Jetta check engine light is on?

Question

My 2003 Jetta's check engine light is on. I don't want to take it in if I don't have to, so is there anything I should check out or try to get it to go off?

Answer 1

Most Autozone or Midas shops will read the code for free; keep in mind that if its not a "normal failure code" you'll end up having to take the vehicle to the dealership or VW specialist to have the code diagnoised.
If the fuel cap is the problem, you'll normally have a code for a small evap emission leak something like a code P 0441 or the like, otherwise the most common issue besides the fuel cap is the vacuum lines for the EGR set up, which get old and crack, thus leaking vacuum. Most often these will have a code of P 1485 or 1486. If you had taken the vehicle for the major service to someone who cares about the work and is a VW specialist, they should have replaced the vacuum hose at the service, as experience tells us that these hoses are prone to leak vacuum when they get 3-5 years old. In the dealership I was at, we replaced these hoses at the major service or every three years, whchever was first. Thus, our regular customers had a lot less issues with check engine lights than most people. That's the value of service with someone who knows the make and model and is familiar with the particular quirks that the vehicle has.
If its not either of the codes, then most likely, you should take it to have it checked out. By the way, even if you found that the fuel cap was loose, tightening it would NOT make the code go away quickly, it would take about a week or so of dirving before the light would reset on its own. It would need to be cleared manually to get rid of it right away.
Hope this helps, a car nut.

Answer 2

It is best to read th engine code to identify the problem. Just from my experience, I think your spark plugs have not been change and engine is spitting out excessive emission. If you still have original NGK spark plugs, the check engine light would come on around that mileage. If you had them serviced less than 30k, your other problem would be that your ignition coil module maybe bad and is not generation the spark on time. Battery would not cause check engine light problem. Yes you should be worried because if you drive like that, it will start attacking the cat. converter and you will fail the emission test. If not serviced soon, it will do more damage to the O2 sensors and Cat. Converter.

Answer 3

WOW to the ppl that say autozone cant scan these cars: I took my 01 MKIV 1.8T jetta to autozone yesterday and they scanned it FINE (and for free). heres what I know. depending on your mileage, which engine, etc. My MAF sensor was bad the 1st time( you would probably feel surging), then my rear 02 sensor, now my secondary air injection system SAP is throwing a code, and guess what autozone scanned it and told me everytime!! the dealer does try there best to get tons o cash from you for this though. these cars drive great but seem to have lots of minor issues like these. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

The only way to get it off is by finding out whats wrong with it. The Autozone and other other parts store scanners WILL NOT plug into the port, it has 2 prongs that wont allow it. The VW dealer, or a car shop that deals with european cars are pretty much the only place to get it read at.

Answer 5

VW's are highly propritary, and odds are you'll need to take it into the dealership to get it checked.

While the ODBII is suppose to hook into the VW computer and inform you what's wrong, most ODBII scanners don't work on VWs.

You need a special VAG COM tool for VWs that will allow you to read the VW codes, and unfortunately Autozone and most parts places do not rent this particular tool as it is highly specific for VWs and Audis.

The few obvious things to check are

1. Make sure your gas cap is on tight. a loose or missing gas cap will cause the check engine light to turn on.

2. Check your air filter, be sure it's clean and allowing proper air flow.

Otherwise I recommend getting the car diagnosed by a mechanic.

Answer 6

Tighten the gas cap then drive for 30 mins, If that does not fix then you should bring it in. Your gas tank is pressurized so the fuel pump can draw fuel out, if the gas cap isn't tightened all the way then you have an air leak which will turn on the CEL (Check engine light).

Answer 7

I'm with Billy and Car nut. It won't cost you anything except the trip to Autozone. If they can't tell you what the code means, a few quick searches on the internet will give you a general idea.

Answer 8

go to auto zone or napa auto parts. They'll check your car for free.