Volkswagen is a German automotive brand which is known for producing luxurious commercial and personal models. Jam-packed with high-tech features and many different electrical systems, you may experience the check engine light being illuminated on the dashboard of your Volkswagen at some point. Below, you will learn more about how this system works and what to do should you experience the illumination of this warning light.
What is the check engine light?
Volkswagen models are equipped with many different high-tech and electrical features to enhance the comfort, ride, and overall automotive experience for drivers who choose this popular brand. Of these many electrical features throughout the vehicle includes an electrical computer module and diagnostic system.
A vehicle’s electrical computer module (ECM) is designed to continually monitor all aspects of your Volkswagen while the vehicle is running to detect any problems that may occur that are not visible to the driver. If a problem has been detected by this electrical system, a warning light will be illuminated on the dashboard of your vehicle – each warning light illuminated with its own color.
Why does the check engine light come on?
There are many different problems that can occur within your vehicle to result in your Volkswagen electrical computer module triggering an illuminated check engine light. Of the endless possibilities, we have compiled a list of the most commonly reported issues below.
- The fuel cap: Seems silly, right? A missing, broken, or simply loose-fitting fuel cap can trigger your Volkswagen ECM to detect a problem resulting in an illuminated check engine light appearing on the dashboard. Without a tight seal coming from the gas cap, there is a significant reduction in fuel pressure, reduced fuel economy, and fuel vapors escaping from the improper seal resulting in an excess of harmful emissions being released into the air.
- Faulty spark plugs: Spark plugs are not designed to last forever. These delicate parts are responsible for creating a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture allowing the engine to run making your vehicle drivable. Faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires, poor performance, and fuel efficiency, and even leave you stranded with a vehicle that will not start.
- A failed catalytic converter: The catalytic converter plays a critical role in your vehicle’s emissions system by removing harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide. Vehicles with higher miles may begin to experience clogging of the catalytic converter resulting in a significant reduction in fuel economy and engine performance.
- A damaged oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor is important to the functionality of each Volkswagen in that it helps to provide the appropriate air to fuel mixture needed to ignite combustion. When the oxygen sensor becomes damaged or is faulty, the engine is no longer able to receive the right ratio from your vehicle’s ECU, running the risk of complete engine failure.
- Damage to the mass airflow sensor: Similar to the oxygen sensor, the mass airflow sensor is responsible for keeping the proper amount of air in the air to fuel mixture supplied to the engine. When the mass airflow sensor fails, your engine may experience misfires, poor performance, or costly damage to the engine.
Through proper testing by a professional, a diagnosis of the root cause of an illuminated check engine light can be achieved.
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