Problems with Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 16, 2006 | 05:33 PM

Pastapuck

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 71

Likes: 0

Problems with Malfunction Indicator Lamp

So...I get out of class tonight, and I turn on my car. I notice that my malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) doesn't go out.

It looks like this...but with a little lightning bolt going through the engine:

<img src="http://z.about.com/d/autorepair/1/0/H/Y/87560332.gif">

Here's what my Audi manual says:

On Board Diagnostic System
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp is part of the On Board Diagnostic System.

The lamp comes on when the ingnition is switched on and will go out after the engine is started and the idle has been stabilized. This is to assure you that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is working properly.

If the lamp does not go out after the engine is started, or if it comes on while you're driving, there is a malfunction in the engine system.

Continue driving with reduced power and have the cause corrected right away by an authorized Audi Dealer or quality workship.

If the lamp comes on, the Electronic speed limiter can also be out of operation.

The On Board Diagnostics in your vehicle monitors the various components of your emission control system.

So what the hell do I do? Take it to Audi? I hope this is covered under warranty. Any ideas?

Feb 16, 2006 | 05:40 PM

TTschwing

AudiWorld Uber User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 53,281

Likes: 2

Yeah....we know all about that..>>

YOu need to pull a code to see what's causing it. if you don't have access to a Vag-Com, go to your local Autozone or dealer if under warranty and have them read the code. Report back!

Feb 16, 2006 | 05:51 PM

stilljester

Member

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,638

Likes: 0

I vote for Autozone...I avoid the dealer at all costs

Feb 16, 2006 | 06:15 PM

gomezTT

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 427

Likes: 0

Re: I vote for Autozone...I avoid the dealer at all costs :)

Maybe not so fast to Autozone....many of these stores are manned by non-techs with no formal training...my dealer used to charge $100.00 to hook-up and pull codes....they have reduced it to 43 dollars...not so bad to get the right diagnosis....just had one of my cars done today and they told me my intermittent MIL could be just a dirty Throttle body and suggested this fix. Wouldn't hurt to call the dealer and ask what the charge would be. But I agree, be wary of the dealer....I just paid $225.00 at my local Audi dealer for a new battery in my 225 coupe. Unreal.

Feb 16, 2006 | 06:24 PM

TTschwing

AudiWorld Uber User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 53,281

Likes: 2

Heck, for a very few$$ more ($59) you can buy an Audi specific code reader...

<center><img src="http://www.auteltech.com/images/pic2.jpg"></center><p>
and have it forever...<ul><li><a href="http://www.auteltech.com/">http://www.auteltech.com/</a</li></ul>