Engine light
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I have other cars that are heavily modded and I baby them and make sure everything is as it should be and then some, but for my dd I jut wanted something with a warranty that I don't have to worry about, if a light comes on then the dealer takes care of it. I'm sure this goes against how many people think (and how I used to think before I could afford to buy a car that I didn't have to worry about) but it makes me happy so that's how ill deal with it.
Last edited by Buzztt; Mar 21, 2014 at 02:42 PM.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
And for sure you are right in pointing out: "CEL (Check Engine Light/lamp) is a misnomer, I think the OBD spec calls it the MIL (Malfunction Indication Light/lamp)." The fact that the warning shows up as a Red or Orange engine causes drivers to think it is "a problem with the Engine". MIL is certainly the correct term, but the commonly used term by nearly ever driver is CEL and the relationship to the Engine through the "warning image" as well as the common term CEL is what causes drivers to get unnecessarily concerned--and sometimes even have their car towed to a garage.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 20,302
Likes: 0
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 20,302
Likes: 0
It's fine that this is your approach, it's not one I would advise anyone to adopt based on my personal experiences though. Most folks when they call the dealer will get the Service Advisor, not a technician - and the SAs might as well have a script "If it's flashing, bring it in right away, otherwise you probably left the gas cap loose, give it a few clicks and the light will go off in a few days."
Statistically they're likely to be absolutely right about the cause, but I like to a) not have downtime in my vehicles and b) keep them until the wheels fall off, so I'd rather KNOW than be PRETTY SURE - regardless of who's paying the bill.
The post I linked to earlier shows just one of my experiences with being read the above script when the problem was *NOT* a loose gas cap - despite receiving the exact same assurances you did. And yes, I recognize that finding the cap loose supports their data - maybe I'm just an **** engineer (accepted) but I'd *STILL* rather know than assume.
Enjoy the car, and train all operators to turn the cap until they hear a handful of clicks!
Statistically they're likely to be absolutely right about the cause, but I like to a) not have downtime in my vehicles and b) keep them until the wheels fall off, so I'd rather KNOW than be PRETTY SURE - regardless of who's paying the bill.
The post I linked to earlier shows just one of my experiences with being read the above script when the problem was *NOT* a loose gas cap - despite receiving the exact same assurances you did. And yes, I recognize that finding the cap loose supports their data - maybe I'm just an **** engineer (accepted) but I'd *STILL* rather know than assume.
Enjoy the car, and train all operators to turn the cap until they hear a handful of clicks!
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 791
Likes: 12
From: Florida
Hey am I doing something wrong, or perhaps I have a different gas cap? Mine says to tighten until ONE click, but I've never really heard it 'click' at all. It just hits a pretty firm 'stop' then snaps back about 30 degrees. Should I be pushing it past this 'stop'? I've tried applying a fair bit of force, but don't want to break it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 13,980
Likes: 124
From: SE Massachusetts, U.S.
That's what I meant. There is a slight detent click on mine as you hit the stop. I do it 3 times from habit.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 423
Likes: 4
From: Riverside, CA
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)
Brett Foote
Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Audis That are FINALLY LEGAL to Import to the U.S.!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Fianl Update
On Saturday morning I went to gas station to fill up. Drove car 15 miles and noticed light was off. Drove Sunday and this morning to work and still no light. I am going to call the dealership and cancel appointment. I looked up the knock sensor on line and it has something to do with gas air mixture. I think that I did not tighten the gas cap tight enough last week and even though I stopped when the light came on and checked it. It still took about 50 - 100 miles to clear. Thanks to all for input
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
"It still took about 50 - 100 miles to clear." I think it typically takes about 3 "start from cold warm-up cycles to clear the light automatically" from whatever caused it to trigger in the first place--if the trigger does not recur. I would just always wait for a few cycles before going in to have it checked. A lot of these triggers are just some odd one-time event and the light will go off by itself. For sure the engine will not be damaged if you just wait and see.