In spite of its ups and downs over the years, Volkswagen remains a great automobile brand, and you can count on this car to last. A Volkswagen should continue 100,000 to 200,000 miles if properly maintained over the years. The check engine light will let you know if there is an issue with your car’s engine that needs attention. Whenever your Volkswagen’s computer detects a fault in your car, it gives you a warning through the illumination of the check engine light.

Causes of Volkswagen Check Engine Light Illumination

  • Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter is one of the most common reasons for a check engine light. If your Volkswagen’s catalytic converter needs to be replaced because it is malfunctioning, you need to take it to our professional repair shop for the correct replacement. An issue with the catalytic converter, which is a component of your car’s exhaust system, is likely identifiable through the check engine light and the smell of rotten eggs.
  • Gas Cap: Other times, the check engine light may come up as a result of a loose gas cap from the last time you refilled your Volkswagen fuel tank. The check engine light will come on if the gas cap is loose, but once it is tightened, the light will go off. The check engine light will illuminate if your cap is cracked, loose, or if the seal is broken.
  • Mass Airflow Sensor: In order to ensure that the proper amount of air mixes with fuel, the mass airflow sensor in the engine of your car checks the amount of air entering the engine. Your Volkswagen’s engine may stall or refuse to start if the air and fuel mixture isn’t right. The onboard computer will detect a problem with the air/fuel mixture in your engine and turn on your check engine light when the mass airflow sensor malfunctions.
  • Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor operates similarly. This important component measures the quantity of unburned oxygen in your car’s exhaust, and if there is too little or too much, it may harm other engine components. An error message for the check engine light will always be returned by a bad oxygen sensor. It’s actually one of the most frequent causes of a check engine light coming on while you’re driving your car.
  • Spark Plugs: The check engine light will also come on if the spark plugs or plug wires are worn. The check engine light on your car will most likely turn on if there is anything wrong with the ignition system. It’s time for new plugs and perhaps new wires if your car has more than 100,000 miles on it and you haven’t had the plugs changed. Another sign that a spark plug is having issues is stalling.

How to Use a Scanner to Reset a Check Engine Light

You can quickly determine the cause of the check engine light coming on if you have an OBD II diagnostic scanner readily available by inserting it under the steering wheel. Once the issue has been resolved, turning off the check engine light is as simple as 1, 2, and 3. Simply re-insert the scanner and select “clear” or “reset” to erase the code. However, you must fix the issue, or it can lead to more problems.

Volkswagen Check Engine Light Reset

Check Engine Light Reset Without a Scanner

Without a scanner, unplug the negative battery cable from the engine and wait a few seconds to restart the check engine light. Your car’s diagnostic system will be reset as a result, and if the underlying problem has been fixed, the light should go out right away.

Visit Our Certified Mechanics at Iconic Performance

You will need a repair of the actual cause of the illumination if you want a permanent fix and to keep your VW running smoothly. Bring your Volkswagen to the experts at Iconic Performance for diagnosis, repair, and maintenance. Don’t wait too long because the issue may become worse and cause serious damage.

Iconic Automotive is proud to be the go-to dealership for European vehicle owners around Buford, Duluth, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee, GA. Visit us to see for yourself how committed we are to our craft and how well we execute it. Please call or stop by our shop right away if you’d like to find out more or schedule an inspection with one of our mechanics.