VW Check Engine Light Comes On and Off? Here's What You Need To Do

In most cases, a flashing check engine light indicates an engine problem. There are also other factors that can cause this warning indicator to come on, such as a loose gas cap or a faulty oxygen sensor. Don't worry though—most of the time, a blinking check engine light is easy to diagnose.

This blog post will uncover five of the most common problems that can result in the illumination of the 'check engine light' on the dashboard of a vehicle. Plus, as you go through this blog post you will find out the things that you should do if your Volkswagen's check engine starts flashing.

Here’s What a Flashing Check Engine Light Could Mean

Engine is at fault

Volkswagen's check engine light may start flashing if there is a fault with the engine. The functionality of the engine, as most of you probably know, is constantly monitored by the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. With the help of a network of sensors, OBD monitors the functionality of various subsystems of your car.

Additionally, it records data on the engine's emissions, torque output, and other parameters. If the engine—for whatever reason—starts to run bad, the OBD will store an error code and activate the check engine light as a warning.

Transmission not doing its job

The transmission is the heart of your vehicle’s drive train system. Its job is to ensure a controlled application of engine torque. In the event that something goes wrong with a part of such importance and the OBD becomes aware of it, the check engine light will appear.

Transmission problems in a car are most commonly caused by a transmission fluid leak or contamination. A transmission fluid leak, in itself, is a serious problem that needs to be immediately taken care of. If the check engine light on your Volkswagen is on because of a transmission fluid leak, get help from a professional immediately.

Faulty emissions control system to blame

The check engine light can be triggered by worn-out emission control devices installed in your vehicle. Modern vehicles- especially those come equipped with internal combustion engines- discharge different types of noxious gases. The sole purpose of the emission control system is to reduce the discharge of those gases.

For example, a positive crankcase ventilation system is installed to control crankcase emissions. A purge control valve, gas tank cap and charcoal canister are installed to deal with evaporative emissions. The catalytic converter is placed to deal with tailpipe exhaust emissions. If any of these components are faulty, the OBD will activate the check engine light.

Control module is defective

Another issue that can cause the check engine light to come on is problems with the control module. All vehicles; ranging from a VW to BMW, come fitted with one or more electronic control modules such as Engine Control Module or ECM, ABS control module, driving assistance control module, etc.

The ECM is what monitors and controls all aspects of engine operation; from fuel injection timing to spark plug firing timing. If ECM has a fault or the sensors it relies on feed wrong data, the functionality of the engine will be adversely affected and the check engine light may come on as a result.

Here’s What You Can Do about a Flashing Check Engine Light

A flashing check engine light is not a good sign. Because, if your check engine light flashes when you are driving and you do nothing about it, things can go bad to worse in minutes. Therefore, an illuminated check engine light should not be ignored even if your Volkswagen is running fine. Call a mechanic as soon as you see a flashing check engine light on the dashboard of your vehicle.

To Wrap Things Up;

If your car's check engine light shows up while you're driving - don't ignore it. Don't freak out either… Issues ranging from a faulty spark plug to a clogged fuel injector can activate the check engine light on the dash of your vehicle.

And, if you do nothing to find out and fix the true culprit, things will go south in no time. So, if your Volkswagen's check engine light begins to flash, don't waste the time contemplating the issue. Take it to a nearby auto repair shop so that the culprit can be identified and taken care of.

Auto Scandia is one of the most sought-after high-end European car maintenance and repair facility located in Herndon, VA that is having over 40 years of experience in looking after luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.