Volkswagen: Damn car..., oxygen sensor, damn car

Question
Hi there, I recently bought a 2001 Jetta GLS 2.0 from a friend knowing it needed some work. The check engine light is on, and none of the scanners at my shops can read it, not even the state inspection machine! What are some things to look for? I hope you can help.

Answer
Hi Adrian,

You are not getting any fault codes?   That seems strange.

However, the most probable causes are the following:

1) Bad gasket by at the air intake box.
2) Faulty oxygen sensor
3) Bad fuel cap gasket (or loose fuel cap)

Check these three items out first, than let me know.

Best of Luck!

Ron