Check Engine Light Double Whammy
July 15, 2006 – 8:00 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Car Care, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta
Wow, two MILs in one week. I drive a 2003 GTI, and my wife drives a 2005 Jetta. Both threw check engine lights this week.
Thanks to our good ol’ in-house techy, Tekmassa, we were able to scan the codes. Turns out my GTI has the known-to-be-defective black topped coolant temp sensor. So I’ll need to have that replaced with the green topped one.
My wife’s Jetta, a 2005 2.0l, has a funky coilpack. Seems the circuit opened on cylinder one’s coil pack, in turn causing a misfire in cylinder one, which threw another code and made the engine pretty cranky.
Thank goodness however that both repairs are covered under warranty. I just have to work out getting the service appointments scheduled and taken care of in a timely manner.
I plan to take both to Northgate VW, and will update everyone after the repairs on how their service was and all good things like that.
Check Engine Light Double Whammy
July 15, 2006 – 8:00 am by Dan Volkens
I’ve got a 2001 New Beetle and the check engine light just came on–no other warning lights, just the solid orange check engine light. The car feels fine to drive but I’ve read other horror stories of cars bursting into flames right after the light came on. Any clue what this could be?
Hi Julie, since the CEL (Check Engine Light) can go off for a myriad of reasons, your best option is to get it checked sooner rather than later. It can be as simple as a sensor malfunction to major engine problems. But since you stated the car seems fine, it’s hopefully something small! :)
You have a couple options to go about getting it checked out. You can go to most of your local automotive parts shops like Autozone, Advance, Pep Boys etc. and they should scan the codes in your car’s computer for free (those codes reveal what triggered the CEL).
Or you also have the option, which I would recommend, to go to your local Volkswagen dealer and have their service dept do the scanning. It will cost something to have it done at the dealer (it always does ;0 ) but it’s better peace of mind, and whatever caused the CEL can be fixed right there in their shop if you’d like. I hope that helps!
I have a 2002 VW GTI. My check engine light came on in June and that led to the replacement of my coolant temp sensor. It has come on again since then and I always try to tighten the gas cap because I hear that can cause the light to come on. It has always gone back off after a couple days of tightening the gas cap. Then it came on over a week ago and it seems to be sticking around this time. I will go have a diagnostics test run but I just wanted to know if you had any other thoughts on this strange GTI behavior.
Hi Jen, unfortunately the check engine light, or CEL, can be a myriad of different problems. Your only good course of action is to get the codes scanned to discover what the problem is, and make sure that whoever scans them clears out the codes. A recurrent light might only mean that the original problem that through the code is still in the system.
I have an ‘01 Beetle. My question; Is the CEL (or any other code lights) set to come on when it’s time for the engine to be serviced; like getting the oil changed or the plugs replaced, etc? Thanks!
Hi rick, no the CEL will only be thrown when there is a problem in the engine or somewhere along the exhaust line I.E. bad sensor or related.
I have a few issues going on right now with my 2002 Gti VR6. First, its seems that my suspension is a bit whacky b/c when I let off the gas I feel the wheels pull to the right and when i give it gas it will correct and pull to the left. I went to a shop, who named a long list of problems…didnt really trust the dudes…and they fixed my control arm and align. I am still having the same problem and at high speeds its a little scary. They did mention i needed a new steering rack. Would that be the problem and if so what is an average install price. I am feeling like i am getting ripped because I paid $600 just for the control arm and align. Thanks
Hey Dagan, the symptoms do sound like steering rack or something, but don’t quote me on that. :D Ouch! $600 for that is very steep. Definitely go somewhere else. I don’t think you would have paid that much at the dealer, but I could be wrong. Try another place and see if you can get a reasonable rate for the repair!
Hi,
I just bought a 2007 Jetta a week ago, and this past weekend i took it on a road trip (about 260ish miles one way). On my way there, my check engine light came on, but car drove fine so i continued. The next day it was still on, but after i put gas in it, it went off. It stayed off while i was there, but when i started driving back, the check engine light came on again - stayed on through the drive home, but turned off when i got home, after several trips throughout my home town. What on earth could be the problem? Like stated, i just got this car a week ago, and it has 11k miles on it - definitely covered by warranty. The car drives fine and light is off - should i go to the dealership to get it checked out? If i do, will they charge me since i JUST got the car? Please let me know. Thank you!
Hi Margarita, it sounds like you may just have a loose gas cap, which when not tightened enough will throw a CEL (check engine light). Mrad highlighted that problem previously. Make sure that you hear at least three clicks when tightening your gas cap down.
But for peace of mind, you can also go to any one of your local auto parts shops and have the computer codes scanned for free to check for problems that would have thrown the light. If it does end up being something other than the gas cap, I would take it in to your favorite dealer and have them take a look. Everything should be covered under warranty.
Let us know how it goes! :)
I have a 2003 Jetta Sedan. With 77,000 miles. A few months ago the CEL came on and I extract a P2181 code. From the diagnostic, I replaced the ECT sensor and the Thermostat. A few days ago it came back on again. I am beginning to think this is either a water pump problem or an electrical one.
