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check engine light

I have a 2000 Jetta that has had the check engine light on since I bought it. I understand this is pretty common with VWs so have just ignored it. Now for the first time it isn't passing inspection and my mechanic said I needed a new catalytic converter. I had the dealer replace this under warranty, but the light came back on. I'm told that I need a new fuse sensor which isn't covered under warranty.

I have two questions. 1) Can anyone explain to me how the fuse sensor relates to the check engine light? If I replace that am I guaranteed the light will go off? And 2) Since I have had the light problem since I bought the car shouldn't they fix whatever is wrong with me having to pay?

Is there any other way to get the light to go off? Thanks for your suggestions!

Anne

Reply to
a.manning
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First problem.

Second problem. It's not there for decorative purposes.

Did the fault code that triggered the CEL indicate this? Or did he make that up?

Never heard of a fuse sensor.

The light is triggered by any of a few dozen possible things, all of them affecting engine management and emissions controls. That's why your car isn't passing inspection right now...it means that something is wrong with something that affects emissions. The system stores a fault code. That should point to the troublesome item. Here is an example of the fault codes...anything on this list can be your problem and your tech should retrieve the fault code.

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Unless there's a warranty that came with the car and you're still within that mileage/time limit, no.

Otherwise, if the light was on at the time you bought the car, you should have brought it to their attention at the time as a condition of the sale.

Reply to
Matt B.

Just because your engine seems to be running fine does not mean something is not working right that could cause more expensive repairs if you don't do something now. Many times it is nothing more than a loose gas cap, other times you might be destroying your catalytic converter or something else.

It is really foolish to ignore it.

Why did they say that? Did they read the codes and if so what was the exact code read?

I have no idea what a fuse sensor is. I suspect your VW does not either. Could this be some sort of misunderstanding?

No because you failed to do anything about it all this time. If you bought the car with some kind of warrantee, then you should check the warrantee.

Sure you can cover it up with black tape, but then that is a really stupid idea.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

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