2000 VW Jetta Check Engine Light

The “check engine light” in my 2000 VW Jetta has been on for almost six months. Wary of being told I need to “replace the trigenic configuration valve-pulse generator” for $950, I’ve avoided taking it in to the dealer to have it looked at. I was due for an inspection and an oil change this week, though, so I bit the bullet and made an appointment.

To my pleasant surprise there had been an “oxygen sensor recall” for the 2000 Jetta, which resulted in my getting a free brand new oxygen sensor (who knew that cars needed oxygen!) which, in turn, made the check engine light turn itself off.

There was also a recall on the “hazard light switch,” so I got a new one of those two. An interesting side-effect of that is that the “clicking sound” that my car makes when I switch on the turn signal has changed its tone (Jodi says it’s “much sharper sounding” now). It’s like a brand new car!

So total damage for inspection, a new brake light, a new oxygen sensor, a new hazard light and an oil change was only $65.

Comments

MARIO's picture
MARIO on December 9, 2007 - 07:08 Permalink

TO ANSWER LIN’S QUESTON I WOULD SAY I GOT A 2000 JETTA GLS 2.0 LITTER 5 SPEED MANUAL AND I’VE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE AND THE 02 SENSORS AND IT WAS WORKING GOOD FOR A WHILE THEN IT GAVE ME PROBLEMS AGAIN SO I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS AND TWO OF THEM WERE VERY DIRTY SO I GOT A NEW SET OF SPARK PLUGS DID A RESET ON THE ENGINE LIGHT AND IT WAS WORKING GREAT BUT THEN A FEW MONTHS LATER AS I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK I NOTICED MY CAR WAS LOSING POWER AGAIN AND I INMEDIATELY CHECKED TE SPARK PLUGS AGAIN AND THERE IT WAS THE SAME PLUGS WERE NO GOOD AGAIN SO I INSTALLED NEW ONES TOOK IT FOR A ROAD TEST AND IT WAS AS GOOD AS NEW..
SOMETIMES I HATE MY JETTA WHEN IS GIVING ME TROUBLE BUT WHAT CAN I SAY JETTAS RULE BABY LOL GOTTA LOVE JETTAS….AND FOR THOSE HAVING HASITATING PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING THE AC ON YOUR JETTA YOU MAY WANNA REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CAUSE SOMETIMES WHEN ITS NOT DELIVERING ENOUGH FUEL PRESSURE THE ENGINE STARTS HASITATING…ONE MORE THING NEVER DISCONET THE BATTERY ON ANY JETTA TO RESET THE ENGINE LIGHT CAUSE YOU GONNA MESS UP ALL THE FACTORY SETTINGS ON THE THROTLE CONTROL MODULE AND ITS GONNA BE MISSING UNTILL YOU YOU REBOOT THE COMPUTER OR YOU MAY END UP BUYING A NEW CONTROL MODULE, AND IF YOU EVER HAVE TO REPLACE THE BATTERY MAKE SURE YOU USE A MEMORY SAVER AND PLUG IT TO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER FIRST…
HOPE THIS WILL HELP SOMEBODY AT ALL…
AND MARGARITA MIJA DONT WASTE MORE TIME IF YOUR CAR STILL UNDER WARRANTY LET THE DEALERSHIP TAKE CARE OF IT FOR YOU LOL….

Jennifer's picture
Jennifer on December 11, 2007 - 22:25 Permalink

Anybody had problems with 1.9 Turbo Diesel? My check engine light came on about 2 days ago and when it did, I was shifting from 3rd to 4th getting on the highway and it fell on it’s face. Also, for about 2 weeks or so, if the car is running for an hour or longer the turbo seems to be working intermittently…regardless of the temp. If I turn it off and right back on, it seems to be okay until roughly an hour later then does it’s thing all over again. Not sure if tht means turbo probs as well as cat probs?? Any ideas? The car goes in on Monday, hope someone can help save me some unwanted money spending. Thanks.

Kaylie's picture
Kaylie on December 28, 2007 - 00:41 Permalink

I’ve had my 02 1.8T Jetta for about a year now and already have had to take it in for repairs more than my previous vehicle. First there was something wrong with my transmission and I basically got a whole new one which set me back $2,500. Now my check engine light is coming on and at first it would go away every so often but now its stuck “on” and yesterday my brake lights decided they weren’t going to turn off (my dad thinks he can fix that though)…I don’t have the money for all these repairs…I don’t want to take it to the dealer because they over charge for everything. Is there a list a possible things it could be and maybe an order for what they are most likely to be? Also I’m almost due for my 80,000 mile check up, does anyone know what exactly they do for that? I’d rather do the stuff I can myself and only have to take it in for whatever my family doesn’t know how to fix.

