Exhaust Control System LIGHT VRS - JUST GOT IT HOME

[gtyler]

Hi Guys, 

 

I know there are already some forum posts on this but I just wanted to add this and see what everyones advice was as I don't know whether to be mad, upset or just worrying over absolutely nothing. 

 

I picked my 2011 (60 plate) vrs up from Skoda garage this morning. (it has 12 month warranty so not too worried if there is something wrong). 

 

I have given it a fair thrashing most of the day and driven it up to 120mph, as you do with such a performance car on your first run. 

 

It came with £15 of fuel in it from Skoda (not sure what type of petrol) but I put another £30 of 95RON standard fuel from Texaco. I know the VRS is recommended to run on 98/99 RON however didn't think much of putting one tank of 95 RON in it to start with. 

 

I have used a quarter of a tank today, and gone about polishing the exhaust tips and rest of the car. 

Been to it tonight and gone out for dinner in it, and the Exhaust Control System light has come on and stayed on, on the way there and way back. 

 

I have read some forum answers referring to it being either a faulty fume sensor, or due to putting 95 RON fuel in it. 

Obviously I will ring Skoda in the morning, but does anyone have any idea?? Could it be something wrong with the exhaust or catalytic convertor?? 

 

George Tyler 

 

[Ootohere]

Is the light out now, when you start the car again,

was it just the Yellow Engine Light?

 

If it is out,

I would go put in 99 ron petrol.  Tesco Momentum 99 or Shell V Power Nitro.

Brim it, (or Vent it,) push the little black button in the filler and get as much 99 ron in,

and then do at least 20 miles.

 

Let the engine get properly warm, do some miles and take things easy,

give it a bit of a blast, and keep using 99 ron.

 

Ask them if they serviced it and had it on the VAS Diagnostic, and has the ECU had an Update.

Any Misfires showing then see what the say.

 

How many miles has it done, could it need new Spark Plugs,

not as the Schedule Says at 40,000 miles.

I would gave them at 20,000 miles or so.

 

Enjoy it.

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/291585-warning-on-spark-plugs-14-tsi-cave-vrs-check-the-spark-plugs

[gtyler]

Hi gonephising, thanks for the help!!

 

The light is still on now, when you start the car again. It is just the yellow engine light, which I read was the exhaust control system light. but it is only YELLOW. 

 

It had an MOT in january by Skoda, and the car has been sitting in the forecourt (until they lowered the price) since then, so has done no real miles since the MOT. 

 

It had a service in December, 1,000 miles previous to now, and the spark plugs were changed. It obviously had a multipoint check prior to me buying the car. 

 

It has 39,000 miles on it as it sits. 

[Ootohere]

??Yellow in the shape of an engine,

Did you get a EPC light as well at any point.?

 

Is there an Invoice showing the Spark Plugs as done?

 

Check with Skoda UK Customer Services on Monday and see if any Warranty work has been done on your car.

Ask if it has had a ECU Update,

& do not assume all was done at a Multi Point check unless you were there watching it being done.

 

Another new owner recently had all the assurances, only to find it had not been on a Diagnostic or had the ECU update.

(not seen him back on here recently.)

 

Anyway, they will reset it, clear the Fault Codes,  (you might be in Limp Mode Now.)

But you could always go for a Drive tomorrow,  Stop because a Light is on,

Call Skoda Assist & the RAC Operator that comes out, will Plug the car in, read the Codes,

& maybe tell you to go to the Dealers Monday.

But a proper Technician will have seen your car.  

(ask him not to clear the codes, but he might assure you its OK which is fine,

and give a Copy or do a report.)

[gtyler]

Yes yellow in the shape of an engine. 

 

Not seen the EPC light on. 

 

There is an invoice showing the spark plugs done in December. 

 

Will ring them up on Monday. 

But is your advice... or anyone else's... to thrash it, or trash it and try and use up the fuel and then put 99 RON in it? 

Do people think it is the fuel or a engine management (diagnostics issue)...and not an exhaust or mechanical fault to worry about? e.g should I worry and only drive it slow and steady and then get it in asap?

