Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer

ChrisBP · 10-04-2007, 13:16

I have just taken my 55 1.9 in to my local dealer to have a number of faults looked at - one of them being that the NS windscreen jet has stopped spraying in a dispersed fan shape and just squirts a single jet. Apart from giving me terrible ccustomer service and having an attitude problem, they told me that as I had not used Skoda washer fluid, they would have to charge me. Told me that only the Skoda fluis should be used and that they will have a look at it and will have to charge me for any repair! I dont remember reading in the handbook that only Skoda fluid must be used! soundl like a lie to me. I always use a branded fluid - and how come only one jet has a fault if its due to the fluid? Sparshatts in Fareham is the offending dealer. Moreover, there is a long list of faults they need to look at (they have had the list for several weeks, they then told me today the courtesy car was only available for one day! Terrible, terrible service.

SJFISHER67 · 10-04-2007, 13:48

By the sounds of it the jet is blocked with a piece of foreign material, either try and blow it out, or if you need a replacement (providing they are not heated) then they are something like £3 for a pair, if i remember correctly.

As for using recommended fluids, oil and radiator fluid maybe, but washer fluid? NEVER!

station-garage · 10-04-2007, 13:49

I can confirm that due to the way the VAG group cars windscreen washer system works, only VAG's own brand of washer fluid seems to work as it does tend get blocked up because as it is a "fan jet".

Thanks,

James

ChrisBP · 10-04-2007, 14:26

... but the point is - does it say in the user manual that only Skoda / VAG fluid should be used and that use of non Skoda / Vag fluid invalidates the waranty. If it does not, I want my issue resolved under waranty.

**VRStu** · 10-04-2007, 17:03

I'm afraid to say they are right Chris.

Fabia-vrs.com - Repairs to Rear Washer Pipe - Fabia and Octavia (A4 / A5).

I take it you've met Mike then

You'll need to dig your manual and see if it specifically mentions the screen wash.

ChrisBP · 10-04-2007, 18:09

Dont know what the guys name was - but whoever he was he was as nice as pie and helpful. My issue is with the woman on the customer service desk who has an attitude. In terms of the use of non Skoda fluid - this has no bearing on the waranty and you do not need to use it to maintain waranty as in the owners manusl it says"Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We therefore recomend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from Skods genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. If my issue had been about having a dirty windcreen and I had not been using any fluid - they may have had a point! Nowhere does it say that you should not use any other fluid as it blocks the nozzle. My issue was not caused by freezing either.

cheezemonkhai · 10-04-2007, 18:21

I have a whole set of issues with some things sparshatts do myself, however they are right on this one.

Try an old toothbrush and some lemon juice and give it a rubbing over which often dislodges some of the crud. If that doesn't work I found lemon juice poured over the jet so that some goes in and leave it for 10 minutes can do the trick.

The normal screen wash contains chemicals which will leave solid deposits when turned into an effective vapour cloud by the fan jet.

If they are not heated and are only £3 each, then I'd just change them and change over to the Skoda screen wash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

I take it you've met Mike then

He is an interesting chap.

rotodiesel · 10-04-2007, 18:26

Unbelievable. A dealer will make an enemy over a windscreen washer jet? I found a trivial but much more expensive part on my Superb to be damaged after I bought it second hand. After a few exchanges with the supplying dealer, a new one was made available from my local dealer for me to fit. Result - satisfied customer.

Are some of these dealers complete idiots? By the way, my Superb still sprays like a tom cat, filled up with the cheapest Wickes screenwasher fluid I could find - doesn't smell very nice though.

rotodiesel.

**VRStu** · 10-04-2007, 18:34

I agree with you Chris it is not entirely clear and as you say the manual appears to merely give a recomendation not a requirement.

I think you'll have to phone Skoda CS and appeal to their better nature whilst stating your case. FWIW I do agree with you.

I showed you the TSB, not because I thought yours had frozen but simply to highlight their stance with regard to washer fluid. I actually do use the proper stuff and really like it, it's not expensive at all.

