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Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf


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Guest
Anonymous Poster
aurea646@telus.net

Jan 22, 2009, 7:04 PM

Post #1 of 8 (12751 views)
Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

I'm having hell with my 2002 VW Golf, 173,000km
I bought it in July - 146,000km. I've had it into the shop 2xs in the last month.

1st time the check engine lite started to flash, the car lost power and the temperature gauge fell to 0 - it was -30C. They fixed the temperature system.

2nd time - last week the check engine lite came on and the car lost power. When it sat idling it would rev up and down all by itself. They cleaned "snow screen" and replaced the purge valve,

Tonite when I pulled up to my garage the check engine lite started to flash again, the car was running a little rough. That was it.

I'm not sure what to do .... Oh... one more thing... the 1st time I took it into the garage the check engine light was on consistently before it flashed - I asked if it was the 0-2 sensor. Just looking for advise. Please and thank you.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 22, 2009, 7:10 PM

Post #2 of 8 (12750 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

We don't work on European vehicles, but generally, a flashing check engine light indicates a misfire which will cause catalyst damage. On a lot of imports, and domestic, low coolant level will cause a surge at idle. The coolant temp sensor must be in contact with coolant for it to get a proper reading.
Loren
SW Washington


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Anonymous Poster

Jan 22, 2009, 7:19 PM

Post #3 of 8 (12749 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

Thank you ... Does it quit misfiring when it's sat for a bunch of hours - like over nite? I'm wondering if I should get it in tomorrow.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 22, 2009, 7:29 PM

Post #4 of 8 (12744 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

Yes, you should get it checked asap. Even if the check engine light goes out, it will (or should) store a trouble code. You don't want to have to replace the catalytic converter.Unsure If it seems to run 'okay' when it's cold, that goes along with a coolant temp sensor issue. When the computer 'thinks' the engine is cold, it will 'dump' fuel. So, if the CTS is faulty, or if you are low on coolant, it will run rich. A cold engine can 'handle' the extra fuel, but a warm engine can't. Depending on how long this is has been going on, you may end up having to replace the spark plugs and change the oil and filter, due to fuel contamination.
Loren
SW Washington

(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Jan 22, 2009, 7:30 PM)


Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jan 22, 2009, 7:51 PM

Post #5 of 8 (12740 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

Thanks very much. I guess I won't let it warm up too much tomorrow morning. Should I add coolant in the morning? Or is that a little over the top?
I really appreciate this thank you!!!


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 22, 2009, 8:03 PM

Post #6 of 8 (12734 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf Sign In

Yes, check the coolant level and add if neccessary. You may want to arrange to leave the car overnight so the techs can have it cold, in the morning. It's really tough to diagnose a problem if it's not 'doing it' at the time. If the coolant level is low, or if you've been having to add, you need to find out where it's going. In a perfect world, you shouldn't have to add ANY.
Loren
SW Washington


Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jan 23, 2009, 7:05 PM

Post #7 of 8 (12727 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf-Update Sign In

Thank you for the advice! I got it in today with a VW dealer and it was the "coil" and spark plug wires.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 23, 2009, 7:08 PM

Post #8 of 8 (12726 views)
Re: Check Engine Light Flashing VW Golf-Update Sign In

Good to hear that you got it fixed. Have a great weekend!
Loren
SW Washington






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