[Ootohere]

NO.

You invalidate the Warranty driving with warning lights.

 

If there was no Light on and the chance of being in limp mode i would drive carefully,

get good 99 Octane Petrol in, let it mix and raise the octaine,

drive a bit and get the soot build up out of the exhaust.

& if running OK use it a bit harder.

Fill up again with 99.

 

Best just get it on the Diagnostic and see what a professional says.

 

Venting a Tank you can get about 55 litres in,

so you could get a few gallons in and then some more if you had a Can of 99 with you.

 

If the garage/Dealer has just been starting it and warming it up, moving it about without getting it hot,

and using 95ron, hopefully thats the only problem.

 

THey run on 95 ron, but i would not drive one spirited with 95 ron Petrol.

the Prescribed 98 ron is best, and 99 Minimum is better

[gtyler]

But I thought you said to drive it and then put 99 RON fuel in it?

 

Also how will they know when the light has come on? 

[Ootohere]

Yes drive it to the filling station.

But if there was not a light staying on.

 

Not thrash it, untill no light, hot, and 99 ron in,

and not thrashed, driven, then more 99.

Get the Octane in the tank up.

Drive and use and get more in and rid of the last of the 95 ron cr4p.

 

If the light is on tomorrow, you go for a wee short drive.

'FIND YOU HAVE A LIGHT ON', call skoda assist, say a light came on,

& a RAC Van comes out to Assist.  Job Done, he.she Plugs in and reads the faults.

Maybe changes a Coil.

[gtyler]

Is there any way of getting the 95RON fuel out? Eg. syphon it out?? Then I could fill it up with 99?

Or does it have an anti syphon, 

 

and will this possibly resolve the issue and if it was the issue, turn the light off. 

[Sparkly]

I would get it to the dealer ASAP and drive gently there.

As much as there is a huge amount of knowledge on this forum, at the moment that light could be a few things and it's best to get the issue logged with the dealer and get them on it before attempting a self fix with fuelling etc.

Also learn the lesson and put the good 99RON stuff in they like/need it

[Ootohere]

Sparkly is fully correct.  You want it checked properly.

To me that more likely the RAC than the Skoda Workshop. (They Serviced it, or stamped the book)

 

But i have just taken one with a Yellow Engine light on,

read it to see no Fault Codes. 

Cleared the Light. 

 

Then put in 99 ron and given the it an Italian Tune up.

But i knew it was a good car, just the owner had been sitting starting it every few days and not driving it,

and had been running it on Asda 95 ron..

[gtyler]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice and will take it all on board!

 

What are the number of different issues that the light could actually mean??

[Ootohere]

Dont worry your self, let them find if there is a fault.

Lets just go on it being running rich too often since the service and using 95 ron,

that the common and free one.

 

here is a Technicians Learning Guide for an Earlier Engine and enough info on Faults that are not your worry,

you have a Warranty.

http://volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_359.pdf

(look at page 42 for an idea of the Exhaust system Management)

[mannyo]

The yellow engine light could be anything, it means that the engine ECU has detected a fault and without reading the fault codes (there are hundreds) would you know what is wrong. it could be anything from a faulty ignition coil to a lambda probe, or even one of the engine sensors.

 

As the car has warranty, call Skoda Assist and they will come out tonight/tomorrow and scan the car. They can advise if the fault is minor and the car can continue to be used, if not they will get you a hire car and transport your car to the dealer.

[fabiamk2SE]

I dont know what anyone else thinks, but i dont find texaco the best fuel. Infacr, i try to avoid it nearly as much as supermarket fuel.

Iv not put it in the fabia, but i have tried it in the bike. I had a carb problem at the time which caused popping, i put texaco in (it was just near by) and it popped more than ever.

It came up in conversation with my neighbour too. Hes had bmw z4m, clio cups, porsche cayennes etc etc (just bought a new nissan gtr too actually haha) and he says hes tried texaco fuel in a few cars and has noticed a lack in performance compared to other fuels, and the car having much much less power.