ChrisBP · 10-04-2007, 20:54

I put in a complaint to Skoda UK cust services the moment I got home from dropping off the car. They were very helpful. Oddly enough, I got a very polite call from the mechanic a few hours later. No mention of charging me for the replacement jet!

There are a few faults/ problems with the car.

1) Smell of fumes when heater up high.
2) Drivers seatbelt a bit slack.
3) Vibration from the centre console – occasional
4) Washer jet
5) Wear to drivers seat (V slight – a bit of bobbling in one tiny place)
6) Knocking sound when taking bends / smooth curves at 30 mph or so
7) Engine cut out for fraction of a second once or twice at speed

The fumes were put down to a filthy pollen filter – did complete check on exhaust etc.
They are replacing the seatbelt “out of good will”
Vibration – caused by cowboys at Snows body repair shop (official Skoda body shop) not putting all the bolts back on the cover that goes under the engine
Washer jet will be replaced
Wear to seat – I accept is just a bit of fluff
Knocking sound – could not find this sound but did a full inspection – wants me to take him out for a spin when the car is back in in a few days to see if can show conditions under which knocking occurs.
Engine cut out – put down to negative terminal on battery being loose – again, this is Snows – who after 7 months have not managed to repair damage to rear bumper!

All in all a mixed result. As far as Im concerned, if there is anything on my car that is in any way faulty or below spec whilst its under warranty, Sparshatts or any other dealer will repair it or I will see them in court and do as much as I can to ensure as many people know about it as possible. As for “replacing the seatbelt as an act of good will” – is the seatbelt functioning as it should = No. Therefore Skoda = legally obliged to replace it. Therefore = not out of god will.

I really love my Superb, but I don’t think I will buy another Skoda because of the terrible attitude and unacceptable service provided by some of their dealers employees. A pity for them as I intended to buy my wife an Octavia in a few months.

**VRStu** · 10-04-2007, 21:16

At least there is some resolution there then.

As far as sales is concerned I have nothing but praise for Sparshatts of Fareham, In terms of servicing I have and will continue to use Chichester.

Steve at Sparshatts is a great bloke but he is up against it with the negative attitude of the desk staff.

Chris and Ben at Chichester couldn't be more helpful, Michelle who runs the service desk is nice to deal with as well.

ChrisBP · 10-04-2007, 21:36

I will use Chi in future. I get my car serviced at Bognor Motors where I purchased it. They are polite, cheap and will do anything to help. Best thing Skoda can do is do a bit of "Mystery shopping" - where they get a market research company to pose as customers... I could sort out most of their problems with a few P45s and a couple of newspaper ads for customer service desk staff. Put it this way - when I decided to buy a new car, I went down the Eastern Road in Portsmouth to look at the Mercs, VWs, Audis and BMWs. BMW served me but didnt want to spend £25K on the 3 series I liked. Didnt like the inside of the Audi. Fell in love with the new Passat and decided I would buy there and then. Tried three times to get servedbut nobody would even talk with me, the Mercs were made out of cardboard and recycled bin liners. Went doen to Sparshatts where I looked at the Superb. Unimpressed by their sales bod and his attitude so went and purchased my one from a garage owned by a colleagues brother - named above. I find it beyond belief that it is the least important, least expensive staff that lose businesses the most money. If any of my staff had that attitude I would sack them. Find it frustrating that I work myself to death, give my clients fantastic service etc to earn a living, then when I have a week off and want to get a bit of customer service myself, I get treated like a piece of ****. None of this "Im sorry you have had a problem with your car sir...." ita like they are doing you a favor and you are a peoblem. Like I say, this woman in Sparshatts has cost them an Octavia. I will prob buy the wife a Vauxhall - I never had any probs with them and their cust service.

**VRStu** · 10-04-2007, 21:57

I've said it many times before it's the attitude of the service staff that can make or break a garage.