Thanks!!!!!

Zoe's picture
Zoe on January 8, 2008 - 21:20 Permalink

I have a 2002 1.8T Jetta. This car was my dream car (well, dream for the money I had to spend) and it has been a NIGHTMARE! I bought it used and in one year dumped about 3K into it fixing different issues: seals, belts, temp sensor, thermostat, brake lights, etc. Today I got told that to fix the current issue, exhaust leak, and replace my timing belt and a few other “minor” issues, would be about 2K. To top it off, the engine is misfiring and they don’t know why. So, bottom line, I love the little car, but I will NEVER buy another VW. It makes me naseous just thinking about how much money I wasted on this car, and how upside down on it I am. From now on, Toyota or Nissan for me.

Marilyn's picture
Marilyn on January 9, 2008 - 19:28 Permalink

I have a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Sedan, a total piece of trash! I would never ever ever purchase another Volkswagen again! I purchased the vehicle in January 2003, since I have replaced the transmission twice, engine throttle — $1200.00, engine light stays on and won’t go out — ever, air bag light, brake light and etc. comes on — after the problem is resolved. I purchased new brakes and pads front and back  — brake light still on — air bag light- why??? — it was never inflated — don’t understand why it’s on — had transmission rebuilt three weeks ago — $2300 — misfire codes, new sharks and plugs constantly, engine light came back on after one week of having transmission rebuilt. I can’t take any more with this vehicle! I out of money! I hate it! It drives terribly in the rain and cold. I am so fearful of it stopping on me on highway or the streets. I don’t feel safe at all driving it at all. I would not recommend a DOG to buy, purchase or lease a Volkswagen Jetta 2000-2006. A Volkswagen salesmen told me that between the years of 2000-2006 Jettas were manufactured in Mexico, not Germany. The parts the used were cheap and the labor cost Volkswagen a little or nothing for the assemblers in Mexico.

Volkswagen has lost its good reputation name of a quality care as far as I am concerned. I think a lot of other people who own a Volkswagen Jetta agree with me! Volkswagen Sucks!

DON’T GET TRICKED INTO BUYING A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA  — YOU WILL BE SO SORRY YOU DID! I DON’T CARE WHAT THE OFFER PRICE IS — THE CAR IS A PIECE OF SH@@. PLEASE LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO PREVIOUSLY OWNED ONE.

Lina's picture
Lina on January 12, 2008 - 01:37 Permalink

hello: i have a 2003 1.8t jetta and am just in shock after reading everyone’s negative stuff about this car!!! i have a check engine light too and the dealer doesn’t know exactly what the problem is either…i hate that all they do is take my money and the lights keep coming back on after i leave the dealership…does anyone have any suggestions on where we can go besides a vw dealer and get these problems resolved honestly??? thanks very much!

Enrique's picture
Enrique on January 16, 2008 - 15:33 Permalink

well, i got a 2003 Jetta 1.8t. I started having the same problems, randomly gettin the CEL. took it to the dealer and said that the problem was that cat converter. i didnt buy it, gave the car a couple days to see if the light goes off. after 2 days, i decided to use premium gas instead of regular. i came to realize, the regular gives the car more of a sluggish start and after i used premium, the light went off. ever since i stopped using regular, its being goin on without the CEL. i recommend using gas over 90 octane. just a couple more cents, but its worth it if u dont want to see that annoying CEL.

Jon in Long Beach,CA.'s picture
Jon in Long Bea... on January 23, 2008 - 06:43 Permalink

Beware of Timmons VW on Cherry Ave. !!! Catalytic converter is rattling and so I take the car in I told them the light came on right when I heard the rattling a couple days ago…They charged me 105.00 to do a diagnostic test and said the Throttle body is dirty and it would be $379.00 to clean.. I refused and they said they can’t replace the Catalytic converter under warranty until the light is off… I had my certified mechanic friend clean the throttle body and reset the computer for $60.00… So now I am taking the car back tomorrow to see if they will keep their word and replace the cat. (since the lights off) I’m sure somehow I’ll get the run around, but I’m ready to go toe to toe! I’ll keep you all posted… PS. Only Old 60’s VW’s were made to last. Everything else sucks!

