How to Troubleshoot the Engine Light on a 2000 VW Jetta

The "check engine" light on a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta indicates a serious problem with the car's emission-control system. Because the "check engine" light can indicate a variety of problems with various sensors, you must know how to troubleshoot the engine light. To troubleshoot the engine light, you'll need to use a special tool called an OBD scan tool. This scan tool can read the trouble codes generated by the Jetta's on-board diagnostic computer, and the tool is available from a Volkswagen dealer.

Things You'll Need

• OBD scan tool

Instructions

1. Locate the OBD port in the driver-side foot well of the 2000 VW Jetta. The OBD port is to the left of the fuse panel. There is only one port large enough to accept the pinned connector of the OBD scan tool.

2. Plug the pinned connector from the scan tool into the open port next to the fuse panel.

3. Turn the ignition to the "on" position, and wait for the scan tool to retrieve the codes from the on-board diagnostic computer. Make sure you are turning the ignition to the second position on the ignition instead of cranking the engine. The OBD scan tool is able to "communicate" with the Jetta's on-board diagnostic computer once the ignition is on. During this process, it will retrieve the codes from your Jetta's computer. Some examples of the codes your scan tool could pull from a 2000 Jetta are P1177, P1196, P1197 and P1198, all of which are related to O2 sensor failure.

4. Take the codes to your Volkswagen dealership or reference the Jetta's technical service manual (available from Volkswagen or from most auto-parts stores) to have them decoded.

References

• "Volkswagen Golf, GTI, 1999–2006, Jetta 1999-2005, Jetta Wagon 2001–2006, CITY 2008 Repair Manual on DVD-ROM"; Bentley Publishers; 2008