Check engine light came on at bad time, Help!

[MarshMan]

Well as the subject title says my check engine light came on and I hope its nothing serious.. so here's the story.I own a 2005 A4 B6 1.8T Quattro 6-speed MT, I was trying to hit a gap in traffic and as I released the clutch I didn't get on the gas fast enough (it was a bang bang move I had to pull to hit this gap in heavy traffic) and as I started moving the RPMs must have been too low and I really dogged it, a couple big jerks and then she caught and I was in 1st gear in the lane and on my way, but as I hit cruise speed (40 mph in this case) I noticed my Check Engine light was on, and I know for a fact it wasn't on before I dogged the clutch like that. Any ideas as to what it could be? I don't want to bring it to the dealer right away and have them put it on their computer to get the code off the CEL ($110) I dont want to waste 100 bones on a minor minor problem..

So i'm wondering if anyone could give me a hint as to what to look for. I'm planning on going tomorrow to a local mechanic just to get the code off the CEL signal, but where could I make sense of a CEL code?

[TomyG]

Uhh just scan it at Autozone or any of those kind of stores, they do it for free.. then if you post the codes we can help

[Audiguy1234]

Yep autozone. Might want to invest in one of those ebay vag com cable down the road. I got mine for 18 bucks and it's pretty nice.

[MarshMan]

Yep autozone. Might want to invest in one of those ebay vag com cable down the road. I got mine for 18 bucks and it's pretty nice.

What your describing gives me the CEL code? correct?

[Scrwedtxboy31]

Go to auto zone give them you drivers license take their OBDII out to your car pull the codes and write them down. its FREE guy

[MarshMan]

Went to autozone!

Code: P0442

Definition: EVAP system small leak detected.

Explanation: "Defective or missing fuel cap probable cause."
- Fuel cap is on car, took it off and put it back on, CEL still stays on.

Probable Cause:
1. Faulty Vent Solenoid
2. Faulty Purge Control Solenoid
3. Faulty Fuel tank pressure sensor

Try a new gas cap? or is it something else, I guess it had nothing to do with the clutch assembly (thank god) but still annoying. Any suggestions?

[drjonez]

Clear the code.

Reseat the gas cap.

Don't worry about it.

[b6Hate4]

CEL's are mostly related to sensors if im correct, i dont think any mechanical CEL's would be set off from your transmission.... I could be wrong though.

[MarshMan]

Clear the code.

Reseat the gas cap.

Don't worry about it.

I'm guessing by 'reseat' you mean take the cap off, and put it back on again.. using reseat in a situation like this is just confusing lol

[null]

did you ever fix this p0442 or figure out the cause?
OK - I'm having the same issue. Car drives 100% the same. I only have 0442 code keep coming up. Initially I had another code, I believe p0441 very small leak - but after clearing it went away. 0442 is persistent and I can't shake it - cleared 3 times already.

I took off the driver side rear wheel fender liner and inspected the hoses and the pump - nothing that i could see as far as loose, or holes etc. I even took some clear silicone and covered the hose that had something just remotely looking like a scratch or something.

I changed the gas cap seal. Brand new seal, and i noticed a thin small springy wire showing up from the side where you put in the pump. It was unusual - I don't think I ever noticed it before but I didn't really look too hard there. What is it for?


I'm getting really frustrated with this. Anybody - please help!