Any history with this code before I spend lots of money at a dealeship?
Hi Kristine, with the water pumps on our generation Volkswagens being absolutely notorious for failing (they have a plastic impeller rather than metal, go figure), I would have that checked out to be on the safe side.
It could also be related to other parts of the cooling system, such as the radiator fans, etc.
just purchased a certified used 2004 jetta wagon 1.8t in feb 2007. haven’t had this car for a year yet and the battery light goes off. had the battery checked it was low but okay. drove the car to scott volkswagon in east providence ri (horrible customer service) and left it. car got checked and the alternator was shot, so it got replaced. went to pick up car and started the car up and the check engine light came on. mechanic came out to check it and told me it was the cooling sensor…he replaced it. while the hood was opened i asked him about all the wires, what looked like to me attached to the battery, he opened the cap to show me what got replaced and the big black wire was smoking (which goes to alternator)!!! he told me oh that shouldn’t be doing that….well duh!! so my car is still waiting to get fixed and has been in their shop for four days. apparently they don’t stock parts…wtf??? car is under an extended warranty but my husband wants me to get a toyota…i think i just might! volkswagon from sales to service at scott stinks!! i think they all think they are working for bentley or rolls royce :(
Hey Nacyh, if possible at this point, I would go to a different dealer. This one sounds completely unqualified to do work on your car, and that check engine light was likely a result of the shoddy work they did replacing your alternator. Try to ask around and see if someone knows a good dealer in your area.
Also, you’re going to have problems with any make and model of car, Toyota included. Maybe not as many, but it’s just a fact of life with automobiles. :D At least its warrantied!
unfortunately dax…i traded “karen” my 2004 jetta wagon 1.8t in for a 2002 lexus rx300. i love volkswagen but there are only a few small dealers in my area. so for my situation (my husband travels alot for work) i need a reliable car and a reliable dealer. i only had one year left of my extended warranty with volkswagen. the lexus is a 5yr bumper to bumper warranty which includes a rental car if the car is in for service longer than an hour. when will volkswagen get wise to the fact that they need to be more customer friendly especially with service hours and warranties. when volkswagen changes in those areas i just might be back but for now it’s good bye farfegnugen :(
Yeah, well you definitely traded up on that one. Good trade! :) I don’t think you could ever go wrong with a Lexus. You’re right on the money about VW needing to change a lot of things about how their business is run from the customer perspective. I thin they’re trying lately, but we need to see some concrete changes. We wish you luck, and hope that no problems crop up for you!!
i got a 2003 gti 20th ann special and the check engine lights flash and it feels like the car is going to die
Hey alex, if your check engine light is flashing, you need to shut the engine off immediately and get that checked out. There’s a possibility that one of your coil packs might have gone bad, which will cause the cylinder it’s tied to misfire etc.
I have a 2005 jetta with automatic transmission and I am having a few problems with it. When I am starting to accelerate for a stop the car seems like it’s having trouble shifting into second gear and the car will make this thud noise and then will shift and kinda jerk me forward and my check engine light will come on. It will shut off after a week and has happened a few times, but another problem I’m having is that my car won’t start so I turn the key again and I have to push on the gas pedal a little and then it will start. This has happened to me twice. Any info would be useful. Thanks
Hi jessica, your best bet is to get your Jetta into a dealer or a local mechanic and have them scan the computer for the codes that were thrown when your check engine light came one. That will tell what is going on with your car. From there, you can have the necessary repairs done at your favorite location.
I went to autozone and had them scan the car and they gave me the code p0118 and said it was my engine coolant system and it also said it was higher than expected for the current engine operating systems. My car has never overheated and they did not say anything about it. Should I take it to a dealer and get it looked at or should I just replace the sensor?
Have you ever noticed your temp gauge running high or moving around a lot as if it can’t get a reading? Or your engine just running hot in general? However, this code doesn’t seem to relate to the problems you described having in your first comment. I would take it into the dealer to have it really checked over well.
hey what up, i drive a 2003 gti 1.8t, an my smart ass decied to rallly it on a random dirt road two days ago, that part was fun, anyway as i left the dirt road for a paved one there was this puddle i decied to go thro any all of a sudden my cel came one and my car felt like it all of a sudden had like 90hp, and putters around.i looked in my book and saw that wen the light flashs it means somethins up with the catalitic converter, but idk if thats it for sure, it blink \s 15 times, not sure if thats usefull either, any way i try not to drive it but dont got a lot of cash so tryin ta figure out wat to do, anyhelp will be much appericated thanks,
kyle
Hey Kyle, you don’t by chance have a CAI (cold air intake) installed on your GTI? It sounds like after rolling through that puddle that you may have gotten some moisture sucked into the engine through the air filter. If so, this is hugely bad and you’ll need to get it checked out right away. You could also have gotten some electronics wet which in turn would flake out the engine.
In any case, I wouldn’t drive it until you get it looked at.
I have a 2002 VW New Beetle. It works fine expect when there’s moisture in the air, like after it rains or a snowfall. When its sort of wet. As soon as I start my car, it will start sputtering and the check engine light will come on. Last year around this time of the year I took it to the dealer and they said the entire front console had to be changed. $600 and 1 year later the CEL still comes on. I can’t forward another car and since I can use public transportation when the CEL comes on I just let it go, but its annoying not having a reliable car.
