Check Engine Light Stays On

[ebt12]

Hello all,

Yesterday (Wednesday, May 12) when I started my car up it ran very rough, and the check engine light was blinking. I got to my destination, and by that time the car was running better and eventually ran as smooth as it always does, but now the check engine light is always on. On Tuesday night was a very strong thunderstorm, which I suspect was the reason for the rough running, it's happened before but the check engine light went out.

I replaced the spark plugs and wires less than 2 months ago so I ruled that out.

Anyone have any ideas of why the check engine would remain on?

Thanks!

Patrick

[D2Beetle]

Get it scanned and share the CEL codes with us.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

The light will remain on until the problem is cleared and it goes through enough cycles. Some CELs won't go off until they're reset. Having the codes read will tell you exactly why the light is on..otherwise you're just guessing. The 2 things that come to mind would be bad coil packs or something as simple as a vaccuum hose leak. Check the hoses to make sure you don't have rot on them.

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

Get it scanned and share the CEL codes with us.

x2 No sense just blindly thoughing parts @ it.. Scan it and post what you find..

[vwgrl1999]

My 2 cents: The check engine light in my '99 has been on pretty much the whole time I've owned the car. I've had it scanned and reset 4 seperate times and it always comes back on the very next time that I start the car.
Now, I'm not advocating driving around with the check engine light on by any means! But, in my particular NB, there is an electrical glitch of some sort which is not causing the car to run rough or anything and therefore I just live with that light being on.
I wish I had written down the code that came up every time I had it scanned and reset, but alas, I didn't and so can't be of any help in that area.

[Smileybug]

You can get the car scanned at an Autozone for free. Just because the car isn't running rough doesn't mean there isn't a problem. The light will keep coming on until the problem is solved. Its not an electrical glitch.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by vwgrl1999

My 2 cents: The check engine light in my '99 has been on pretty much the whole time I've owned the car. I've had it scanned and reset 4 seperate times and it always comes back on the very next time that I start the car.
Now, I'm not advocating driving around with the check engine light on by any means! But, in my particular NB, there is an electrical glitch of some sort which is not causing the car to run rough or anything and therefore I just live with that light being on.
I wish I had written down the code that came up every time I had it scanned and reset, but alas, I didn't and so can't be of any help in that area.

Here in NY, you wouldn't pass the yearly inspection so you'd have to either fix it or dump it.

[The Cheat]

you say rough running, rainstorm the night before?

we have the answer!

replace your ignition coil. pep boys is the cheapest for 98-01 cars at $120.

takes under an hour, you've done the wires, so you know the time involved.

the light will go out within 30 starts after replacing the coil.

i love when stuff's this easy to diagnose. no need for codes in this case.

[vwgrl1999]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

You can get the car scanned at an Autozone for free. Just because the car isn't running rough doesn't mean there isn't a problem. The light will keep coming on until the problem is solved. Its not an electrical glitch.

Yes, it is an electrical glitch (in my car). I've had the car scanned by different mechanics and they've all given me the same answer.

[Smileybug]

Get the car scanned. The code will tell you how to fix the problem. The light will stop coming on if you fix it.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by The Cheat

you say rough running, rainstorm the night before?

we have the answer!

replace your ignition coil. pep boys is the cheapest for 98-01 cars at $120.

takes under an hour, you've done the wires, so you know the time involved.

the light will go out within 30 starts after replacing the coil.

i love when stuff's this easy to diagnose. no need for codes in this case.

Hey!...lol..I was right!

[Franco2112]

Don't forget to check all your vacuum hoses.
Franco

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

Get the car scanned. The code will tell you how to fix the problem. The light will stop coming on if you fix it.

X2.... Fix the problem and the light will stop coming on...

[ebt12]

The light went out the next day and has been off ever since. I still want to check to see if nay codes come up. I don't think the ignition coil has ever been replaced so that is on the list of things to do. This is the year of doing lots of preventive maintenance on the car. There are hoses that look like they will need to be replaced soon. I want to get as much done before July for I want to put my Bug in the Vintage Grand Prix auto show

[beej]

If you need help, I do have a Vag-Com, and can be talked into Pittsburgh visits now and again.

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by beej

If you need help, I do have a Vag-Com, and can be talked into Pittsburgh visits now and again.

Awesome dude thanks for stepping up to help.... OP I would arange to meet. Then you will have a plan to fix your problem

[beej]

Lots of the guys here have helped me a ton over the years, and have tolerated a very clumsy female wanting to learn more about cars, so its all good.

[ebt12]

Originally Posted by beej

If you need help, I do have a Vag-Com, and can be talked into Pittsburgh visits now and again.

With a 3-day weekend coming up I plan to do some work on the Bug, including seeing if there are any codes that come up.