my check engine light stays on all the time

[dave1shere]

For the past 2 weeks, my check engine light has been staying on (not flashing on and off BUT STAYING ON). At the time I went to VW they first changed out my ignition on the steering column because sometimes the key would start the car and sometimes it would be VERY DIFFICULT to get it to start it so now it works great.... BUT my big problem is that my CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS STAYS ON and one of the shops I go to for another car said that their computer was giving out an erroneous code and I should visit VW. After VW changed my ignition, they also reset my Electronic Control Module (the brain), but the CHECK ENGINER LIGHT still comes on and stays on. VW told me that rarely does the ECM go bad and at first they were thinking of changing it, but I think they are rethinking about what to do. Another thing that goes along with this is that my fuel mixture is stronger than it used to be since this light came on. Has anyone had this problem? What else should be looked at BEFORE changing out the ECM.. I feel that something is definitely triggering this light and whatever it is, is making my diesel emissions stronger!!! I would hate to pay 650.oo plus for a new ECM and not even fix the problem because I just paid 450.00 for the new ignition (but that was needed).

Thanks for any help....

 

[VelvetFoot]

I think you should have posted this in the Maintenance area. Maybe one of the moderators could move it over there so that more people can read it. You also need to say which car it is and what year. From the ignition switch problem, I am thinking it is a Passat.

Since your car is running better after the light came on, I am thinking a sensor failed. Perhaps the MAF.

It would be much better if you could get the codes that VW read. We could give you better advice if you would, and then you wouldn't needlessly spend money on parts and repairs you don't need.

Does your dealer know diesels? I am not certain he does from your description. Perhaps you can bring it to another dealer since you are paying the money. He really does owe you the code numbers though, so we can discuss it on Fred's!

 

[GoFaster]

Find out exactly what codes were set (and still ARE set), along with the description of what the code means, if possible. This can only be done by having the codes scanned. There is no other way to narrow down the problem area.

I'd like to steer you towards www.ross-tech.com where you can buy your OWN software program (VAG-COM) and cable to connect to the car, so you won't have to go to the dealer to get codes scanned.

 

[dave1shere]

Thank you for the message. It is a 96 Passat TDI. Our local mechanic who first looked at it was getting an erroneous codes and the VW mechanic did not tell us what codes, just that he reset it to see if it comes back on.. Well it did come back on and the car is perpforming fine EXCEPT it has a stronger emission. Thank you for replying.