What is a Check Engine Light in my Volkswagen?
The color and location of the Check Engine Light will differ by vehicle model and make. In most vehicles, it is a dashboard warning light that is yellow and has the shape of an engine. This indicator is part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system.
A Check Engine light will stay still or blink. When the Check Engine Light is blinking, it means that the situation is serious and you should pull over at a safer place, and contact a Volkswagen Service Center.
Why is the Check Engine Light on in my Volkswagen?
Many drivers are left baffled when the check engine light triggers on in their dash. There are a lot of reasons for the light to illuminate, and several minor issues could cause the warning. Below are some of the most common reasons for a Check Engine Light.
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1. The Gas Cap May Be Loosed Or Missing
Your gas cap is what keeps your fuel tank sealed. Thus, preventing gas fumes from escaping into the air, or worse – into your vehicle. Suppose your gas cap gets loose or missing, it can trigger a Check Engine Light. Inspect and tighten your gas cap to know if it’s the reason behind the check engine light.
1. The Oxygen Sensor is Malfunctioning
The Oxygen Sensor or O2 Sensor transmits relays information to your car’s Electronic Control Unit (Abbreviated as “ECU”). Sometimes the oxygen sensor can get covered with oil, dust, debris, or corrosion and this will cause it to fail. It can also cause the sensor to send incorrect information to the ECU. When this happens, the system triggers the Check Engine Light.
1. Spark Plugs or Wires are worn out or damaged
Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your Volkswagen. Recently, spark plugs and wires last much longer than they did in cars of the past. Although, they will wear out and need replacement after long use. Worn plugs and/or plug wires can cause the engine to “misfire” and trigger the Check Engine Light.
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1. The Mass Air Flow Sensor Has Developed A Fault
The mass air flow sensor of your car measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently. When it begins to malfunction, you may experience reduced performance and lower fuel economy. A faulty mass air flow sensor may result in a Check Engine Light.
1. The Catalytic Converter Needs To Be Replaced
The catalytic converter helps to protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If it is not functioning properly, A catalytic converter can possibly cause a Check Engine Light.
1. The Thermostat is Damaged
The thermostat in your Volkswagen’s engine supports managing operating temperatures to avoid overheating. An inappropriate reading from a defective thermostat can display a Check Engine Light on your dash. It’s necessary to ensure your thermostat is in working good condition to prevent engine damage from excess heat.
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1. The Car’s Gas Cap May Need To Be Checked
A loose or cracked gas cap is sometimes the only reason why the check engine light is displayed on your dash. This can cause gas to be evaporated and will trigger the check engine light. Remove your gas cap, and tight it back; if the light persists, it means that there is a bigger issue causing it.
How to Reset Your VW Check Engine Light
If you or your technician have resolved every issue supposed to trigger the check engine light and the light persists. You will have to perform a manual Volkswagen check engine light reset. This process is only applicable if your light won’t turn off even after fixing the problem.
- Turn off the ignition, and wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Open the hood and locate the negative terminal on your battery. Usually, it has a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. For reference, the positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol.