phoebeaix

My check engine light has gone off and on for the last week. Now it is on and won't go off. I've read some of the other posts here and most seem to say that the CEL goes on when there is an O2 or air problem of some sort. My car also seems like it is just not getting enough power. What other things could cause the CEL light to go on? The issue is, I can't get it checked out for another 2 weeks, and I want to make sure I can still be driving it and won't get stranded. Any thoughts?

boschmann

Do you have a diagnostic link connector beside the ashtray? Pull the ashtray out and slide the cover left, it should have a 16 pin connector. I can tell you a way to get the codes.

phoebeaix

Would it be someplace else? It is not beside the ashtray.

Boost192

do u lose power when it is on n gain it when u hit about 4000 rpms???

boschmann

Most 94's had it beside the ashtray, the earlier ones had two connectors under the shifter boot, both two pin. Yours should have this setup then. Orient the connectors so that the the black connector has the two chamfered edges at the top. You will insert a jumper wire into the botom pin on this terminal. Orient the other terminal so that the chamfered edges are on the right (like a D), you will insert the other end of the jumper into the bottom pin also. Once you find a suitable jumper, a paperclip works well, follow these instructions. First turn the ignition to on (engine not running), then insert the jumper for about three seconds & remove. The check engine light should do one long flash then begin flashing any codes. Codes will consist of four numbers, so one flash, pause, two flashes, pause, one flash, pause three flashes is 1213. There will be a longer pause between codes, and after the codes are all displayed it will repeat. Code 4444 is the end/no codes. Turn off the ignition to end. Post any codes here for a description. To erase conect the jumper first then turn on the ignition & disconnect jumper after about three seconds.

teejay7

the CEL on my '94 comes on sometimes as well. i cant figure out what makes it come on, just randomly i guess. sometimes it wont be on for a month, others it will be on every day, on and off. sometimes it will flick on for 10 seconds, then off for a few, then on again. when its on the car seems to be "bogged" down, takes more throttle to accelerate than usual and also sounds as tho something is wrong with the exhaust. after it turns off tho, it runs normally. i have no idea what you were talking about boschmann when you were talking about jumper wires and all that, where would one attain these wires?? sorry i dont know very much at all about cars, but i do know i wish i hadnt bought my jetta...

boschmann

Again, as with any '94, first find out whether your diagnostic link is beside the ashtray or under the shifter boot as it could be either place. Then I'd be happy to help you through getting a code readout.

aaron_m

My OBD is next to the ashtray and have the OBD-II connector. My car is a 94. How do I get the codes? I can't seem to get a code reader to do it. The last code reader I tried I noticed the check engine light flashing 3 three times before the code reader timed out.

Oh it has the 16 pin connector with the ISO pin setup.

stuzman

Check the last post in the link below...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...hlight=stuzman