Volkswagen Repair: VW-Passat Emmisions Workshop!, vacuum hoses, metal clamps

Question
My Passat displays the Emissions Workshop! warning light.  My friend told me the problem was under a recall.  When I went to the dealership, they said they charge $85 for the diagnostics (to retrieve the problem from the car computer) regardless if it falls under warranty.

1.  What are some of the reasons for this warning to appear?

2.  Is there something simple I can fix or check without spending the $85 diagnostic?

I will be very mad if the problem falls under a recall and I have to pay for the diagnostic.

Thanks

Answer
I didn't get the year of your car.
Some of the reasons: vacuum leak.  I would check all vacuum hose connections not to see if the hoses are connected but to see if the hose itself has hardened so it doesn't stretch over the connection but just sits there like a sock with no elastic(if you get what I mean by the description)   Pull off one of those vacuum hoses and look at the end of the hose- has it flared open and is it hard to pinch between your fingers(harder than rubber should be)- then it is sitting there and a vacuum leak occurs.  So, cut the hose back an inch and reinsert over the connection.  You will see there is a difference, as you have to work the newer part over the fitting.   Places where there are metal clamps, the hoses still get hard and shrink away from the connector - the clamp is doing nothing at this point.  You need fresh hose connection. Check other intake connections for clamp tightness, and air cleaner cleanliness.     That's where I would start, and most diagnostic procedures at VW is just that.  Check fan belt tightness as well.   For mor info from others go to www.vwvortex.com - there are alot of vw owners and mechanics there who may know more.