EPC Amber Warning Light

Loadmaster748

Roll on summer.....
Aug 2, 2019
304
126
Surrey, UK
Well I'm disappointed to report that after just 17 months and 7900 miles from new, the first technical issue arose today.

I noticed in the virtual cockpit that an amber EPC light had come on - something to do with fuel according to the book. Accompanying it is an amber rev counter dial with an exclamation mark alongside it, obviously meaning either it won't rev above a certain range or suggesting that I don't do similar.

I called my local SEAT dealer and I was amazed to learn that they can't take a look at it until mid January! What a complete joke! I then called the supplying dealer and was told the same. They were however a bit more helpful in that they suggested getting AA assistance through the SEAT scheme so I gave them a call. I've actually managed to book a VAG specialist for this weekend, so at least it'll be diagnosed hopefully.

I was asked if the car had had any noticeable loss of power and funnily enough I did notice something a few days back, just briefly, as if the turbo hadn't spooled up properly. That was the only occasion.

Being an amber light, both service departments at the dealers said carry on driving as it's just an amber warning. I tend to agree but it doesn't sit comfortably with me.

Let's see what's diagnosed this weekend.
 

martin j.

Active Member
Feb 11, 2007
1,996
889
Fife
At one or two of the marques I’ve at over the years the workshops had to keep some free time available for walk in breakdowns such as yours, they cannot be so busy as not be able to plug in a diagnostic machine and run a check, of course many places don’t want to do warranty work which is paid at a greatly reduced rate than normal higher rates, doesn’t make for a good customer experience having to drive a newish vehicle you’re not confident in.
 
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Loadmaster748

Roll on summer.....
Aug 2, 2019
304
126
Surrey, UK
At one or two of the marques I’ve at over the years the workshops had to keep some free time available for walk in breakdowns such as yours, they cannot be so busy as not be able to plug in a diagnostic machine and run a check, of course many places don’t want to do warranty work which is paid at a greatly reduced rate than normal higher rates, doesn’t make for a good customer experience having to drive a newish vehicle you’re not confident in.
I agree Martin - frankly I'm really disappointed in the customer service and lack of interest from the two main dealers I've approached. Both are hanging their issues on Covid still and the fact that MOTs were extended etc. That's laughable considering that as a family we also own a Nissan, Toyota and Citroen. All have been serviced within the last six months, with a booking lead time of two weeks maximum.

Either a lot of SEATs need servicing/MOT/remedial work or the staffing at these places is way down on what it should be.

I think I'll approach the Service Manager at my local dealer to vent my frustration, instead of only getting as far as the front desk. :mad:

Angry Season 3 GIF by SuccessionHBO
 
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Tell

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I get the impression on warranty work Seat HQ control whether the work gets done so spin the line of spinning it out to save costs to themselves. This is where your Obdeleven error code check comes in since you can keep an eye on any errors coming up and make your own investigation of what that light means. The new Leon4s and Formentor's are so full of errors you can't do that very well. My local dealer didn't clear down the errors they generated during service which happens if you disconnect components. I keep mine cleared down so I can spot new stuff. It helps in conversation, the build error of not plugging in the drivers heated mirror was a case in point. I told them there was an open circuit.
 

Loadmaster748

Roll on summer.....
Aug 2, 2019
304
126
Surrey, UK
I get the impression on warranty work Seat HQ control whether the work gets done so spin the line of spinning it out to save costs to themselves. This is where your Obdeleven error code check comes in since you can keep an eye on any errors coming up and make your own investigation of what that light means. The new Leon4s and Formentor's are so full of errors you can't do that very well. My local dealer didn't clear down the errors they generated during service which happens if you disconnect components. I keep mine cleared down so I can spot new stuff. It helps in conversation, the build error of not plugging in the drivers heated mirror was a case in point. I told them there was an open circuit.
Well, top marks for SEAT Assist and the VAG specialist who came round on the weekend.

Plugged in his laptop and 15 minutes later a new camshaft sensor is on order. Coming back tomorrow to fit
 
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Loadmaster748

Roll on summer.....
Aug 2, 2019
304
126
Surrey, UK
Well done. Reckon Obdeleven or any of those other devices would have given you incite before the tech guy arrived 😉. "I think you will find...". Good they are getting it sorted quick.
Well it was a whole new level of service compared to my local dealer, who couldn't be arsed to find 15 mins to diagnose it!
 
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Tell

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Well it was a whole new level of service compared to my local dealer, who couldn't be arsed to find 15 mins to diagnose it!
Something to bear in mind. I have neighbour who's driving around with an Adblu error message because the system has failed, tank full, but Seat HQ won't give the go ahead to get it repaired with the dealer. Perhaps they need to call Seat Assist. The dealer wants to replace the sender but Seat won't authorise. Leads you to think not to bother taking out an expensive extended warranty which they are currently selling. I haven't.
 

Loadmaster748

Roll on summer.....
Aug 2, 2019
304
126
Surrey, UK
Something to bear in mind. I have neighbour who's driving around with an Adblu error message because the system has failed, tank full, but Seat HQ won't give the go ahead to get it repaired with the dealer. Perhaps they need to call Seat Assist. The dealer wants to replace the sender but Seat won't authorise. Leads you to think not to bother taking out an expensive extended warranty which they are currently selling. I haven't.
I've already thought about the warranty. We had planned on keeping the Ateca for five years, therefore buying two more years of warranty from SEAT. I might re-think that, find an alternative warranty and use a very good local independent VAG specialist instead.

Never have I found a main dealer so unhelpful.
 

Tell

Full Member
Staff member
Moderator
I've already thought about the warranty. We had planned on keeping the Ateca for five years, therefore buying two more years of warranty from SEAT. I might re-think that, find an alternative warranty and use a very good local independent VAG specialist instead.

Never have I found a main dealer so unhelpful.
The Seat service plans I think offer good value with Seat Assist thrown in and European cover + MOT. Online you can buy beyond the 2 year ones offered by dealers, 3 and 4 years. I bought the 4 year one up front which means I got 5 more years of ownership although it can be transferred. Those 3 and 4 year ones are only sold online by Seat.

They are pushing a combined service and warranty plans in the dealerships, hiding the service only ones since the profit margins are less. They look quite pricy to me.

Worked for the public sector for half of my career, they never insured anything since it was cheaper not to (organisation pooled risk, not for profit etc). Ditto with pet insurance. Pick up the tab as it arrives on repairs, it's more cost effective if you have the float rather than squabbling to find the warranty didn't cover what broke. Ditto pet insurance 🤣.

On service plans you do have to run thru what they do and what they don't against the cars maintenance plan as per the Erwin material. I found they hadn't been changing my DSG oil. Really the plans are to stumble PCP cars thru the minimum but if keeping it long term you map out what needs to be done and check out against what is in the minor / major plans. E.g.. do an audit. I now got an A4 marker page.
 
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