20VLIL · 10-04-2007, 22:18

Sounds pretty good to me after all. I have still...two broken ashtrays that have not been repaired since I reported it 6 months ago. My seat belt is slack too, cant see that being done, not now
Think you done well really , all be it annoying

10-04-2007, 13:16	#1
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I have just taken my 55 1.9 in to my local dealer to have a number of faults looked at - one of them being that the NS windscreen jet has stopped spraying in a dispersed fan shape and just squirts a single jet. Apart from giving me terrible ccustomer service and having an attitude problem, they told me that as I had not used Skoda washer fluid, they would have to charge me. Told me that only the Skoda fluis should be used and that they will have a look at it and will have to charge me for any repair! I dont remember reading in the handbook that only Skoda fluid must be used! soundl like a lie to me. I always use a branded fluid - and how come only one jet has a fault if its due to the fluid? Sparshatts in Fareham is the offending dealer. Moreover, there is a long list of faults they need to look at (they have had the list for several weeks, they then told me today the courtesy car was only available for one day! Terrible, terrible service.

10-04-2007, 13:48	#2
SJFISHER67 Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Winchester Posts: 686 Members Car: Thanks: 2 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer By the sounds of it the jet is blocked with a piece of foreign material, either try and blow it out, or if you need a replacement (providing they are not heated) then they are something like £3 for a pair, if i remember correctly. As for using recommended fluids, oil and radiator fluid maybe, but washer fluid? NEVER! __________________ Skoda Superb 2.0 TDi 'vRS' (It's an Elegance really) 2008 Factory lowered and a boot spoiler!

10-04-2007, 13:49	#3
station-garage Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14 Members Car: Various stuff Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I can confirm that due to the way the VAG group cars windscreen washer system works, only VAG's own brand of washer fluid seems to work as it does tend get blocked up because as it is a "fan jet". Thanks, James

10-04-2007, 14:26	#4
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer ... but the point is - does it say in the user manual that only Skoda / VAG fluid should be used and that use of non Skoda / Vag fluid invalidates the waranty. If it does not, I want my issue resolved under waranty.

10-04-2007, 17:03	#5
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I'm afraid to say they are right Chris. Fabia-vrs.com - Repairs to Rear Washer Pipe - Fabia and Octavia (A4 / A5). I take it you've met Mike then You'll need to dig your manual and see if it specifically mentions the screen wash. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio Last edited by VRStu; 10-04-2007 at 17:05.

10-04-2007, 18:09	#6
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer Dont know what the guys name was - but whoever he was he was as nice as pie and helpful. My issue is with the woman on the customer service desk who has an attitude. In terms of the use of non Skoda fluid - this has no bearing on the waranty and you do not need to use it to maintain waranty as in the owners manusl it says"Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We therefore recomend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from Skods genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. If my issue had been about having a dirty windcreen and I had not been using any fluid - they may have had a point! Nowhere does it say that you should not use any other fluid as it blocks the nozzle. My issue was not caused by freezing either.

10-04-2007, 18:26	#8
rotodiesel Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 672 Members Car: Thanks: 5 Thanked 85 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer Unbelievable. A dealer will make an enemy over a windscreen washer jet? I found a trivial but much more expensive part on my Superb to be damaged after I bought it second hand. After a few exchanges with the supplying dealer, a new one was made available from my local dealer for me to fit. Result - satisfied customer. Are some of these dealers complete idiots? By the way, my Superb still sprays like a tom cat, filled up with the cheapest Wickes screenwasher fluid I could find - doesn't smell very nice though. rotodiesel.

10-04-2007, 18:34	#9
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I agree with you Chris it is not entirely clear and as you say the manual appears to merely give a recomendation not a requirement. I think you'll have to phone Skoda CS and appeal to their better nature whilst stating your case. FWIW I do agree with you. I showed you the TSB, not because I thought yours had frozen but simply to highlight their stance with regard to washer fluid. I actually do use the proper stuff and really like it, it's not expensive at all. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio Last edited by VRStu; 10-04-2007 at 18:36.

