Volkswagen: 2001 Cabrio Check Engine Light, maintenance reminder, auto parts stores

Question
Hello - my wife's 2001 Cabrio just had the Check Engine light come on. She just passed 80,500 miles. Is this merely a maintenance "reminder" light or should I have it taken to a VW dealer?  Thanks!

Answer
Mel

No, it's not a service light.  It means that the engine computer got a signal from part of the emissions system that was out of limits.  The errors are stored in the computer and when retrieved, each has a prescribed diagnostic process.  The codes will clear automatically if the problem goes away.  Sometimes they go away by themselves.  This can be frustrating if it happens before the appointment, but it does happen.  If you want to be sure the codes don't disappear, get it in soon.  Also, some auto parts stores will read your codes for free.  Just make sure they don't clear them.  Is the engine doing anything odd, such as strange noises, misfires, or different idle?  If so, or if the light is flashing, limit driving it.

Rob


PS-  80,500 isn't good.  Federal emissions warranty expires at 80,000, so if this is something covered under that, you just missed it.  If you have a good relationship with the dealer, they may see past that.