Jon in Long Beach,CA.'s picture
Jon in Long Bea... on January 23, 2008 - 06:44 Permalink

Oh yeah it’s a 2001 Jetta 2.0

Jon in LB's picture
Jon in LB on January 24, 2008 - 04:05 Permalink

I can’t believe it got replaced wothout anymore hassle!…Still make sure the engine light is off before taking your car in for Cat Converter, or else you will pay $105.00 for a diagnostoic and ???? until the lights off b4 they will replace it.

lauren's picture
lauren on January 24, 2008 - 19:28 Permalink

i have a 2003 1.8T and took it in when the cel came on. said it was a coolant sensor so they replaced it, went just over 200 miles and on the way back, the cel came on again. i took it in and they said they got a very vague reading and thought it might be the thermometer not opening up right?? i have no idea. i need to get it smogged before i can get my new registration and you can’t get it smogged when the cel is on. so the mechanic told me to drive it for a day to reset it and after driving 5 miles, it came on again. i called the deal to see if they had any advice and they said to just bring it in so they can take a look at it. i’m very skeptical about them taking my money only to find out they won’t know what it is either. i’m going to try using premium gas for a little while and see if that helps. but if anyone has ANY information, please please please let me know!!! i need to get myr egistration taken care of and it has to pass smog inspection.

thanks!

Peter's picture
Peter on January 25, 2008 - 16:08 Permalink

If anyone requires their Engine Light to be diagnosed by a licensed mechanic with 10 years VW experiance let me know.
I service VW’s in the GTA.

I come to you!

$75 for one hour diagnosis.

$50 to read code & erase light.

Please contact me for more information.

Erica's picture
Erica on February 6, 2008 - 01:21 Permalink

Well it seems that I’m not the only one fed up w/the check engine light.

Except that my car is having other issues that maybe someone could help me out with. During the winter I have to let my car warm up at least 10-15 min., otherwise it will not accelerate, even when floored. It chuggs and sounds almost like it is going to quit, but then it will just take off and is fine. I am not willing to spend hundreds even thousands if nothing can be done to fix the problems and even to keep having to have the check engine light reset.

Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

Jan Ross's picture
Jan Ross on February 8, 2008 - 05:16 Permalink

Hello, I bought a 1991 Jetta in Dec 2007 just after Christmas from a used car dealer (purchase price: $5925, with just under 77K miles). Within 3 minutes of driving the car off of the lot, the check engine light came on. I took the car back to the dealer, they had their mechanic look at it and told me that the problem was the catalytic converter and that I would need to take it to a VW dealer to have it fixed (since this repair would fall under the warranty). I took the car in to the VW dealer, they fixed the catalytic converter ($900, but covered) and also diagnosed a problem with and fixed the airflow sensor ($962). Two weeks later, I am making a right turn out of a parking lot, the check engine light flashes for a quick second, and the car shuts off. I took the car in the next day to get the oil changed since I was not sure how long it had been since it was done. (I only had the car for about a month.) I do not have the receipt in front of me, but by the time the garage told me all of the problems they found, I had spent $400, even though I had just gone in for an oil change. About a week later, the car began to act up by violently shaking when I went to start it and then shutting off/failing to start. This happened every time I let the car sit for a while (ex. while at work or overnight). So I took the car back in to the VW dealer two days ago and they diagnosed and fixed yet another problem—misfires caused by the ground ignition coil, etc., ($440). I have had the car back in my possession since last night, and you guessed it, the care is shaking and misfiring again. I am nearly at my wits end. I have spent approximately $1,800 on this vehicle and I have only had it for 5 weeks. To make matters worse, the VW dealer is recommending an 80K mileage service with major tune-up ($659), coolant flush $180), and some other miscellaneous repairs (cost not provided). For what the car is worth in the KBB, and the potential cost of repairs and service in the immediate future, I am not sure that it is worth keeping the car. I am considering getting rid of it before it costs me anymore money and headaches. I have never spent so much money on a car so soon. Help please? Suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated.

Jan Ross's picture
Jan Ross on February 8, 2008 - 05:17 Permalink

Sorry, 1999 VW Jetta…

Jan Ross's picture
Jan Ross on February 14, 2008 - 03:20 Permalink

Add to the 2/8/2008…car STOPPED in traffic and had to be towed. Help!

