Engine Check light came on....

[JpnA4Quattro]

2 days ago while driving from Houston to San Fran., at about 600 miles into the trip, the engine check light came on. The weekend before my trip, I changed the timing belt and was wondering if that had anything to do with it. After 1300 miles into the trip, the light went off but today it came on again today. Im kinda worried since im leaving my car in cali for a while and dont want problems to come up when someone drives it for me(warm ups). Any solutions? I would like to know more aobut this ross tech VAG-COM device. Any info would be appreciated.

[DDQ]

No point in guessing what caused the light unless you have specific symptoms - I'd say just VAG it and find out.

I have the Ross-Tech tool. Costs about $250 or so. Probably the most worthwhile thing I bought for my car. It pays for itself over time.

One option is to go to AutoZone (or find someone with a VAG-com in your area). They'll pull your codes for free. Then come back here and we can all help diagnose the problem. I'd be concerned, but it's not a major issue unless it's flashing. Let's hope it does not come to that.

[JpnA4Quattro]

it hasnt flashed yet and it hasnt done anything out of the normal. If I cant find a person with a VAG around the area, how much would it cost the dealer to do it?

[DDQ]

Originally posted by JpnA4Quattro
it hasnt flashed yet and it hasnt done anything out of the normal. If I cant find a person with a VAG around the area, how much would it cost the dealer to do it?

I've never been to a dealer (and never plan to), but I've heard people pay about $60-$80 just to pull codes from the dealer. In a few trips of that, you could have purchased your own VAG-tool.

But, if you don't plan on working on your car at all, and have no interest, then I'd say just go to the dealer. If you can fix the basics, and want to save some cash, then I'd say just spring for the VAG-tool and buy one. I got mine shipped to me overnight and had it the next day. That issue alone saved me a few hundred bucks.

[andre5]

JpnA4Quattro,

I just PM'd you. PM me back if you'd like to meet and VAG your car.