Hey Brian, as I’ve mentioned to other commenters, your best course of action is to first get your computer codes scanned at your favorite local auto parts shop or dealer. That will tell them and you what exactly the problem is. Then you can approach the repair from there.
Hello, I own a 2002 Vw Jetta and LOVE my car! Last year about this time my MIL came on and I brought it to my certified vdub mechanic and had the catalytic converter replaced, and the front 02 sensor. The light went off for about 1 week. I brought it back to them and they replaced the converter again(#2) . About 3 weeks after that the MIL light came back on again, and I ignored it for a few months (lack of $$ to fix), my car ran fine no cranky engine, it ran smooth. Recently I brought it back and had a rear O2 sensor replaced. The light went out for 2 days and the light came back on. My mechanic tells me to go to the dealer and have my main computer reprogrammed in order for the light to go out and stay out. (Not just clearing the code)
My car runs fine, there is no hesitation my gas mileage has stayed the same, but that light has stayed on - Any suggestions?
Hi Neil, sucks to have problems like that, doesn’t it? I hope that in the course of your repairs with the dealer that they scanned the computer codes that would have been thrown with your MIL to make sure they were making the right repair. If possible, I would try to find that out. It could just be that whatever is throwing the MIL wasn’t repaired, or, as your mechanic said, they need to be cleared from the car’s computer. Let us know how it goes!
I bought my daughter a 2000 Passat and recently the check engine light came on and has stayed on. It just failed the emissions test. We took it to a mechanic (not a dealership, but a certified emissions specialist) and he found 4 ODB2 codes P0421, P0431, P1177 & P1131. He is recommending replacing the 4 O2 Sensors and PCM reflash. The cost is $1424. This seems very high and he says this may not even fix the problem as it could be the catalytic converter.
Any advice?
$1400 sounds outrageous. I would take it to a dealer or another mechanic and see how much they would quote you.
I just bought a 2002 VW Beetle, 1.8 Turbo with 73,000 miles. I have since learned of a 60K maintenance requirement for these cars. I have talked to one mechanic that does work on VW’s exclusivly and he is telling me between t $1200 and $1400 for the maintenance. Is he close on this maintenance cost? Should I just check to see what the cost of replacing the timer belt and leave the rest of it alone? Thanks.
Hi Danr, it shouldn’t really be anywhere near that amount. If the timing chain gets replaced along with all other 60k maintenance items, you’re probably looking at a range more like 400-600 I think.
Thanks for the information! I just found your site today and will keep a watch on it for additional information. It was a great help since I’m clueless on mechanic type stuff.
I have a 2003 GTI VR6 with 32k on it. I was driving to work today and the check engine light came on. I take very good care of it and I only really drive 16 miles a day mainly open highway. My fluids look fine, but my antifreeze is right on min. The car runs just fine and I always check my gas cap, the last time I got gas was 3 days ago. Just wondering if this could be the same issue as you with the temp sensor?
Also just wondering what grade gas should I be buying for it?
Thanks
Well, I decided to have AutoZone run the codes to see what it was and it ended up being the gas cap. Can it take that long to make that happen? I got gas 3 days ago why would it take so long?
Hey Erik, most likely that is the case if you’re not sure it already has been taken care of. In any case, be sure to get the codes scanned so at least you know what’s going on. :]
Huh, imagine that. It could have taken a while for the system to realize that it wasn’t sealed properly… or it worked loose a bit over time since it wasn’t closed tightly…. maybe.
Hey, I have a 2002 GTI 1.8T, I recently changed the air filter and the spark plugs in the car. Started it up and drove it for a good 40 miles. As I was driving something happened and the car is now missing bad in low idle and low speed. The engine light is also flashing. I changed to new spark plugs, and change the coil packs and neither of these did the job. It is still missing. It was fine until I changed the spark plugs the first time. Any Ideas?
Thanks
Amy
My 2000 volkswagon beetle 1.8 turbo had it’s fuel pump, radiator fan motor and belt replaced how much should this cost if done by a reputable repair shop.
Hi Amy, did you buy pre-gapped or made sure to gap the new plugs properly? Sounds like they’re not firing correctly, or there could be a problem with the coil packs or any related part.
Hey Ed, I’m not sure how much on average those repairs would cost. Hopefully some other readers can chime in on their experiences.
i have a 2003 jetta gli, and about a week ago, the check engline light appeared. i thought it was due to the gas cap; however, now that a week has gone by and the light is still on and this morning i was unable to start my car until giving it quite a bit of gas, i believe it is something other than the gas cap. after this initial start, it has started just fine the rest of today.
i went to auto zone, and the on board diagnostic shows code p0420 as the cause of the CEL. This is due to the following possibilities: catalytic converter defect, engine misfire, large vacuum leak, or engine oil leakage into exhaust -valve guide seals and piston rings.
Do any of these things sound like symptoms of why I was initally not able to start the car but then why I was able to start the car each time afterwards?
Thanks!