my check engine light is on in my 97 vw jetta. the reason it is on is because i unpluged the wire from my MAF sensor i started it up. unfortunatally the light wont go off. i went to advance auto and they checked the code and indeed it was the sensor. if anyone could tell me how to get the light off?
If you have plugged the wire back in the light will go off after a certain number of key cycles with the problem fixed. If you go back to the auto parts store they should be able to clear the fault if its fixed but I have had problems with volkswagons in my shop because the vag com system sucks. My Snap On Solis sometimes wont clear the fault even after its fixed and I tell the customer to drive it for a few days and it should go out or bring it back if it won't. Ive never had anyone have to bring them back.
removing the negative lead is not the correct answer to this question. if you disconnect the battery you will undoubtedly have to reset the stereo, as all newer vw cars have theft protection stereos. that can be very pricey if you don't already have the theft reset code. the guys at advance auto should have shut the light off for you. being a '97 it has an OBD2 connection, and should be reset using the scan tool that told you what the light was on for. the computers in newer cars will also hold their memory for much longer than the old OBD1 systems, and some vehicles you can leave the battery disconnected for 30 minutes and still have a code stored in your computer. you should definitely take your car back to advanced auto or a local parts store and ask them to clear the code from your computer with their scan tool and that will shut it off safely.
Take the negative lead off the battery to reset the check engine light.
