OK, before I get totally flamed I have really thought before posting this as I cant see any connection between the two BUT two days ago my engine light came up on the dash and has been on since. Im hoping, REALLY hoping that its due to the Blueflame exhaust having been on there 350 miles now and its nothing more serious. Now for the flame relevant statement....

Since the light has been on, the car seems quicker than ever, from low down to peak 7k limit of the rev range it justs hauls. Ive never had the esp intervene like it did this morning on a second gear corner (that I do every morning) and I've never had the TC cut my power when pulling out of a slip road onto the A10 (again, I do this same route every morning). So im convinced theres more power there and Ive only noticed it the last two days since the light has been on; coincidence or is it possible with the way the VAG ECU controls things? Im intriuged anyhow.

Few extra questions on the engine light guys...

I dont mind the engine light being on as long as I know its the exhaust (or more specifically the post cat sensor) - will vag com tell me if it is this if I can find someone with the software and laptop?

Secondly, if I distinguish the light permanently (probably via the remap software in Feb) how will I know if there is a more serious engine fault occuring? What does that light cover? Is there a seperate light for a low oil pressure issue for example?

Sorry for all the questions but my Im totally new to the VAG scene and am keen to understand how this car/ecu works.

Many thanks in advance.

Lee

The light is almost definetely the exhaust if there is anything more serious then it will flash.

The traction/ESP issues you mention sound like the haldex isn't working properly, not that your car has got faster. I had a faulty one and had similar issues to you.

I'd definitely get it checked by someone with VAGCOM near you, assuming you've got the same problem as EddyH it would explain why you cant put the power down through the front wheels. Hope it's nothing serious, maybe the connector got dislodged or something when the 'zaust was fitted?

The light is almost definetely the exhaust if there is anything more serious then it will flash.

Thats good to know!

Thank you both, will get it checked out asap. Weird thing is, the car is definetly quicker in a straight line! I was just 'using' it more as a result this morning. Maybe over the last few hundred miles since the exhaust, cat and downpipe has been in place its sort of bedded in. Only other explanation is that Im talking tosh and its just the same - quite possible actually!

Cheers guys,

Lee

I needed a new Haldex Controller and the difference was instant although I did go for an uprated one.

If I had to change I'd look at the uprated one also.

Just got off the phone to a mechanic friend - he has some decent diagnostic equipment and he has just got the VW 'pod' for it - he says this will allow me to read and clear codes - is this a safe way of doing it guys? I guess it will either connect and read the data or it wont?

Cheers,

Lee

It depends how advanced it is, it may only cover engine faults. Ideally you should use VAGCOM or dealer diagnostics.

OK Eddy, we'll give it a spin as it an instant look at it (I'll let you know if it does work) - wont be able to get to the dealers this weekend but thanks for advice.

Lee

As a quick fix disconect the battery for 10 mins, that will clear the light, if the fault re occurs the light will come on again, I did this many times when the light came on due to the Blue Flame zorst.

I still have the angle block I bought off of Eddie but since Jabba fitted a new downpipe I havent had the exhaust problem so if it stays Ok for a few more months you can buy the block off me.

Previously I had thought of fitting a switch to the main battery feed, that way you could disconect the battery feed without spanners if you get my drift

funny enough my engine light came on after my little run on the airstrip and i too thought it seemed a bit more fruity on the way home. strange, have'nt had a chance to get the laptop into the car yet though to see what it is

Hi to All

Not an engine light on, but on an older turbo car, I have had a wastegate actuator pipe come off giving improved performance. Had to drive it on the boost guage until fixed to prevent blowing it to bits.

Chris

funny enough my engine light came on after my little run on the airstrip and i too thought it seemed a bit more fruity on the way home. strange, have'nt had a chance to get the laptop into the car yet though to see what it is

In my experience if the cars had a good thrashing it always runs a bit quicker for a while, something to do with the self learning bit & cleaning out the cobwebs I guess

I wonder if the Haldex is disabled if the Engine light is on? Would explain the car feeling a little faster.

However as Stuart says it may just be that the car has been thrashed as this will result in the ECU adapting to that style of driving, however it soons adapts back down after a bit of 'normal' driving.

could well be, i didn't think it learned that quick though :eek:

could well be, i didn't think it learned that quick though :eek:

I believe it takes a certain number of 'cycles' for the ECU to adapt, so if you are driving faster I would expect it to 'cycle' faster.

Well lunchtime was a waste of time as the reader and the correct Skoda pod was unable to connect. In the manual it lists all the models that it connects too along with the respective engine code - ARX wasnt listed and (fairly obviously) others didnt work either. :(

I have to say, the car REALLY does pull stronger, Im totally convinced its quicker through the gears. The Haldex is still putting the power to the rear when moving off 'briskly' but I'll see how things go over the weekend and get it booked in to a specialist asap.

Cheers again guys.

Lee