Check Engine Emissions Workshop warning - 2000 Passat

NO

Could I damage something doing this?

NO

Could I screww up the security setting on the sound

Not likly, other than you may have to enter the code. Most from late 99 on got the code from your instrument cluster

IMHO a rich mixture and raw gas are two different smells.

if you're smelling gas like vapors from liquid, you have a fuel leak somewhere and that's nothing to mess with. However,where do you smell it? By the fuel tank? it could be as simple as your cap being loose or not on correctly. once reinstalled correctly (if it was the problem) it'll take about a dozen start cycles and about 100 miles of driving for the system to decide that it is OK again and the light will go out.

If elsewhere, get it corrected. You won't want to let a fuel leak go.

If you're smelling a rich exhaust mixture, it could be several things causing this from an O2 sensor to a secondary air pump (usually when cold though), etc.

Ultimately, get the error code read. but the fuel cap is a free DIY check at least. A loose fuel cap will throw a LDP leak detection pump error if i'm not mistaken.

Hi Brian,

You probably want to check the "Secondary Air Injection (AIR) pump motor". My 2000 Passat (V6) had a lot of water in this motor and I think this is what reduced the air flux in the secondary air system. The water appears there because in MD we have a lot of humidity in the air. However, I want to add that I still have the "Emissions Workshop" warning on. Probably I will have to replace that air pump as the water damaged it.

What I suggest you is to remove the protection shield bellow the engine and disconnect the lower pipe that comes out of this pump. Wait until all the water is gone and then reconnect the pipe. You will have to reset the OBD memory after this procedure. If you still get the warning signal most probably this pump is damaged. I hope it helps.

Eugen

Water in pump is because the combi valves are not sealing shut. All that moisture in the exhaust gets back into the pump.

Hi Woodchuck,

Thanks. I don't understand what you mean by getting the code form the instrument cluster. I do know that the sound system manual does not have the code on the "radio card" where it is supposed to be. Can I get it form the dealer?

Cheers, Brian.

Maybe it is just a rich mixture I am smelling - I usually notice it when the car is cold and I am driving uphill up my street. No sign of a petrol smell outside the car, which suggests it is not a gas leak (???).

Thanks, Eugen. Will give it a go.

Is this covered by the 8/80k emissions warranty?

Thanks again.

Cheers, Brian.

don't think so!