Volkswagen: check engine light, obd system, vw beetle

Question
Hi, I bought a 2001 VW Beetle last week and within hmm...a day I realized that I wasn't driving my lifted Wrangler anymore (low or should I say no clearance) ....yeah, anyway I hit a rock and damaged my oil pan (which I had repaired and its holding wonderfully) Since this happened the check engine light has come on. I'm not sure if this is a new problem that I should be worried about and shouldn't drive it until I can get it checked out or maybe its  possible that it has something to do with taking the pan off? Please help....thanks, Sherry

Answer
Hi Sherry,


First - Congratulations on your new Beetle!

The best thing to do is bring it to VW Dealership and have it put on the OBD (On-board Diagnostic) system.

This will print out a report of any faults that is causing the light to be on.  I am suspecting that you may have had a rock hit your catalytic converter, but the OBD system will tell you for sure.

The cost for them to do this for you should be no more than $40.00.  At that point, you can decide to have them do the repair for you, or simply, write me back and I will let you know what the error code(s) mean and the corrective action to take.

It sounds ok to drive, as you said there is oil in it.  However, the OBD check will ensure that everything is perfect.

I suspect the total repair for this issue will be under $100.00 when all is said and done.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy your VW.

Ron