VW Golf catalytic converter warning light

In some ways the check engine light is the most obvious one to diagnose, as far as which part it’s pointing to as a problem. You see a bright exclamation point light up your dash and you aren’t likely to identify the issue just by taking a look at the symbol (there are at least three different ones, indicating problems with brakes, the automatic transmission or the tires), but at the same time a light that suggests an engine problem is easily more terrifying. As it turns out, some of the causes of the VW check engine light aren’t always as awful as the dashboard light indicates, and the meaning behind it is varied.

Table of Contents Show

Most common reasons your Volkswagen check engine light is on
How to reset the Volkswagen Check Engine Light
More From Findlay North Volkswagen
What can cause a catalytic converter light to come on?
Does a VW Golf have a catalytic converter?
Can a catalytic converter cause the check engine light to come on?
Can I drive my VW with engine light on?

Most common reasons your Volkswagen check engine light is on

The reality of the situation is the reasons behind a check engine light have to do with the exhaust system and things that interfere with this system are numerous. These are just a few of the top problems you could be facing when you see that flowing yellow engine:

Faulty oxygen sensor
Missing gas cap
Catalytic converter
Faulty airflow sensor
Worn spark plugs
Thermostat isn’t working properly

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How to reset the Volkswagen Check Engine Light

Your Volkswagen check engine light has come on for a reason, so naturally the best way to turn it back off is to fix the problem. If you believe the issue to be settled and the light still is on, the best way to turn it off is the same way you found out the problem to begin with, through the use of an ODBII diagnostic tool or VCDS. The light isn’t designed to be turned off it any other way, though things like disconnecting the battery often turn off lights temporarily.

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Of course, the ideal way to find out what’s actually causing your check engine light is through the use of a diagnostic computer to pull the codes that are triggering the lights. Naturally, we can perform this task for you, so if you’re not sure why you’re Volkswagen check engine light is on, stop by the Findlay North Volkswagen service center or a dealership near you. Also be sure to check back here at our dealership blog for more helpful posts on VW features and fixes.

More From Findlay North Volkswagen

What is a "tai"? TDI? TSI?

You mean a check engine light? See this link, HERE in the forums.
http://volkswagenownersclub.com/vw/showthread.php/47785-2011-Tiguan-catalytic-converter-light-is-on

IF you do not have a TDI, then stop here, as you saying your CAT light is on,
and the only thing close to that here in the USA is a DPF light on the diesels.
We do not call the check engine light the cat light... IT's not a cat light, it
is just an emissions issue. If blinking, it's a missfire issue.

If you have a TDI, there is no catalytic converter. You would have a DPF...
READ ON, else stop.

When temperatures are not high enough for particulate filter regeneration, and is not reached
when the vehicle is only driven for short-distances. If the load condition of the diesel particulate
filter reaches a threshold value, the Diesel Particle Filter Indicator Lamp will light up. This signal
prompts the driver to perform a regeneration drive. The vehicle must be driven for a short period
of time at increased speed to ensure that an adequately high exhaust gas temperature is reached.
The operating conditions must remain constant over the period for a successful regeneration.

Details of the driving behavior required when the Diesel Particle Filter Indicator Lamp comes on can
be found in your Owner’s Manual.

This is what you saw. With no long trips, the DPF can't passively regenerate, so it has to active regen
\with you driving. Regen is when the ECU also injects fuel into the exhaust stroke to raise the DPF
temperature.

There is no cause for alarm unless the DPF, CEL (or check engine prompt), and GLOW PLUG
lights are all on. You will have to take it to the dealer to perform a service regen, because
the ECU will not allow any active regens when these lights on at the same time.

During passive regeneration the soot particles are continuously burned without the intervention of
Engine Control Module. This occurs primarily at higher engine load, such as in highway driving, when
exhaust gas temperatures range from 662°F to 932°F (350°C to 500°C). At these temperatures the
soot particles are converted into carbon dioxide through a combustion reaction with nitrogen dioxide.

If soot particles can no longer be eliminated passively, soot accumulates in the filter. As soon as a
specific soot load has been reached in the filter, the Engine Control Module initiates an active
regeneration. The soot particles are burned off at an exhaust gas temperature of 1022°F to 1202°F
(550°C to 650°C). You can usually smell this when it's happening, and both cooling fans will be
on. There is usually no indicator light, or maybe the just the DPF light.

If the regeneration drive is not successfully completed and the load condition of the diesel
particulate filter has reached 1.41 ounces (40 grams), the Diesel Particle Filter Indicator Lamp
and Glow Plug Indicator Lamp light up simultaneously.

Distance Regeneration:
The Distance regeneration is a distance-dependent regeneration of the particulate filter. The Engine
Control Module initiates an active regeneration automatically if during the last 466 to 621 miles (750
to 1000 km) of travel no successful regeneration has taken place, regardless of the load condition in
the diesel particulate filter. Distance regeneration serves as additional safeguard to minimize the load
condition of the diesel particulate filter. There are no indicator lights, and again, you can smell when
it's happening, with both fans on too.

IF you continually interrupt regens, the DPf light comes on for the drive cycle one.

What can cause a catalytic converter light to come on?

The most common reason for a catalytic converter to fail is because a related part fails — most often, a faulty spark plug. (Bad plugs can cause unburned gas to overheat inside the catalytic converter.)

Does a VW Golf have a catalytic converter?

Catalytic Converter Volkswagen GOLF The exhaust catalyst or catalytic converter minimizes pollution and reduces the exhaust fumes emitted by your GOLF. Its lifespan is approximately 80,000 miles. This average lifespan may be reduced in the case of engine malfunction.

Can a catalytic converter cause the check engine light to come on?

A faulty catalytic converter will trigger a check engine light. In addition, deteriorated spark plugs or a broken oxygen sensor can make your catalytic converter to fail. It becomes difficult to keep your car running if you take a lot of time before replacing a faulty catalytic converter.

Can I drive my VW with engine light on?

If you notice anything, pull over and turn off your engine as soon as you find a safe place to stop. This is especially true if your light flashes or turns red. Then get your car towed to the Heritage Volkswagen Service Center so we can fix the underlying issues causing the problem.

vw golf catalytic converter warning light