Melissa's picture
Melissa on February 19, 2008 - 21:07 Permalink

I have a 2000 VW gls vr6, manual transmision. I just had the fan belt replaced a couple of months ago, new brakes, and an oil change recently.
2 days ago I drove it to the store and noticed that my car wasn’t accelerating like normal when I would change gears. The day after, still doing the same thing, my check enging light came on. This morning on my way to work the check enging light blinked for about 30 seconds then went back to staying on. Still my car is not accelerating like normal when switching gears.
I had my mechanic do a scan of it to make sure I could drive it for 2 more days before he is able to do the diagnostic and look more into it. The scan showed that there were 1 or 2 cylinder misfires.
I admit I’m not the smartest when it comes to cars, so I’m looking for help here. I would like to know what may be the problem I am experiencing and an estimate cost I would be looking at. Any help is appreciated, thank you!

marshall's picture
marshall on February 21, 2008 - 01:14 Permalink

i have a 2007 jetta 2.5 with about 18000 miles on it. i had the blinking CEL shaking problem. brought it to the dealership and it was the coil pack. so i had that replaced along with new wires etc.. i then got a call an hour later saying my car needed a new transmission and clutch. i had that replaced. i went and picked up my car drove it about 10 miles to my home and the CEL came on again! i did not drive the car again that day. i got up the next morning and started the car drove down the road and shaking and blinking CEL back on!!! did another coil fail? did they not fix it properly? is the new tranny screwed up?? i think VW needs to seriously look over their cars a little more before releasing them and maybe charge a little less if all of us are having the SAME problem over and over!! so its back to the dealship for me! thank god im under warrenty!!!!

SUE's picture
SUE on February 21, 2008 - 03:45 Permalink

I have a 2003 VW Jetta GL 1.8T w/ almost 30 thousand miles- I am also having some issues with my check engine light. I went to one mechanic that did a diagnostic and said everything was fine (and he reset the button). I then went to another place,and they told me that the car does not get warm enough so when I start it up, I have to wait awhile. The place place I took it (tonight),said that they cannot reset the button and that once I have to get is smogged again, it may not pass the inspection. Has this ever happened to any of you? I HATE, HATE HATE, taking it to the dealership because they ALWAYS overcharge you. I also bought the extended warranty from the dealership, $2000.00 later and I am sure they will charge me another arm and a leg. Any suggestions?
Sue

stephanie's picture
stephanie on February 27, 2008 - 14:23 Permalink

I have a 2000 jetta VR6 and i was wondering what the effects were of running regular gas instead of premium?

cliff's picture
cliff on March 1, 2008 - 21:45 Permalink

I am thinking about buying a 98 jetta TDI but the guys says the check engine light is on but that it is normal and does not affect the performance of the car. After reading all the postings I have mixed emotions since reading these posting however allot of the problems sound as though they are coming from the gas versions and not the diesel versions except for some of the catalytic issues that have been posted and was wondering if anyone had any expierience with a 98 TDI and the check engine light staying on, suposedly it has been on for 40,000 miles. Any thoughts. Thanks for your input.

Kelly's picture
Kelly on March 8, 2008 - 00:22 Permalink

I just bought a 2006 Jetta 2.5, and I’ve noticed that when I turn it on, the engine takes about 30 seconds to warm up. It sounds almost like I’m revving it, or I have my air on high or something (I don’t). Why is this??

Danielle Hendrickson's picture
Danielle Hendrickson on March 15, 2008 - 05:16 Permalink

I have a 2004 Jetta Volkswagon, which has a manual transmission. I was teaching my friend to drive stick, which resulted in my check engine light appearing on my dash. Any ideas? Could this be serious?

Anthony's picture
Anthony on March 28, 2008 - 16:09 Permalink

Own 2003 Jetta 1.8T and this car has been nothing but trouble.

Two weeks ago….my car (48,000 miles) had been sluggish and not turning over when turning the key (usually 4 to 5 times, especially when it’s cold). I took it to the VW dealership and they suggested I get the $40,000 mile recommended inspection and tune-up. Five days later, I get a call that my MAF is bad and some egnition wires needed to be replaced. $987.56 later….I get my car back and it runs better. Except..my leather seat warmers don’t work anymore and my indoor lighting is hosed. I place the lights to door and they never turn on. Key fob controls don’t work and my transmission control is stuck. I cannot get the lever in the trip setting. Oh yeah, my spark wires won’t replaced because the dealership said “I didn’t need em.” Are you kidding me?!?! It’s in the package…I paid for it, replace them. Whether I need them or not.

But Hey, I’m still going from A to B, so I will take it a part at a time.

Well this morning my car just started dragging and shaking when headed to work. Of course, I figure it was cold and I let it sit for awhile. I head to work and my engine light comes on (blinking) and the shaking gets worse. I pull over, open the hood and it smell horrible all around my car. (Cat Converter I’m guessing). It drove like I had a flat tire and no gas.

