New golf cart oil change question

[JRP2TV]

Does The Villages Golf Cars have to do the oil changes or can you do it yourself in order to stay under warranty?

They charge $50, but with an oil change syphon I can quickly do the oil change for the price of the oil. There is no oil filter, so I don't see paying $50, unless doing it yourself voids the warranty.

Thoughts? Will doing it myself void the warranty or do I just need to document when I did it and show proof I bought the oil each time?

[MX rider]

Does The Villages Golf Cars have to do the oil changes or can you do it yourself in order to stay under warranty?

They charge $50, but with an oil change syphon I can quickly do the oil change for the price of the oil. There is no oil filter, so I don't see paying $50, unless doing it yourself voids the warranty.

Thoughts? Will doing it myself void the warranty or do I just need to document when I did it and show proof I bought the oil each time?

I bought a used 2018 Yamaha quietech from an individual., so I have no warranty. But I understand what you're saying. No way I would pay $50 for them to drain 1 quart and put in 1 quart. That's all it is.
As a longtime motorcycle guy, an oil change doesn't get much easier than this.

That said, if it would void the warranty I would probably bite the bullet and pay them.

[villagetinker]

I have mixed feelings about the use of the suction device for an oil change, tried it once, did not seem to work well. To actually drain the oil, you need to jack up the cart and remove 4 bolts to drop the bottom pan to get access to the oil drain plug, so if that is what they are doing, $50 sounds about right. As for the warranty, you should call them directly.

[Joeint]

I use a suction device to change the oil in a 2017 quiet tech. I measured how much I sucked out of the dipstick tube, it was really close to a quart. Did I get every drop out no but enough to call it an oil change. Who's to say The Villages Golf Cart store doesn't use a suction device? I owned a boat for years with no access to the drain and suctioned the oil out was never a problem.

[Chi-Town]

Gas Golf Cars - The Villages Golf Cars : The Villages Golf Cars (https://www.thevillagesgolfcars.com/service/gas-golf-cars/)

Hometown $60.00

[MX rider]

Does The Villages Golf Cars have to do the oil changes or can you do it yourself in order to stay under warranty?

They charge $50, but with an oil change syphon I can quickly do the oil change for the price of the oil. There is no oil filter, so I don't see paying $50, unless doing it yourself voids the warranty.

Thoughts? Will doing it myself void the warranty or do I just need to document when I did it and show proof I bought the oil each time?

I use a suction device to change the oil in a 2017 quiet tech. I measured how much I sucked out of the dipstick tube, it was really close to a quart. Did I get every drop out no but enough to call it an oil change. Who's to say The Villages Golf Cart store doesn't use a suction device? I owned a boat for years with no access to the drain and suctioned the oil out was never a problem.

Thats good to know, thanks. I've never used one, but it sounds like it's a good way to go on a golf cart.

[JRP2TV]

Gas Golf Cars - The Villages Golf Cars : The Villages Golf Cars (https://www.thevillagesgolfcars.com/service/gas-golf-cars/)

Hometown $60.00

Exactly $60 versus $6. I think I will chose $6 Alex. :gc:

[Jim 9922]

An EWK (brand) pneumatic/manual pump, attaching it to an air hose from a small air compressor is the way to go. Just wiggle the syphon tube around a little at the end and it seems to get almost everything that may be left. Suction seems almost strong enough to pull out a small piston! :laugh:
I tried 2 hand pumps in the past, and both were worthless for the effort and results as compared to the pneumatic.
As for warranty problems: the best you can do is save the oil purchase receipts and document date and engine hours at time of oil changes.

[MrFlorida]

Ask them if it will void your warranty, otherwise do it yourself.

[mrf0151]

$60.00 is probably fair pricing now days. I had Willie's do a service on our Yamaha back in 2019 and the service of oil change and filters and change rear differential was $140.00.
99% of us Villagers are not hands on and pay and support our local businesspeople.

[cwaychoff3]

I use a suction device to change the oil in a 2017 quiet tech. I measured how much I sucked out of the dipstick tube, it was really close to a quart. Did I get every drop out no but enough to call it an oil change. Who's to say The Villages Golf Cart store doesn't use a suction device? I owned a boat for years with no access to the drain and suctioned the oil out was never a problem.
According to a person I know that worked at the Villages Golf Carts in 2021 servicing carts, they suction the oil out.

The first one-year / 1200 mile service at the Villages Golf Cart on our 2020 Yamaha was $170! They changed the oil and put a drive belt on even though I did not request the belt change nor were there any issues with the belt. I’ve been servicing it since. I change the oil 2X/year making sure to use the oil recommended in the manual which I think is 10W-40 JASO MA2, the same as used in wet clutch motorcycles. I also rotate the tires and lube the two Zerk fittings on the drive pulleys. I’ve adjusted the brake pedal play once.

Documentation of the servicing is key. Log date, mileage and hours plus keep all receipts. It’s my understanding that a warranty cannot be denied because the owner performed the services. I’ve been using this approach on motorcycles for many years without any issues.

[HJBeck]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?

[banjobob]

This is just my opinion but a suction pump does not pick up any crude generated by the engine running. a good oil change drains the crankcase fully. Since Yamaha does not have an oil filter or so I"m told the impurities just build up in the motor.

[Professor]

All this concern over $50...come on...there are bigger things to worry about in this world.

[tvbound]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?

"Where do you take the used oil for disposal?"

Therein lies the main problem and the reason I've chosen to pay what is basically a $50 disposal fee, instead of doing it myself.

[me4vt]

Exactly, this is the Biggest problem! Two threads already down for the morning🥴

All this concern over $50...come on...there are bigger things to worry about in this world.

[CartColor]

Some of us "like" doing things ourselves. It's not the $$$. Also, no need to jack the cart up to change the oil.

[MX rider]

Some of us "like" doing things ourselves. It's not the $$$. Also, no need to jack the cart up to change the oil.

Exactly. I'm not saying $50 is a ripoff by any means. It's a fair price. But for those of us who are mechanically inclined, it's just too easy to pay someone else to do it.

[mikreb]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?


Action Gator Tire on 466A will take the oil, no charge.

[GNXGuy]

I can’t believe nobody is aware of the Magnuson Moss Act

Do you get your gas at the car dealership? Do you get your oil changed at the car dealership? Do you get your windshield wipers change the car dealership?


Magnuson Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act | Federal Trade Commission (https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/magnuson-moss-warranty-federal-trade-commission-improvements-act)

[jarodrig]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?

To my understanding, any place that sells oil is required to accept used oil ……

[Myersro61]

Most all of the local auto parts stores will take your used oil to be recycled. I take my to Autozone.

[Retiredfromideal]

Your Yamaha warranty will not be voided if you perform your own maintenance. But, you do need to understand the difference between maintenance and warranty service work.

[Bilyclub]

Since the topic is also about the Yamaha warranty, I was wondering if The Villages Cars is required to do warranty work on all Yamaha carts, regardless where it was bought, just like a new car dealership has to?

[sowilts]

Advance Auto parts Wildwood

[sowilts]

Correct, that is also why New Jersey and Oregan still pump petrol at the pump.

[HogPilot]

I have mixed feelings about the use of the suction device for an oil change, tried it once, did not seem to work well. To actually drain the oil, you need to jack up the cart and remove 4 bolts to drop the bottom pan to get access to the oil drain plug, so if that is what they are doing, $50 sounds about right. As for the warranty, you should call them directly.

My 2014 Yamaha has a drain plug accessed from underneath the driver’s side. No need to drop a pan. I’ll warm the engine with a little drive around the block. Unscrew the drain plug, empty in a pan, unscrew the filler port to release the suction. Let it drain, screw the plug back on, fill with a quart of oil.
I agree with your comment about using a suction device to drain the oil, it may not get all the oil out.
Hmmm, makes me wonder if my car dealership does that too…
I appreciate your remarks on this forum.

[Kathyo]

This is just my opinion but a suction pump does not pick up any crude generated by the engine running. a good oil change drains the crankcase fully. Since Yamaha does not have an oil filter or so I"m told the impurities just build up in the motor.

You're supposed to change the oil while the engine is hot or has been running for a few minutes so that in theory all the impurities are now mixed up in the oil and are removed when you change the oil.

[Emkay56]

At a vendor night at the square , I picked up a card from a guy that sells golf cart screens. He also does oil changes for $18. He also does other services. I will try and upload his card here.

Does The Villages Golf Cars have to do the oil changes or can you do it yourself in order to stay under warranty?

