Hokie70

I have a 98 Cabrio with just over 72,500. My Check Engine Light came on last week and would not turn off. I called my VW dealer and tried to make an appt. to have this checked. His advice was to unscrew and screw on the gas cap and drive 60 miles--the light should go off.

Well, I took his advice and believe it or not, the "trick" worked--the light went off after about 52 miles.

Has anyone else had this problem? I hope it is not a reoccurring one...

veedubmechanic

You problably just forgot to tighten your gas cap after re-fueling all the way.

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ctesla

one of the most common problems in ALL vehicles.
if it does re-occur, a new cap with gasket is $6-10. which is one of the LEAST expensive emissions fixes EVER!

Hokie70

Well, unfortunately the light went back on after "the trick" when it went off. Then, it eventually came back on. So basically, it goes on and off at various times. I just ordered a Stant 10505 locking gas cap online. I hope this will fix my problem!!

jettncab

A CEL is, most of the time, due to a fault in the emissions system which is usually a bad MAF and/or secondary air pump. The only way to know is to get the code(s) read with an OBD II scan tool.

tegee

I also have a Cabrio--1999. A year ago (I know, I know) the check engine light came on. I promptly brought it to my dealer, who proceeded to try and rake me over the coals to the tune of around $1600--vacuum hoses, air pump, fuel pump and more. My car at the time had 25,000 ORIGINAL miles on it. I think I forgot to remove my -->HEY, I'M FEMALE <-- sign when I walked through the door. I left the dealership without the modifications that were recommended.

Well, vehicle inspection time came (and went...) I brought my car back to the VW dealership and talked to a service manager and explained my situation. They were very nice, and this time it only cost $850--including the inspection. As it was explained to me, my car's sensor has to run through "two full driving cycles to reset". So, I brought it to work, out to another building, and the second time I started it up, guess what?

Check engine light is on again. My car is once again in the shop.

Naturally I am peeved. If there is anyone who understands what is going on please let me know. The part that they replaced was $655--some type of air/gas combustible thing (sorry, I am female). Thank you in advance.