Sitting on the side of the road with the thought of paying more money to get my car fixed is breaking my heart. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW…NEVER BUY A VW AS LONG AS YOU LIVE!!

I will post again and tell you what the dealership says about what is wrong now.

Allison's picture
Allison on April 1, 2008 - 11:38 Permalink

2000 Jetta GLX VR6 105,000 miles

Regularly maintained for a single female- oil changes, tune ups etc. Recently had to replace water pump, belts and a few othe rminor items. Noticed car was ‘bucking’ when leaving in the morning for work, very annoying. Took it to my mechanic who stated I should have the plugs and plug wires changed, ok. Three days and $400 dollars later still ‘bucking’ but only now they check engine light is blinking, WTH?!? Take it ti Auto store to have the codes read. They proceed to tell me I have my #1, #4, #6 and well basically enitre engine misfiring. Not good right? Oh, did I mention my car hates the rain…it idles horribly in the rain. The entire car shakes when it rains upon initial startup and sometimes will just die entirely. Well, on ward…took it back to mechanic…oh its fixed come on back and pick it up. Went to pick up car that night, keys were in it and I was not to be charged so I hopped in and turned the key….NOTHING!!!! The car was dead! Can you imagine?!?! I was so pissed, I had the car jumped and have not taken it back.

Well, car had been running fine once I charged the battery, until the rains came the past 2 weeks. All 4 codes are back along with the constant check engine light and the car running like crap.

VW should be ashamed in their product. I have warned many friends who have voiced interest in the Jetta or other VW models and I have told them about my car issues. Like others here I love my car when it runs, but hate it when it doesnt…

In the last 6 months I have spent 2k in repairs and I still have the annoying light on and my car is running like crap. I could not sell this car to anyone with a clear mind, other than back to VW.

COOGIS's picture
COOGIS on April 7, 2008 - 08:27 Permalink

2003 Audi A4 1.8t — 84,000 miles
A few months back I was having misfire troubles with my A4, check engine light came on blinking, motor was hesitating terribly, so I parked the car, lifted the hood and noticed my catalytic converter was glowing orange, being somewhat savvy with cars I investigated the matter myself. A few days later I spoke to a friend that works as a mechanic at a VW dealer and he said that if your diagnostic code reads of misfires in certain cylinders, the coil packs were most likely bad. So… I changed the coils myself, threw everything back together, started the car and it ran like new. After about 10 miles of driving, the CEL came back on. Had the code read claiming that the catalytic converter was bad, which didn’t surprise me due to the excess fuel burning up from cylinder misfires, so I bought an after market cat through NAPA made by Walker, (paid $300 as opposed to $740 through Audi) and had it replaced, 30 or so miles down the road the CEL comes on again. So… now is where I am asking for some advice, my state inspection is due and require an OBD II emissions test. Because the CEL light was on the car would not pass inspection because the computer system claims that the after market cat I had put on is faulty. I tried to outsmart the system by clearing the code in the parking lot of the garage before having it inspected but when they tested it the OBD II system stated that it had not run through a complete driving cycle since being reset. Does anyone know with this particular vehicle how long I may have to drive for the ECU to reset because it seems that the light comes back on within 250 miles of resetting it. I had a VW dealer do a full diagnostic, o2 sensors were good, fuel:air ratio was good, again claiming that the cat was bad. Surely NAPA wouldn’t market a product if it contradicted OEM standards. I spoke to the NAPA rep. and they will exchange the cat, but I don’t want to get a new one, pay $200 to have it put on and then have the same problem… I’ve always lived by the “if its not broke, don’t fix it” motto so running the vehicle with the check engine light on doesn’t bother so long as nothing serious is wrong, but I have to get the damn thing inspected so any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Erin's picture
Erin on April 7, 2008 - 20:05 Permalink

I have a 2002 GLS Jetta with 97,000 mi. My check engine light went on on my way home one night and my cluster lights inverted, but seemed to be running fine. The next morning the light was off and things were fine. I figured the sensor was just messed up. It kept doing this on and off thing for a week. One night I stopped at a store for about 10 mins. came back out an dit wouldn’t start. Everything that the battery opperates still worked. Once help ahd arrived, about 30 mins., it started. I took it in the next day to a repair shop and they told me there is just a 10 second delay in the transmission sensor, so I could still drive it. I also had them do my 90,000 tune-up (about $400 worth), but was told to take it to a VW dealer to fix the sensor. Not even a week later it wouldn’t start again, but did after it sat for about 45 mins. I’m not sure what is going on, but kind of reluctant to take it to a dealer with absolutely not idea what is going on and how much it is going to cost. Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!