10-04-2007, 20:54	#10
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I put in a complaint to Skoda UK cust services the moment I got home from dropping off the car. They were very helpful. Oddly enough, I got a very polite call from the mechanic a few hours later. No mention of charging me for the replacement jet! There are a few faults/ problems with the car. 1) Smell of fumes when heater up high. 2) Drivers seatbelt a bit slack. 3) Vibration from the centre console – occasional 4) Washer jet 5) Wear to drivers seat (V slight – a bit of bobbling in one tiny place) 6) Knocking sound when taking bends / smooth curves at 30 mph or so 7) Engine cut out for fraction of a second once or twice at speed The fumes were put down to a filthy pollen filter – did complete check on exhaust etc. They are replacing the seatbelt “out of good will” Vibration – caused by cowboys at Snows body repair shop (official Skoda body shop) not putting all the bolts back on the cover that goes under the engine Washer jet will be replaced Wear to seat – I accept is just a bit of fluff Knocking sound – could not find this sound but did a full inspection – wants me to take him out for a spin when the car is back in in a few days to see if can show conditions under which knocking occurs. Engine cut out – put down to negative terminal on battery being loose – again, this is Snows – who after 7 months have not managed to repair damage to rear bumper! All in all a mixed result. As far as Im concerned, if there is anything on my car that is in any way faulty or below spec whilst its under warranty, Sparshatts or any other dealer will repair it or I will see them in court and do as much as I can to ensure as many people know about it as possible. As for “replacing the seatbelt as an act of good will” – is the seatbelt functioning as it should = No. Therefore Skoda = legally obliged to replace it. Therefore = not out of god will. I really love my Superb, but I don’t think I will buy another Skoda because of the terrible attitude and unacceptable service provided by some of their dealers employees. A pity for them as I intended to buy my wife an Octavia in a few months.

10-04-2007, 21:16	#11
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer At least there is some resolution there then. As far as sales is concerned I have nothing but praise for Sparshatts of Fareham, In terms of servicing I have and will continue to use Chichester. Steve at Sparshatts is a great bloke but he is up against it with the negative attitude of the desk staff. Chris and Ben at Chichester couldn't be more helpful, Michelle who runs the service desk is nice to deal with as well. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

10-04-2007, 21:36	#12
ChrisBP Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 121 Members Car: Skoda Superb 1.9 Comfort Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I will use Chi in future. I get my car serviced at Bognor Motors where I purchased it. They are polite, cheap and will do anything to help. Best thing Skoda can do is do a bit of "Mystery shopping" - where they get a market research company to pose as customers... I could sort out most of their problems with a few P45s and a couple of newspaper ads for customer service desk staff. Put it this way - when I decided to buy a new car, I went down the Eastern Road in Portsmouth to look at the Mercs, VWs, Audis and BMWs. BMW served me but didnt want to spend £25K on the 3 series I liked. Didnt like the inside of the Audi. Fell in love with the new Passat and decided I would buy there and then. Tried three times to get servedbut nobody would even talk with me, the Mercs were made out of cardboard and recycled bin liners. Went doen to Sparshatts where I looked at the Superb. Unimpressed by their sales bod and his attitude so went and purchased my one from a garage owned by a colleagues brother - named above. I find it beyond belief that it is the least important, least expensive staff that lose businesses the most money. If any of my staff had that attitude I would sack them. Find it frustrating that I work myself to death, give my clients fantastic service etc to earn a living, then when I have a week off and want to get a bit of customer service myself, I get treated like a piece of ****. None of this "Im sorry you have had a problem with your car sir...." ita like they are doing you a favor and you are a peoblem. Like I say, this woman in Sparshatts has cost them an Octavia. I will prob buy the wife a Vauxhall - I never had any probs with them and their cust service.

10-04-2007, 21:57	#13
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer I've said it many times before it's the attitude of the service staff that can make or break a garage. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

10-04-2007, 22:18	#14
20VLIL Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Isle Of Wight Posts: 800 Members Car: Big fat V6 Superb Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Windscreen washer jets - fob off from dealer Sounds pretty good to me after all. I have still...two broken ashtrays that have not been repaired since I reported it 6 months ago. My seat belt is slack too, cant see that being done, not now Think you done well really , all be it annoying __________________ NIGHTFIRE BLUE SUPERB COMFORT 2.5TDI V6!!! NOW SOLD

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