Flashing CEL light?

[samguan]

Today when I started my car, the CEL light came on for about 5 seconds and gone.

Drove to work and never seen it again.. Should I be concerned? From my research, it's misfiring.
Any ideas?

Everything feels normal so far. Also can the code still be read with a reader? I still have my power train warranty, should I go to the dealer?

 

[Tutti57]

There could be a code stored from it. It wouldn't hurt to take advantage of the warranty while you still have it.

 

[The Fed]

You'll need a scan to see if there's a code set in memory. Without a code set, the dealer will not replace anything for free. And that's only if it's coils. Could be a bad plug.

 

[samguan]

thanks guys, I have setup an appointment to check what's going on. The dealer is going to charge me $145 unless the problem is covered by powertrain warranty. One guy from a different dealer said I should stop driving it immediately and call VW roadside assistance right now! ??? I have a OBDII reader, would that read the stored code or would you need something like VAGCOM?

 

[Method82]

flashing CEL in other cars i know of is an active misfire. if you do read your codes, don't clear them.

 

[xatnys360]

I think the code reader will pull that one - I do not believe VCDS will be necessary. For $145 you could replace all 4 coil packs ($89.95) and the plugs ($31.95).

 

[g60_corrado_91]

I think the code reader will pull that one - I do not believe VCDS will be necessary. For $145 you could replace all 4 coil packs ($89.95) and the plugs ($31.95).

I was going to say lol.

OP, if you plan on keeping the car for a long time or plan on modifying it, a Vag Com, the $350 one, is a good investment.

 

[bhmkv]

I think the code reader will pull that one - I do not believe VCDS will be necessary. For $145 you could replace all 4 coil packs ($89.95) and the plugs ($31.95).

This

 

[Bake]

was your car, by chance, parked for an extended period of time on an inclide/decline?

the reason i ask is because some mornings when i leave my car parked on the road in front of my house overnight or for a day, a CEL will flash when i first start the car for about 5-8 seconds. everytime i scan it with VCDS there are no stored or active codes. :iono:

only happens every once in a long while.

 

[samguan]

The light came on and was off within 5 seconds. Yes there is a little incline. I'm going to read the code and report back. Thanks

 

[Bake]

The light came on and was off within 5 seconds. Yes there is a little incline. I'm going to read the code and report back. Thanks

exactly what mine did, but there wasn't a stored code. came on right when i started it then went away within 5 seconds. only happened once or twice.

 

[samguan]

exactly what mine did, but there wasn't a stored code. came on right when i started it then went away within 5 seconds. only happened once or twice.

How long ago was that? Has there been a problem ever since?

 

[The Fed]

$145 to diagnose. The VAT is a real bitch, eh?

 

[samguan]

just used my own OBDII reader and read the system. No code or anything.... I dont' think the dealer will find anything if there is no code. So I dont' think it's a good idea to bring my car back to the dealer and pay $142. I should just replace the plugs and coils.

 

[samguan]

so you don't need the Vagcom thing to read stored code right? This is the tool that I have:

http://www.canobd2.com/en-US/Product/FullDetail/532af4e1-04f6-439e-8988-b45567c5120d

the list of mods that can be done with Vagcom is very tempting, might pick one up since my brother has a MK6.