Its been a while since I posted an update on the EV fire. Things have
been rather slow on that front. One of the major problems has been
trying find a new main engine compartment wiring harness for the engine
compartment. There are none in the US and none in Germany! Six weeks
ago VW put the wiring harness on a "priority list", and as of
today....nada!
The woman from VW with whom I have been working has not been able to
get the search for the harness off center.
A couple of weeks ago, both a representative from VW and a forensic
investigator visited my EV. As a result of the forensic investigator's
report, my insurance company has said it will subrogate the claim
against VW. As for VW, I was told that VW is now considering the merits
of a recall on the EVs.
Wednesday, I went to the dealer (where the EV is staying) to develop a
more comprehensive damage list. The insurance adjuster came up with
about $2,300 in damages. I came up with a parts list that filled all
but two lines on a legal sized sheet of paper!
The damage on my EV is in an area from the edge of the manifold on the
driver's side to the battery box area. Every component in that area has
either been melted or at least exposed to high temperatures/smoke
damage. That includes brake lines, master cylinder, wiper motor and
assembly, all hoses (heater and A/C), rear heater control, clutch slave
cylinder, gear shift assembly...on and on ad nauseum.
Prior to the fire, I had no problem with hopping in the EV and driving
off on a 2,000 mile road trip. All I would have to do is check the
fluids, air pressure in the tires, fill it with gas, and we were good
to go.
I now have the feeling that unless every component in that engine
compartment is replaced (except the engine, tranny, and radiator) that
the reliability of the EV will always be in question. Perhaps it would
be better if the EV were to be totaled and I pick up another EV.
Ric