They charge $50, but with an oil change syphon I can quickly do the oil change for the price of the oil. There is no oil filter, so I don't see paying $50, unless doing it yourself voids the warranty.

Thoughts? Will doing it myself void the warranty or do I just need to document when I did it and show proof I bought the oil each time?

[Scorpyo]

I have mixed feelings about the use of the suction device for an oil change, tried it once, did not seem to work well. To actually drain the oil, you need to jack up the cart and remove 4 bolts to drop the bottom pan to get access to the oil drain plug, so if that is what they are doing, $50 sounds about right. As for the warranty, you should call them directly.
The first change I did on my own on my 2017 Yamaha I did as you mentioned above. Lot of work with jack, etc. A couple of months ago I did a change without a jack. You can get your hands under and take out the bolts and drain plug without having to lift the cart. Little tricky getting the plastic pan back up but it all wound up taking me less than 30 minutes.

[DAVES]

Since the topic is also about the Yamaha warranty, I was wondering if The Villages Cars is required to do warranty work on all Yamaha carts, regardless where it was bought, just like a new car dealership has to?

That is an interesting question. I believe they were sold. They tend to tell you if you did not buy your cart from them they might do you a favor and take your money to squeeze you in. That may have changed as they have opened another location. Far as warranty work, it might be wise to call Yamaha and ask. I would also ask about other places to get warranty service. There is always good to support one place but to be aware of alternatives.

[thevillagernie]

Just pull the golf cart up on a ramp tilted towards the drain plug and change the oil..every now and then clean out the screen...simple holds about aquart and a 1/2

[markfrat]

take used oil to Advanced Auto store. They take used motor oil no charge

[OhioBuckeye]

Yes, sounds awfully high maintenance fee but I do understand they aren’t going to do it for free, but $50.

[Daddymac]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?

Where ever you buy it. You can give them the used oil .

[rogerk]

Ask the Golf Cart Store, service AND your sales rep.

[Pairadocs]

$60.00 is probably fair pricing now days. I had Willie's do a service on our Yamaha back in 2019 and the service of oil change and filters and change rear differential was $140.00.
99% of us Villagers are not hands on and pay and support our local businesspeople.

"Most" honestly ? I am NOT trying to be nasty, argumentative, etc. I hate when this site gets into that, but I am surprised most village residents can't do even simple things like a 1 qt oil (and even filter, unscrew, dip finger in oil and "rim" the new filter to seal, done) change, or things like replace a simple light switch, or repair a simple faucet "drip". The best advice we were given (from a colleague who had been retired for 8 years at the time) when we were considering retirement was: if you can't fill a cavity in a tooth, or set a broken ankle, or replace an engine or transmission yourselves, then save money on the thing simple things you can go yourself, mow your lawn and save gym membership fees, change oil and oil filters in the things you can (like lawn mower), replace light fixtures yourself IF there is an existing fixture and it's only a matter of shutting off the electricity, and connecting two wires to the new one, and, he explained, any of those tasks that will keep you healthy, like weeding flower gardens, trimming plants and bushes, or in short, the things you can do.... he chuckled over the coffee we were having, but was actually serious when he said, just remember, save money on what you can do, you'll need it for the things you can't do yourself. Never forgot it, and took the advice to heart. As a female growing up, I watched my dad, a "white collar guy, a local judge", do everything at home; put in new water heaters, rewire the garage, etc. I could never do those tasks, but I also learned how incredibly simple it is to disconnect and take up an old toilet stool, put down a new wax ring to seal, and reconnect ! Had he not included me in the things he taught my brothers, I'd have no idea today how simple it is. As for replacing a gas water heater...lol....no way. Support local tradesman for that one...LOL !

[Papa_lecki]

"Most" honestly ? I am NOT trying to be nasty, argumentative, etc. I hate when this site gets into that, but I am surprised most village residents can't do even simple things like a 1 qt oil (and even filter, unscrew, dip finger in oil and "rim" the new filter to seal, done) change, or things like replace a simple light switch, or repair a simple faucet "drip".
Or - “most village residents DON’T want to do simple things.”

Most of us CAN do all of those things you mentioned, some just choose not to.

[stratmax]

Where do you take the used oil for disposal?

Any auto parts store as well as Walmart will take your used oil.