All im getting to is, could it just be the fuel?

Brim it with something decent and see what happens?

[Furbytom]

Sorry to hear this has happened to your new purchase.

Do you know if the car had any warranty work done before you had it? Was it an oil user? Is it still on it's original engine or has this been replaced at any point?

As others have said - the light could be any one of a long list of issues. Hopefully all will be sorted! Please let us know how this pans out.

[gtyler]

Thanks again for all the additional replies, 

 

And I will defiantly keep everyone informed of it's progress. I will go out and start it again soon and see if the light is still on. 

 

I tend to feel it is the fuel. I will not be putting 95RON in it again, even if this isn't the issue. It seems to be the most common explanation on here and in other forums. Having said that, I also take on board that it could be anything. The engine sounds fine and doesn't sound like it is misfiring. I couldn't tell you if there was a lack in performance, because I have been trying to drive slow since it came on (12 hours ago). 

 

I also am not sure if any warranty work has been carried out but I will dig all the paper work out and check this. 

Will be ringing Skoda when they open at 11.00am...not to sure what to ask however, I think its best to say....the lights come on the same day I've driven it home, I did put 95RON In it, but I obviously need it testing and diagnostics running, so can I get it in Monday first thing AM. 

[Ootohere]

I take it there are only sales people in the Dealership on a Sunday.

 

Maybe one can go on the Computer and look at the cars Service and Warranty History.

Best get the full record from Skoda UK Customer Services on Monday,

But if the Dealership are prepared to let you look at the screen, then good.

 

I tried not asking, but must.

'Have you dipped the oil',   Maybe try a cold dip now before starting the engine.'

 

....................................................................................................................................

 

I wonder where the member is that had bought a Green vRS the same as you and then had issues

in the first week.

Never heard from him again.

This is a problem with used Mk2 vRS.

Not all Dealerships have Written up the Service book after replacement engines.

Or passed on the Letter from Skoda UK that the Previous Owner hands in with the car.

& out of the few 1,800 CAVE vRS in the UK that issues, many of them are now 'In Trade',

or being sold to the 3rd or 4th Owner.

 

A Replacement engine is not a problem, but a Official Skoda or VAG Dealership Should tell you if one has been fitted.

& Skoda or VAG Dealerships should be checking to see if a vRS has been Remapped by a previous Owner,

Before selling one, and reset Steering and Brakes to Factory settings.

Because Skoda have tried to knock back Warranty Claims if the ECU shows the car was remapped..

(one member here rejected a used one bought on finance for this reason,

faulty and Skoda said it had been remapped. & would not fix it.)

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/294051-cave-cthe-14tsi-just-reply-please-if-you-have-had-an-engine-replaced

post #19 #24

post #31 he got his money back

[gtyler]

I have dipped the oil and there it is full of the stuff. I also started the engine again this morning and the light is still on. 

 

I will ring them at 11, but yes, it will only be sales and not service as it is sunday. 

 

I don't know what anyones thoughts are to calling skoda assist, eg. RAC, I've seen on other posts that they can run diagnostics and reset any faulty warnings, or inform me if I need to take it to SKODA on Monday? Or am I best just waiting and getting it in skoda monday first thing?

[Ootohere]

I would call Skoda Assist, a nice Independent and helpful person comes out,

and might well have seen a Twincharger before,

Knowledgeable on them.

 

Unlike some Skoda Technicians.

 

**Last Member i suggested to was told since it was just a light, go to the Dealer on Monday.**

 

Personally.

I would be down the Public Highway a bit away from home, & if a light was on,

i would want Skoda Assist to Assist, me.

Usually they do.

Great Service.  Nice Honest Patrol People plug the car in,

Maybe replace a plug or coil to get you going, rather than the car be in Limp, 'To get you to a Specialist Garage'

,They give advice and then you go to the Dealer wiser on Monday Morning.

