Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > General Smog Check > Question

1996 VW Jetta - Check engine light on. How do I turn it off?

I have a 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. The check engine light stays on. I had 1 of the Oxygen Sensors replaced. The light went out but came back on and remains on. I need to have smog test done. What can I do to turn light off?
Answer:

First I have to ask, who changed the oxygen sensor on your 1996 Volkswagen Jetta? Who ever changed it had to reset your Jetta's computer to turn off the check engine light. BTW... Turning off the light can be done by disconnecting and re-connecting the battery, but this WILL erase the computers "emissions monitors (also known as readiness flags) stored in your Volkswagen Jetta's ECU (engine control unit). Your VW is equipped with the OBDII emissions computer system which requires certain emission monitors to be set or complete, prior to passing the smog test. When you disconnect and reconnect your Jetta's battery in an effort to clear codes and turn off the check engine light, you may be successful, but you will also delete the emission monitors. You will need to have your VW's emission monitors reset by driving it for at least two weeks. In this two weeks the your Volkswagen's computer will perform various emission tests and set readiness flags, assuming all tests pass. Basically what it comes down to is, what every repairs were made were either necessary and a new trouble code has appeared which turned on the check engine light again, or the initial diagnose and repair was in correct. We'd recommend contacting the repair shop who fixed the oxygen sensor problem. posted by SmogTips Support

Related questions and answers you might find useful:

Secondary air system monitor wont set by Felipe

How Do I Get a Smog Check Waiver? by Margaret

Do I Need a Smog Check This Year? by Joy

Mini Cooper DMV Registration Due in 5 Day Won't Pass Smog by anne

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with K&N Air Filter by David

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile