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Forum > General Smog Check > Question

I have 2001 VW Golf. My check engine light is on. Will it fail the smog test?

The person I bought the car from told me the light was on because of the aftermarket radio. Will it still cause me to fail?
Answer:

It is possible your vehicle has a model of the OBD II Engine Control System which is communicates with your VW's sound system. If the original radio in your vehicle has been replaced, this may cause a problem with the smog check inspection. We recommend first having a smog check repair center retrieve the trouble code(s) stored in the engine computer in order to verify the fault which is triggering the check engine light to illuminate. There are three solutions to this problem. First you may see the vehicle's dealer/manufacturer and explain your problem. They may be able to re-program your engine computer to function with the new smog equipment. Your second option is to have your vehicle inspected by the State Referee's Office. They may bypass the smog equipments OBDII connection system and pass your vehicle. You may reach the Referee's Office at (800)622-7733. And the third option (if in fact it is the radio causing the check engine light to turn on), than you can simply find the factory radio from a wrecking yard which deals in Volkswagons. posted by SmogTips Support

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