IF YOUR CAR NEEDS RECOVERED, OR ON MONDAY NEEDS LEFT AT THE DEALERS,

HAVE THE DEALER PROVIDE A COURTESY CAR, AND IF ONE NOT AVAILABLE,

GET SKODA UK TO GET A HIRE CAR FOR YOU.

 

all the best.

Just a suggestion.

[pipsyp]

These things run fine on 95ron, I did so for months without issue with mine (as I had a fuel card and was not allowed to buy premium unleaded) and frankly the difference in fuel economy was academic.

My ones long gone but was an 11 plate; even on super unleaded it very early on under v hard acceleration would hold back and flash the emissions light; basically exhibiting a temporary misfire. Admittedly it didnt do it alot but was always under hard driving.

Took it to the dealers and there was an ECU update for misfiring experienced towards 7k rpm; they applied the update and it never did it again..drove better too.

Usually the case with these things that such an update would not be applied unless you take it to them for that reason; definitely worth getting the update applied first if it hasnt been already; otherwise it could be fouled plugs or a coil pack issue. If its burning shedloads of oil you might just be unlucky to have a pup engine; actually now quite common with the twinchargers and theres urban myth that its possibly caused by gentle running in and glazed bores. Ragged mine from new and it didnt have the problem (litre every 4.5k or so) so some strength to that line of thought

certainly do not blame 95ron fuel for the issue because thats not it; they safely run on the stuff and run well albeit with perhaps an almost indistinguishable drop of power.

Edited 16 March, 2014 by pipsyp

[Ootohere]

Sorry, but they have all to be able to run on 95 ron.

All 95 ron meets the minimum standard in the UK,  some are better than others tho.

 

Some have issues, cold starting and running rough, and misfire under load.

Not noticed on Supercharger, but can be on Turbo at around 5,000 + rpm under load,

or at just under 3,500 rpm with Supercharger coming in on demand.

Full bore acceleration.

 

The Twincharger can be powerful enough and you might not notice the Misfire and you get a Exhaust EmissionControl Light.

If you continue pushing on, the light does not just flash under load, it stays on.

Car goes in Limp Mode, & Turbo Disables its self.

 

So 95 Ron is OK.

98 Ron is the Prescribed Fuel.

 

Dont drive at double the UK Motorway Speed Limit on 95 ron maybe.

a Missfire underload at 3,400 rpm. while having dropped 2 gears, or

5,500-6,000 rpm is or can be damaging.

 

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/servicing

 

The first cars from 2010/11 were not getting a Major Inspection Service until 20,000 miles or 2 Years.

Unless maybe a Ex Demonstrator that had first Service at 4,000 miles.

then issues and the ECU update was then done for the new owner,

or shouild have been when plugged in at the 2nd Service.

 

For a good few Early Twinchargers, that was to late,

The engines were already Gubbed.

Lots of Demonstrators driven for 3,000-4,000 miles by Sales/Dealership staff on 95 Ron

Supermarket fuel, and unless checked on the Diagnostic,

Misfires are not picked up on.

& not all Misfires show anyway, or Yellow Exhaust Emission Lights having been on.

[VRS Fabia]

The filler cap label in my VRS recommends 95 RON, albeit I always fill it up with 97 RON as thats the best I can get.

 

However when I raised the problem of morning judder with Skoda, they said are you using the correct fuel, I said yes 97 RON, his reply "no you need to use 95 RON"....... :wonder:

[gtyler]

I think the fuel issue, certainly that I seem to gather from gonephising and other users on other forums, is that it is not a problem of running it on 95 or 97 or 99 RON fuel, but the problem occurs when you change fuels, as the engine management sees a different octane and therefore a, what it things, incorrect burning of the fuel. Im sure they work perfectly on whatever petrol, as all cars must, by regulation, but the engine may see a fault if you change and then rag it. 

[Ootohere]

VRS Fabia,

Thats not the case with the stickers on the UK cars in the filler flap.   'Super' 98 ron, (95 ron minimum)

 

VAG/Skoda sometimes get things, 'lost in translation', to English