Daniel Macfarlane's picture
Daniel Macfarlane on April 10, 2008 - 23:32 Permalink

I have to say for the past couple days I have read many postings about the famous flshing check engine light. I understand that it can be a number of things (Coil Pack, Wires, Plugs etc.) Here’s my situation.
I have a 2001 VW Jetta VR6 117,000 miles.

I was driving to work the other day and out of the blue the CEL started flashing and I noticed that little by little the power wasn’t the same. Once I pulled the car over it was really shaking. The exhaust was louder than normal and I could tell that something was wrong. It’s as if the Coil Pack quit working. (I have had experience with that issue before)
The Coil Pack is only a month and a half old, so I really don’t think it is that. I thought it could be the plugs, so I changed those…nothing. The wires look fine the don’t look damaged at all and I have plenty of spark.

What else can it be?

The error messages stats that it is a #2 cylinder misfire.

Symptoms are: No power, Rough idle, Misfires, Sulfer smell.
Could it be the CAT?

Please Help…

Kim's picture
Kim on April 12, 2008 - 05:15 Permalink

I have a 2002 Jetta, with 71000. I have changed the battery twice in the past eight months. Lately when slowing down at a stop sign or light my battery light will come on, steering locks and car dies! However it will restart right away! Somebody please help!

Brian's picture
Brian on April 21, 2008 - 19:12 Permalink

I have a 2003 VW Jetta and the “Check Engine Light” has come on. The Computer reads ‘Cooling System Performance’ (code p2181). Any ideas about what could be the problem. Maybe the temperature sensor??? Is this difficult to change?

Deepak's picture
Deepak on April 24, 2008 - 17:31 Permalink

I have 2001 jetta one year ago i replced water pump plastic (link to timing belt)now My check engine light has come at 55000 mile . I feel VW cars are useless below standered car. It needs heavy maintance . I will never keep another VW on my drive way even they give me free .

Sarah Bassett's picture
Sarah Bassett on April 30, 2008 - 21:25 Permalink

I have had my ‘98 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition (which was supposed to be better than the others) for 2 years in June. I got it with 106,000 miles and it now has 121,000. In that timeframe I have had;
$700 worth of simple repairs when I first got it
$450 for a new clutch
$120 for a new radio (not necessary but the factory one didnt work)
$200 for new tires
$150 for leaking sunroof
$200 for new air tube to the engine
An estimated year before i need a new transmission
This is rediculous and now my check engine light is on and it wont turn off. I just brought it to the shop yesterday for the air tube and I have had ENOUGH. This was my first car, given to me b my grandparents and it has almost cost me in repairs what it cost to purchase the car. I simply can’t afford it anymore.
Any ideas on why the CEL is on?

Vivian Naylor's picture
Vivian Naylor on May 4, 2008 - 02:39 Permalink

I own a 2003 VW Jetta. Bought it last summer. Less than 30 days after purchase, the engine light came on. Took it back to the dealer and they said if it does not stay on for more than 3 days not to worry about it. It went off, but 8 months later it comes back on and stays on. Have not had it checked as of yet, because of everything I have tried to look up on this make and model. The car runs fine and does not use up any more fuel than usual. There is not pause, hesitation or misfire,in fact it purrs like a kitten, so am totally stumped on this! Had been using regular unleaded fuel, but am going to run this tank out and start using premium instead. Going to replace the gas cap and will be taking it to my mechanic and get the computer reset and see how it goes I guess. Reading everything that has been put on here pretty much let me know to try the simple stuff first before you spend allot of money for nothing.

Mitzi's picture
Mitzi on May 10, 2008 - 21:03 Permalink

I bought my ‘06 Jetta 2.0T last November, with 13.5k miles. I have loved it. The car now has just under 25k miles and CEL came on for the first time this morning, after sitting idle for a week. Will try to get an appt. at the dealer this week, and will post updates. Wish I had found this site BEFORE I bought the car! : (

Grant's picture
Grant on May 14, 2008 - 05:29 Permalink

I also have the same problem with the check engine light coming on my 1999 Passat. Also on occation when starting the engine will rev high for a few seconds then settle at around 8000. Could these issues be related?

