"Check engine" light for a year

[forget-mi-not]

For over a year I have this annoying "check engine" light on my 96 Jetta. Last week I went to my mechanic to make a computerized check of an engine. The computer doesn't show any engine problems. The mechanic says that the only way to get rid of the light is to remove the bulb itself. That means to take the dashboard apart, which, I guess, is a very time consuming and expensive job.
My best friend had the same problem with his Volvo. But he went to the dealership. I don't know how they fixed it.
If you could please give me an idea what I can do to remove this light except pulling the dash. Because sooner or later I'm going to sell the car. It already has over 100K.

Thank You,
Alena

[asskickingdominato]

HA HA HA! I think about those model years is when VW made a homebased computer to read your VW ONLY at the dealership. Some salesmen use the words "reset your computer" as if it were part of the tune up. Try unpluging your computer. Try zapping it. The 80s models have a hidden button to push for O2 sensor replacement.

[jakeA]

Common prob. my 98 jetta has the same prob. Do not go to dealer. If you sell that car just have your friend (hopefuly since you have a VW you have made friends with the local tuner guy for VWs) reset the codes and prey it doesn't kick on while they are looking at it. Besides pulling the light it self, I have no other answers for yah. Sorry

[forget-mi-not]

Thanks, guys that you took your time to give me your advice. Here is what I have decided: since there is nothing wrong with the car, I'm not gonna do anything with this light. Just leave it like that. In my situation right now I think this is going to be the best option since I want to save money. Thanks again!

Alena

[bigblackone]

people that tell you that you are SOL ....

go here VAG COM list to find a list of people that have Vag-Com's ( they can read and reset your codes for you ) When you go to a mechanic, make sure you find one that understands auto's and not just a cross section of them. There is a reason your light is on and taking out the bulb is not an answer I would accept from a trusted mehanic.

One of the people on the list should be able to help. Just make sure to be polite to them and offer them something for their help ... thanks you's go a long way too.

-Tim

[djspaz]

I have a 97 vr6 jetta that has had the same prob w the check engine light. It started about 2 years ago coming on when the weather was cold outside, but when warm would go back off. Now it stays on constantly. I actually have had it scanned at least 8 times in the last 2 years (2 in last week) and every mechanic and import-vw tuning mechanic I know has told me that nothing is wrong with the engine>>> Diagnostics come back saying emission error??? Could possible be ground problem>>>> I went to a dealer to try trading in after resetting, but light came back on while at dealer>>>>> Car runs incredible but also at a loss for what can be done. Only have 80k on car...........Best luck figuring this one out.

[bigblackone]

not sure if this helps or not, but when I was changing out my intake, I got emissions errors until I got it adjusted correctly ... might want to check your ntake side of the emmisions equation as well ... something loose ... vacuum leak somewhere?

Just a few ideas