Volkswagen: Emission Workshop Alert, fuel filler cap, volkswagen passat

Question
What could be causing the check engine light and the Emission Workshop alert to come on.  We have a 2001 Volkswagen Passat with standard transmission.  It has the 3.2 liter engine.  We bought the car one year ago as a used car.  This is the first issue for us with this car.  

Answer
Hi Linda,

Try this first, remove your fuel filler cap, wait one minute and put it back on.   See if this works.

If not...


The most common cause of this problem is the oxygen sensor.
They are about 50.00.

The next cause could be the catalytic converter, which is best installed at a muffler shop.


I would suggest replacing the O2 sensor first, that should take care of it.  Plus, it is a good maintenance item to replace.

Good Luck

Ron