Dealership says Oil Drain Plug not ment for use during maintenance??

[AdrianLee]

I was at the dealership today getting a crush washer and oil filter for my upcoming oil change. I ended up talking with service and they told me that I shouldn't use the oil pan drain plug as the drain point for an oil change because it was not designed to be opened and re-torqued following maintenance and that the extraction method is the only way it should be done.

Has anyone else heard this?

Or, has anyone had any issues with their oil pan drain plugs such as stripping/leaking from using it as a drain point?

Just seems like they really want me to come in for oil changes and are trying to scare me into it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Fourplay]

I was at the dealership today getting a crush washer and oil filter for my upcoming oil change. I ended up talking with service and they told me that I shouldn't use the oil pan drain plug as the drain point for an oil change because it was not designed to be opened and re-torqued following maintenance and that the extraction method is the only way it should be done.

Has anyone else heard this?

Or, has anyone had any issues with their oil pan drain plugs such as stripping/leaking from using it as a drain point?

Just seems like they really want me to come in for oil changes and are trying to scare me into it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Just stop and think about it for a second:

"Shouldn't use oil drain hole for draining oil"

Your dealership is retarded and/or wants your money.

[moyenecorniche]

Sounds to me like.....

My doctor says I should never use the toilet, regurgitation is the only extraction method......

Find another dealer quickly, if they are this idiotic on oil changes, you don't want to see anything concerning parts replacement....

[veedubman91]

my understanding is that with cars under maintenance, audi pays a certain amount for the job, and if they use an extraction tool, with the filter being on top, they never have to put the car in the air, and can change the oil quickly. i would not worry about it, change the oil the way you want to, youll be fine

[funky_snowman]

This is precisely why we use crush washers. This is also precisely why I refuse to go the dealer. I figure if a dealer is going to lie and BS about some small maintenance item like an oil change, then they are definitely going to lie and BS you about a costly repair.

[jrt03]

In reality you will get more oil out with a suction extractor versus just pulling the drain plug. Extracting the oil out is the best method but if you want to pull the drain plug it will be fine, just make sure to tighten the plug back to exact torque specs as many people damage the threads by over tightening the plug.

[Okan509]

I brought mine to dealer for oil once and they stripped the oil pan plug, resulting in having to replace the entire oil pan.

Use an extraction tool IMO

[Booya]

This is a trend for many dealership and Indy shop around here. Extraction help keep their tech from stripping the bolt and limit costly repair for them. You change your oil however you want to.
I personally prefer the extraction method. No mess, no jack, no cost for new bolt, washer, and you should see all the moisture that come out of it that regular draining will not get out. When done I just load up the tank and take it to recycle.

[TheHeiko]

What are your preferred brand/model of extraction tools?

[Booya]

I use this one from harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-q...tor-46149.html
Connect it to my compressor, set it to 90psi and just sit back with a cold beer. Been using it for all my car for the pass 2 years.

[dscline]

Just stop and think about it for a second:

"Shouldn't use oil drain hole for draining oil"

Ha, I used the same logic in this nearly identical thread, but it wasn't met with agreement.

[Fourplay]

just make sure to tighten the plug back to exact torque specs as many people damage the threads by over tightening the plug.

That's why there's a crush washer...

Ha, I used the same logic in this nearly identical thread, but it wasn't met with agreement.

Wow, some people . It's a drain plug, it's meant to be used to get your oil out. The funniest post in that thread was the guy claiming that the hole in the lower oil pan was there for "machining purposes". You could just as easily machine a pan with zero holes in it, which would actually be easier/cheaper since it wouldn't require the hole. Not to mention that oil pans are stamped and not machined.

Seems people like to think ntheir cars are fancier and more complex than they really are (or they're dumbasses and take the dealer's word as law).

[eirebob]

The dealer I've used also uses the extraction method. My service rep explained that the metal used by Audi is a bit thin and/or soft, so more prone to damage in a routine oil change.
I use the extraction method simply because it's so damned easy, with the filter so immediately accessible up top.

[piotrowr]

So many stripped thread threads. Extract.

[Stratus Fear]

This is precisely why we use crush washers. This is also precisely why I refuse to go the dealer. I figure if a dealer is going to lie and BS about some small maintenance item like an oil change, then they are definitely going to lie and BS you about a costly repair.

Yeah. And to be honest, as long as you're not an idiot and have at least some experience working on cars (no matter how minor), a traditional pan drain oil change shouldn't be hard and you shouldn't mess up anything. An extractor can remove more oil, but I usually remove the drain plug and walk away for 30min-1hr. There will still be some on the bottom of the inside of the pan but a lot of what was hanging in your engine should have enough time to run out.

I refuse to do oil changes at the dealer anyway... After I went for my free 5k, I got home and the MMI started saying "Please reduce oil level." So I take it back, wait about 30min, and they claim to have fixed it...message pops up again about 3500mi later. I go to change the oil myself and 6qts come out. This is a 5qt car! After that I bought a dipstick and I do my own oil changes. I refuse to take the car to a dealer again for service if they can't even do an oil change correctly. DIY maintenance isn't hard enough for me to be lazy and pay for Audi care. I recommend to everyone they get some experience doing DIY maintenance if they're even slightly technically inclined.

[FSures]

The extraction method works well. Using the drain plug method requires that someone get under the car. The theory is that once under the car the service person will also check out the other items that should be inspected. That is however mostly a theory with many dealers.

[AdrianLee]

I also bought a dipstick, which I think is much better for checking oil. It does render the MMI oil level check inoperable (says unable to determine) which is ok with me. I thought what the dealership said was a little crazy about not being able to do oil changes by using the drain plug. I do know now, (From my last experience with changing the oil) is that you should definitely use the aluminum crush washer. Copper did not seal well with the proper torque. The aluminum did. I may get an extractor but I don’t mind getting under the car just to see what’s going on sometimes. Thanks for all the replies!

[Scotty@Advanced]

This is a trend for many dealership and Indy shop around here. Extraction help keep their tech from stripping the bolt and limit costly repair for them. You change your oil however you want to.

The issues with the extraction method is not all oil is drained ( a small portion remains below the dipstick tube), and most of the particulate that resident in the bottom of the pan stays there. (note unless you drain it while hot). I'm not a fan of it. But the each his own. Many shop do it simply because it's faster and makes them more money.

Also while under your car you have the opportunity to check other things, like brake pads, oil leaks etc that could become costly issues if left unseen by not removing the engine tray. I'm surprised shops don't use this opportunity to sell additional services.

[jfo]

I also bought a dipstick, which I think is much better for checking oil. It does render the MMI oil level check inoperable (says unable to determine) which is ok with me.

The use of a dipstick doesn't affect the electronic sensor. It will continue to operate as usual. You may have an issue with the sensor if yours isn't functioning.

[AdrianLee]

The use of a dipstick doesn't affect the electronic sensor. It will continue to operate as usual. You may have an issue with the sensor if yours isn't functioning.

Ill have to get my sensor checked out then, it's still under warranty fortunately

[hiwords1]

it's like saying don't poop out of your anus. poop out of your nose

[HIS4]

One thing I did notice is that if you do have the dipstick, the system is not happy if you take it out to look at the oil level while the car is running. If I take the dipstick out while the engine is running, it will sputter and almost stall. Put the dipstick back in and everything is back to normal. I never had a car that sensitive that removing the dipstick would throw it all out of whack.

[Stratus Fear]

it's like saying don't poop out of your anus. poop out of your nose

This forum needs upvote buttons for comments like this :D