97 GTI problem, Malfunction Indicator light is on, hot rubber smell

[hexum212]

Well my malfunction indicator light is on, and when i turn on the heat or step outside my car i can smell a burning rubber type smell. Also my car starts differently everytime, sometimes slower than others, and my RPM's at startup was different since the light came on, ive been driving with it on for about 3 weeks now. Its not the belt or the fluid levels, those seem fine. But im wondering if it might be the starter? If anyone could help that would be great! I dont want to take it in unless i cant find the problem, you know, cars from over sea's are expensive plus i want to save money, even if it wasnt a car from over sea's, lol, so yea thats my story, im 16 and TRYING to get a job so im low on money and ALL your help would be awsome..! thanks..

[veedubmechanic]

Cant help ya w/o a code read out.

[vdubracr98]

Originally Posted by hexum212

Well my malfunction indicator light is on, and when i turn on the heat or step outside my car i can smell a burning rubber type smell. Also my car starts differently everytime, sometimes slower than others, and my RPM's at startup was different since the light came on, ive been driving with it on for about 3 weeks now. Its not the belt or the fluid levels, those seem fine. But im wondering if it might be the starter? If anyone could help that would be great! I dont want to take it in unless i cant find the problem, you know, cars from over sea's are expensive plus i want to save money, even if it wasnt a car from over sea's, lol, so yea thats my story, im 16 and TRYING to get a job so im low on money and ALL your help would be awsome..! thanks..

Autozone will read your codes for free

[hexum212]

what do you mean by codes?