Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'99 VW Jetta GLS, New Used With Check Engine Light
Q:
I just purchased a used 99 VW Jetta GLS from a VW dealer.
On my first drive the engine light turned on and will not go off. I called
the dealer and they will be taking a look at it being that it is under
warranty for the next two years/24k miles. But I was wondering what could
cause the light to turn on now and not when I test drove it. Should I
be concerned? Any information would be really appreciated......Tks
A:
During your test drive the testing criteria of the vehicles
computer may not have been met. On todays vehicles for a computer
to run the full range of test the vehicle has to been driven under a variety
of conditions. Vehicle speed, operating time, even ambient temperature
are just a few of the many criteria that must be satisfied before the
computer will perform testing. Once conditions are determined to be correct
for testing the vehicles computer goes at it. It just may have been
a coincidence or you did not drive the vehicle under the right conditions,
during the test drive, to enable all testing procedures. Also check the
gas cap. A loose gas cap will light that check engine light on your vehicle
as well as any others from about 96 up.
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