AGAIN! Check Engine & Emissions Workshop Warnings

[Trillion4245]

Recently the check engine light went on. I noticed after a few miles it went off again. I began to smell a antifreeze type smell inside the car and around the outside after having driven. About a week later now, the light has gone on again with the emissions workshop warning.

Perhaps someone might be able to give me a heads up what to expect is the problem and what the Dealer may do (and charge) for fixing it.
I don't wish to be "robbed" and have found the Dealer to be quite expensive.

Thanks.

[tjbanholzer]

So I just had the same problem (smell, emissions workshop, check engine) for the second time. Again, it turned out to be the "secondary air compressor" that went bad and was replaced *again*. As far as cost - it would have been ~$700.00 incl parts & labor BUT since the car is under warranty, it was covered. Of course, Volkwagen being what it is - I had to spend three days arguing to get it covered. Apparently, the warranty had an "addendum" added that no longer covered certain parts... sounded like a load of crap to me as well.

Watch 'em, they'll try to screw you in a pinch.

[Cbass94]

Check online for the parts, it'll usually save you half the price over the 'stealer's' price. I know www.europartsdirect.com is really good. And if the car is not under warranty, try having some other foreign car mechanic look at it. It almost always pays off to get a second opinion.

Best

[Trillion4245]

Check this out. Was tipped off that both lights may be triggered to go on when the gas tank cover is not screwed on correctly. The tip was to rescrew it on making sure it clicks twice, then watch for the light to go off within a day or so...

I don't usually pump my own gas, but i'm going to try the tip and I'll post back after a couple days to let you know if it worked.

My fingers are crossed !

[tallngangly]

Thanks to Uncle Sam, all "Check Engine" light issues are required to be reported in a standard way, which can be checked using a standard "scan tool". This will determine exactly what type of problem the vehicle is seeing. The dealer can do this, but so can any mechanic and most auto parts stores (e.g. Autozone). If the code that comes up has to do with an Evaporative Emissions Leak (usually P0455), it may very well be a loose fuel cap. If it's something else, then at least you can find out what area of the vehicle is being affected.