Because I don't have enough on my plate, the universe decided to play with my head a little. In one day I am leaving to drive over 3400 miles. Yesterday, as I was risking life and limb driving on I95 to put the last few things into my PODS unit before they closed at 2pm, the car ran out of gas. This is not unusual as this car needs gas like fish need water. But I lurrrrrrve this car. Remember this post when I was so dreamy over buying it?
Well, I still really love the car, but I'm maybe not as dreamy.
I am out of gas, drifting into the gas station on fumes as is my typical protocol and quickly realized I was screwed. The car is totally out of gas and the fuel door won't open.
I try the special fuel door unlocking sequence again. Remove key from ignition, unlock all doors using the driver's side switch, press fuel door at the 9 o'clock position.
Nothing.
Low level panic ensues.
I start the car, put it in drive, you know, to trick it into thinking it had gone somewhere and would forget it didn't want to open the fuel door. Turn off car and repeat special sequence. Nothing.
I should say nothing but tears. And my life flashing before my eyes as I drive through oh say, Montana and have this happen with no roadside service available for hours.
I call VW and they get the car to the nearest dealership. I have to give a huge shout out to Sean at Curran VW in (somewhere because I don't even know where I was) Connecticut. Sean had no idea I was coming, but immediately greeted me with "I can fix your car." He had it up on the lift, made someone take a late lunch, did some magic (or replaced or cleaned or something) and now the fuel door opened. He also fixed my tail light which consistently burns out about every six months and the tire pressure warning light that comes on almost every month.
Sean told me that if this happens again I can hold down the unlock button on the driver's door while simultaneously "popping" the fuel door. This would be a great trick except the driver's door is on the opposite side of the fuel door which is at the rear of the car (obviously) and I don't have go-go-gadget arms.
While I was waiting (and quietly crying), which wasn't very long, he got me coffee and provided a level of customer service I have only ever experienced at one other dealership. Sean is an absolute gem and Curran VW is lucky to have him. I was lucky to be helped by him. He's like Superman with an invisible cape.
I really love this car as evidenced by this post, and while my heart is screaming "spend $1000 on new tires, you love this car" my head is saying "today might need to be car shopping day because you've spent as much time in the service department of VW dealerships across the country as you have driving this car and its time to get practical."
3 comments:
We are about to get our older son a Jetta so now I am a little worried. A diesel, though, so hopefully the gas will last a little longer.
Good luck with the move!
We have Jettas and haven't had any problems (except for the tire light thing). My car seems to barely use any gas. J has a Turbo, so it uses a bit more, but still pretty good. We drove it to FL last year and marveled at how few gas stops we had to take. Maybe there's something they can do to fix the situation for you? It doesn't seem like it is in line with how your car should behave. Do you have a TDI? I have heard there are some kinks they've had worked out with TDIs in relation to US diesel quality.
Good luck on your trip! I've been reading, thinking of you, and sending good thoughts into the Universe fora safe journey for you.
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