Heather's picture
Heather on May 15, 2008 - 23:21 Permalink

I have a 2.0 2003 Jetta ,I to have had my emissions light come on to be told it was a Heat/Coolant senser. I was told by this person who first claimed to be an experienced VW mechanic that he could not change it out because he did not have the capibilities to reset the computer to start the car…however I’m reading alot of do it themselfers stories that changed them out to the green capped senser… it sounds so easy to replace, however what is the deal about the computer reset. Is this just a scam? I also had VW send me a notice claiming they have had converter problems with my year of car and will cover up to 100,000 miles. I did not have any issues other then having to replace my brakelight safety switch(that controls the brake to shift safety switch)VW re-manufactored 12/07 after many issues. Upon my lease turn in …I wanted to buy out car.. the VW dealer did some (pre-maintenance) only to get back a car that once had extreme power and take off to getting a piece of junk back that hesitates on take off and going up hills. It is not the same car!

Billy Atmur's picture
Billy Atmur on May 21, 2008 - 00:18 Permalink

I have a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta with 97,000 miles, just bought it, day after check engine light comes on, They tell me I put the gas cap on wrong, turn off light, it comes back on, replace gas cap, light comes back on, now I’m stuck no warranty and no previous idea of how to handle, the car runs fine but the light stays on, no odd smells no stalling or bad handling just stays on please help!!

sara's picture
sara on June 8, 2008 - 04:50 Permalink

I have a 2001 VW Jetta with 49,000 miles. I’ve tried to take really good car of the car but recently I’m having TONS of problems with the check engine light like many of you. After multiple trips to different shops I was told I had to go the dealer… After an intial $1,500 estimate I decided to go with $650 worth of work. I left it over night and they did the following:
-Vaccum line for fuel pressure (44)
-Rear brake replacement (needed)(347)
-Full tune up with new air filter (494)
I decided not to go with the mass airflow sensor (494) or the replacement of the hydrolic brake fluid (140). Sure enough the day after I got it back the light came back on. I’ve noticed on two occasions that when I shift into second gear I feel like I am not really getting as much gas as I am giving. Any ideas? Do you think I need to go back and deal with this airflow sensor thing? I’ve heard from a few people that have VWs that they have just left the light on and let it go. I know for sure it is not gas cap related (learned that shortly after buying it in ‘01). Can anyone help? I feel like i am bleeding money that I don’t have.

Eric's picture
Eric on June 9, 2008 - 21:55 Permalink

I have a 2000 Jetta Gls Vr6.I have had it for over two years now.My check engine light came on a few months ago and and I cant get it off.My wifes father is a mechanic and tryed to figure it out and the only thing showing up is a code for the cam sensor and the code is a P0343.I think that it is the catalytic converter that is causeing this problem.I know it was a recall on them but never got around to taking it to the dealership.Also for a few months my car has been not wanting to start.For example…when I get in my car in the morning it starts up but then I will drive it for awhile and then cut it off to go in the store and then turn it back on sometimes it wont start and smoke will come out the exhaust and it will smell like gas.Awefull smell.Could someone please tell me what this is….I was told that it could be the coolant sensor

Also dont bash me…My wife is the hondalvr

hondalvr95@aol.com

Fabio Teixeira's picture
Fabio Teixeira on June 11, 2008 - 04:03 Permalink

Hello Everyone, I have a 2000 VW Jetta ( 5 speed ) I was on my way home last night and it started raining really bad, sundely my CHECK ENGINE CAME OFF. Any ideas? it has over 100 miles, and I never had any problems. But I am kinda worried now. I wil probably take it to the macanic tomorrow.

thanks alot.

tigraot@hotmail.com

Danielle's picture
Danielle on June 15, 2008 - 06:05 Permalink

I have a 01 Jetta and my check engine light has been on for over 4 years. I go get it checked when I take it in for service but it always comes back on within a day or two…I’ve just given up cause the car runs fine. But today a new light came on and I’m not sure what it is…it’s a circle with 3 lines on either side almost circling the first circle. Does anyone know what that means?? I bought it used and have no manual for my car :(

RichardG's picture
RichardG on June 17, 2008 - 18:27 Permalink

I have a 2000 Jetta GLS TDI. Back in November I had a serious problem with the unit. Wouldn’t start in cold weather, toasted the starter in the process. It took my mechanic (not a dealership) about 2 weeks to get the injector timing back in order. Ever since I got the vechicle back my check engine light has been on. It comes on after about 3 minutes of driving, and stays on until I shut off. Unfortunately I bought it used, and it has exceeded the posted Catalytic Converter warranty that has been stated above. I don’t hear anything unusual except what sounds like hissing noise coming from the hood. I haven’t been able to track down the exact source yet. I have no other problems with it, except a little slugish on response from the accelerator. But the Check Engine light is getting to be rather annoying, and my mechanic isn’t offering any advice. If you could e-mail me some answers that would be great. Coolant, oil, turbo, all act normally.

