away his mistake.

I am now trying to see what 5W/40W means. If I can get it set to variable I think it will soon come up if it really does need servicing now or in a few more months.

The first service I paid for was after roughly 18k and that tied in with previous experience. Then at 29k I was told it had been set to variable but lo and behold it came on at 39k but as it was 4 years old I thought I would get it done at a different place and get the Cam belt done. But once again no variable service.

If I were a cynic I would say fixed is better for garages...

What some garages do if there has been a **** up and a car has been set to fixed when it should be on variable and the light has come on early, they reset to fixed again and send it back out. Take into consideration that on fixed the light ususally comes on at 9k, 1k ahead of your service. Multiply that by two and you get 18k which is the max distance on variable. Its easier than trying to reconfig a variable indicator to come on again in 9k.

Hope that makes sense.

Yes it makes sense and thanks for another seed of doubt...

:eek:

So if I do get them to set it for variable it might not be and I might be damaging the car without any warning....

:(

Wonderful....

Yup, the less scrupulous/hard up ones are resetting to fixed to keep them going.

As the min distance for variable is the same as fixed, they can easily cover it up to those who arent clued up.

Skoda really should make the reset, reset it's current regime, not change it.

If you are local to me bring it over. I'll do a oil and filter change for you using variable oil and then set it for variable if you like then you know where to start from.

No labour, just the cost of oil and filter.

If you are local to me bring it over. I'll do a oil and filter change for you using variable oil and then set it for variable if you like then you know where to start from.

No labour, just the cost of oil and filter.

Not exactly local but will call you in the morning.

I work (well not much now as hours reduced due to credit crunch and less work) in Northampton so I guess not too far from you?

Thanks for such a kind offer.

5W/40W is possibly a case of finger trouble, and possibly a further indication of plain incompetence since there is not and can not be such a thing as a 5W/40W oil. I've utterly no doubt that Lummox and the guys at Opie Oils will back me up on this, and even possibly explain better than I can why a liquid can not have 2 viscosities at the same temperature (0C).

If it had been 5W/40, that would indicate the viscosity of the oil used, (5 centistokes at 0C, 40 centistokes at 100C) but that is no guarantee that this oil meets a VAG 500 series quality standard, never mind that it meets standards required for variable service schedules.

5W/40W is possibly a case of finger trouble, and possibly a further indication of plain incompetence since there is not and can not be such a thing as a 5W/40W oil.

After reading the links posted last night I am thinking the PD would indicate this oil was used: -

"VW 505.01

For all diesel engines with unit injectors (Pumpe-Duse or PD) without variable service intervals.

Viscosity rating: SAE 5w-40"

But as you say the way they have typed it onto their computer system leaves a lot to be desired. I have typed it as shown on my paper work.

I am surprised that if the Service Schedule is set to fixed that the oil sampling management feature is switched off as I would have thought it is a useful safety feature and would be left on.

Anyway learning as I go and thanks for all the responses so far. I do hate it when I don't know the truth and sites like this help educate people like me.

Cheers

MJ

If you're correct about the oil grade used, you need at least an oil change soon. You might want to think about getting an inspection service done since about half the cost of that (rather more if you want to convert to variable) is oil and filter change anyway, and IMO 30K without at least an inspection is just plain too long.

5w-40 is not suitable for long life services anyway.

They should of used either VW 506.01 (0w-30), or VW 507.00 (5w-30) spec oil.

So i personally would be taking it back to the garage and demanding a free oil and filter change as they have serviced the car with normal oil and not long life stuff, as you requested.

They reset the indicator correctly for the work they have done - but not what was requested by you.

Then the next time the car is serviced take it to an honest garage who will revert it back to variable (if you wish it to be returned to variable servicing)

Thank you for all those who have helped here and especially Ross at Unit 18 who is an absolute Gent.

After discussing it here and understanding what is involved I decided that I should allow the garage a chance to sort it out. I phoned Danny and Trish (the owners) at RSD in Daventry and they talked through the issues and agreed that a long life (variable) service had not been done and that I had been told some porkies. The chap who had worked there was let go before his three month trial and I hope he did not damage the business too much for them. It was he who had dealt with me and not Danny or Trish.

Danny offered to do my service for free which was very generous and I have agreed except that I will pay for materials as I don' want him to go out of business. It is a family firm and I want to support small businesses if at all possible.

Danny agreed that his oil was marked wrongly on the computer system and the "W" after the 40 was a typo mistake.

I had not been given Long Life Oil so re-setting the clock was not an option and I really need a proper service.

So once again thanks to everyone and I have the car booked in for a Service there. I hope all goes well. This site gives those with little knowledge a chance to understand what is involved.

If Unit 18 was a tad closer I would go there but as it is an hour and 15 mins away I will try RSD a second time.

Cheers

MJ

As an update to this despite being told that it was set to variable the second service it again was not and I have gone to a dealer to get it done properly. I will be checking later this week to see if it has truly been set to variable. You would think it would be a simple request.:(

The guys at U18 know what they are doing. It's likely worth asking somebody with VAG-COM to read the values in the ECU as I'm sure they will have set it.

Are you sure you didn't end up with the car being on variable but needing a service earlier than the 18k due to how it is driven?

Are you sure you didn't end up with the car being on variable but needing a service earlier than the 18k due to how it is driven?

Ohhh yes very certain.

1st The give away was checking miles left for Service shortly after getting it serviced, surprise surprise it showed 9000 miles.

2nd I now need my 1st set of replacement brake pads and the mileage now is 60k which gives you an idea of how I drive.

3rd I have driven an Skoda Octavia for around 10 years and I know how my driving style gets an extended mileage (beyond 9k) per service. The last time it was correctly set I got roughly 18k between services.

So all in all I 99% certain it was not set.

BTW just checked the service miles tonight and it is still not showing as I guess I have not driven enough miles for it to estimate it so that is a good sign to show it truly has been set to variable. Mind you I had to be very specific at the dealer and they seemed to be less than happy to set it to variable, I wonder why....