CEL on 2003 vw beetle but no code--help

[pjoz98]

2003 vw beetle CEL is on. No code. Changed gas cap, new fuse box with alternator lead. Had Pioneer after market radio, removed it today. CEL will not be cleared. What would cause this?

[VDubYah]

Was it scanned with a genaric reader or a Vag-com. A regular reader may will not pickup all of the things that can cause a cel without a code.

[Smileybug]

If the CEL is on, there is a code. Where are you located? Might have someone nearby with a VAG-COM that can help.

[IndyTom]

I am with the others. There has to be one or more codes. The CEL doesn't come on because it likes to see it's shadow. Well, unless you live in Pennsylvania.

[pjoz98]

I am not sure what type of scanner was used. I am located just SW of Houston, tx.
Would it be best to have VW service check it or purchase a Vag-Com?
Also, CEL came on after we put gas in, so I changed the fuel cap. Would the light go off after driving a certain no. of miles?

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by pjoz98

I am not sure what type of scanner was used. I am located just SW of Houston, tx.
Would it be best to have VW service check it or purchase a Vag-Com?
Also, CEL came on after we put gas in, so I changed the fuel cap. Would the light go off after driving a certain no. of miles?

You may just need to tighten the gas cap, only sometimes a new one is required. These cars are picky, at least 5 clicks.

But seriously, buy the ross tech software. $300 seems like a lot for diagnostic software, but I promise it's worth way more. I'd pay another $300 for it. When you look at it like the dealership charges 70-90 for a scan, even for something simple like not tightening the gas cap, it quickly pays for itself. the CEL, if it is the gas light, will go off after a few cycles of starting the car with the tightened/new cap. (or if you disconnect the battery, since that is considered a soft code. make sure you have the radio code first if you have a stock radio) And that wouldn't throw a code visible to generic readers as mentioned above.



edit: Oh, and the support for ross tech is awesome. I've had to call them several times with stupid questions and they're always extremely helpful and nice. Which is why I highly recommend buying the full software and genuine ross tech cords. You can buy a cord off ebay that may or may not work, and have the lite version of VCDS, but you won't get the awesome support. And there's no guarantee it'll even work. If you buy the vag com and a bentley manual, you won't believe how much money you'll save on repairs, even if you're not mechanically inclined. Trust me, VCDS and the bentley will become your best friend if your pockets aren't deep enough to afford repairs at the dealership.

[IndyTom]

Hey Randi, Where did you get the Ross Tech for $300? I am in the market for one but on their website it's $349 plus shipping. I could get away with the $249 version but I might as well get the Hex/Can/USB version since my brother has a later model Passat and it would come in handy with his car as well. I tried 2 of the Cheap E-Bay cables and none of them worked. So that was pretty much wasted money. Plus with the VCDS lite you can only read codes but not make any adjustments or changes. REady for the real thing and looking for a good deal

[Oh Randi]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

Hey Randi, Where did you get the Ross Tech for $300? I am in the market for one but on their website it's $349 plus shipping. I could get away with the $249 version but I might as well get the Hex/Can/USB version since my brother has a later model Passat and it would come in handy with his car as well. I tried 2 of the Cheap E-Bay cables and none of them worked. So that was pretty much wasted money. Plus with the VCDS lite you can only read codes but not make any adjustments or changes. REady for the real thing and looking for a good deal

It may have been $350, but it was a couple years ago so I don't remember. I didn't get the one compatible with newer VW's. it may have even been 250. I bought from the Ross tech website.