Jetta Victim's picture
Jetta Victim on June 19, 2008 - 00:49 Permalink

Jetta 2004, 45000 miles, check engine light on and car shaking. Is is happening second time. First time it happened, i called VW and they said don’t drive, it a major problem so i got the car towed to dealer and they replaced it. It was around 35000 miles then. NOW the light is back on, its shaking like a chick in cold winter and i am hating it. Don’t wanna spend any money looking at all the posts above. I just belive its not going to be fixed.

Anybody want to buy my Jetta, please, please.

Vivian Naylor's picture
Vivian Naylor on June 27, 2008 - 02:05 Permalink

I am the one who had the 2003 VW Jetta that had the check engine light come on but still purred like a kitten. UPDATE: Started having trouble starting once in awhile. Had taken it to my mechanic and had it hooked up to the computer and found a few months earlier, (when my daughter had it and was driving it!!) she had ran it up to 158 MPH,and the engine had heated up to 246 degrees!!! That’s when the check engine light had come on. So now the engine coolent sensor needs changed because it’s reading 5 degrees below 0 and not working at all. Thank god that’s all it is! No. 1—have it checked and No. 2-don’t let your children drive it!!! They apparently thinks it’s a race car!

Vivian Naylor's picture
Vivian Naylor on June 27, 2008 - 02:15 Permalink

By the way———-she didn’t know mom would be able to find out what was really going on with it!!! Thank god for technology!!! And for the person that was inquiring about the hard start up and awful smell coming from the exhaust & inside the vents in the car, that’s what mine was doing also. engine coolant sensor would be my guess. About a $40-$50 part plus labor, computer hook up should run around $250.00. Easy to change I guess. Child proof your car!!

ItsTheGas's picture
ItsTheGas on June 27, 2008 - 18:28 Permalink

my wife has a 2000 Jetta 2.0. we had the oxygen sensor replaced about 4 years ago when the check engine light first appeared, that seemed to be the end of it until last week the CEL reappeared. Not wanting to spend a ton of money on a diagnostic that wouldn’t tell me anything I started doing my own research (including this very thread). since I know the light is basically an Emissions trouble light I started checking the easy things (gas cap etc…)Long story short — my wife had recently filled up at a no-name mom and pop station to save money (4.55 a gallon!)a day before the light came on, since we were now at half a tank I went down to chevron and splurged for the supreme. two days later the light is OFF! save yourself some money try using better gas for a week before you take it to the shop…. might work for you too. good luck.

Vivian Naylor's picture
Vivian Naylor on June 28, 2008 - 18:01 Permalink

Another update: Had the engine coolant sensor changed yesterday (PO116), everything is running great. No pauses or chugging on start-ups which was sending the RPM’s to run up to a 30 for about 1 minute before it comes back down, splurging on gas threw exhaust producing black smoke, and no more stinky smell coming threw the vents. Part cost about $16.00 + labor & computer for a total of $96.00. I can live with that!!

MacDaddy's picture
MacDaddy on July 6, 2008 - 05:55 Permalink

What a great resource! Third owner of a 2001 Jetta, driven by my 18 year-old daughter. Check engine light came on last week but it appears to be running fine. Smog check is due so I’m taking it to AAMCO (advertises free diagnostic review) on Monday, July 7. My “regular” mechanic diagnosed it as a P0411 but wanted $150 more to continue to troubleshoot. I’ll let you know what AAMCO says.

Sean's picture
Sean on July 8, 2008 - 03:16 Permalink

My 2002 1.8T had the “check engine light” on for over a year. The car ran fine. It magically went off yesterday and I immediatelly brought my car in for a state inspection and it passed. However here are my two issues..

1. The heat in the car is constantly on even when I shift the knob to the cool poisition. Not an issue in the New England winter. However, today it was hazy, hot, and humid and it would’ve been nice to use the AC. Instead, the heat was on.

2. Upon starting the car for two years now, the car seems to idel at a high RPM. After approx 45 seconds the car idles down to normal and I shift into gear and away I go.

Any ideas as to what’s going on for issues 1 and 2?

Peter's picture
Peter on July 9, 2008 - 18:18 Permalink

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