need help... check engine light

azzman · #1 (**permalink**) 04-21-2003, 03:48 PM

hi,
my check engine light came on the other day if someone could help me... here is what happened i was driving with minimal traffic.. and came to stop light... stopped the car.. and then when the car was in idle it drops from 900rmp to 500 and then back to 900rpm several times and then bam my check engine light came on... any ideas

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96 golf 2.0 5spd

mariner932 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2003, 01:29 AM

Well first things first...when was the last time you changed your air filter? That can cause your engine to idle erratically. If its not dirty I strongly reccomend you bring it to the dealer and have them run a diagnostic to figure out why the CEL light is on. It could potentially be something serious such as a leaking head gasket..and if the light continues to remain on..i wouldnt drive it until you get it fixed

VeeDub4Life · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2003, 01:52 AM

Probably check you IAC. (Idle Air control) valve. Some you can clean and some you can't. Better take it to the dealer. That sensor will turn on the check engine light.

Good luck

tf242 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2003, 02:10 AM

Or it could be as simple as a mis-reading at your MAF. Or worse, defective MAF.

Quintin_Bressler · #5 (**permalink**) 04-30-2003, 12:03 AM

It could be a lot. Its hard to tell from your post. how many miles re on the car? does it only do it when its cold? Could be a fuel/oil pump relay as well.

azzman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2003, 02:27 AM

figured out the problem guys, it was my throttle pressure sensor... nothing too much but the way the tach dropped was kinda freaky... but anyway just to let ya know whats up...