Vocalize

. .after dealer business hours last night. .going into a holiday weekend. Waiting for return call from them that may not come.

It's a 2001 180 coupe with just under 40,000m . .

The MIL came on to stay. Don't know much about the emission control. May be bad gas ( yeah, used 89 instead of 91 to save a few bucks. ..). . .or may indicate something more serious? It has to be hooked into their computer and all to diagnose.

Am I okay to DRIVE the car over the 4th holiday??

Would appreciate some feedback if you can assuage an inveterate worrier. thanks. . .

d

VenTTed

but having a Vag-Com check by a local enthusiast would be a better idea.

Vocalize

In Los Feliz/Los Angeles. . nearest dealer about 25 miles away in Pasadena.

Yes, need to find a non-dealer option to avoid arm-and-a-leg post warantee service.

Good to know I can DRIVE it. . just wasn't sure HOW seriously I should take the warning light.

I appreciate your help. d

TTschwing

for no charge. May not be absolutely accurate but it may give us an idea!

Vocalize

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not a tech-oriented TT guy. "Pulling a code" means? . .hookup to FIND OUT the problem??

I get the impression that while there may be an emissions issue of some kind, I still can drive the car this weekend. . .

TTschwing

Just plug a code reader into your diagnostic port down by the hood release. Good chance it's as simple as a MAF (Which has a 7 year warranty). Easy fix...

Vocalize

I'm with ya, here. Thanks. AutoZone can plug in. .
Forgive me, but. . what's a MAF?
d

TTschwing

Reads the amount of air entering the intake. They frequently go bad, and if yours is original it's probably due. When they go, they read low, gradually forcing the computer to compensate for the air fuel ratio the engine needs. When it can't compensate anymore, a CEL is thrown. You'll get a system lean code.

VenTTed

What's a CEL?

TTschwing

Check Engine Light (or MIL...same thing)