Help with 03 Convertible

[dadhelping]

I bought a 03 for my daughter and the malfunction indicator light has come on. She is in college and since I am far away, I wondered if this is a 'big' deal or something that can be waited on. Can anyone help?

[punkpie]

You need to give us more information other than "a light came on." Does the light have a shape/icon/indicator of any sort? (Does it look like a thermometer or an engine or an oil can, etc) Is it orange or red? Is the light flashing or does it stay still? Has your daughter checked the manual to see what the light might mean? Etc.

Depending on that information, the issue may be urgent, or not. Give us as much info as you can.

[dadhelping]

Herein lies the problem. I asked my daughter if the light accompanied a symbol and she said it did not. Her only reply what that the malfuntion indicator light had come on. The light is on the dashboard, the first on the left. The shape is rectanglar and says 'check.'

[djwhiplash2001]

The best thing she can do is head to her local auto parts store and ask them to read the code. They'll read diagnostic codes for free and that will tell you what's wrong with it. Could be as simple as a loose gas cap, could be something like an O2 sensor. Only way to know is to have them scan it. Let us know what she finds out.

[le0n]

^^ this...

most likely, it is related to the emissions system. if she doesn't notice any difference in the way it drives or idles, then it can probably wait. however, if she has a rough idle or her gas mileage begins to suffer then you are going to want to have it taken care of more sooner than later. like dj mentioned it could be an o2 sensor, and depending on which one it is, prolong driving can cause damage to the catalytic converter, which is an an expensive fix. find a local parts store online that is near to her, call and ask if they run free scans. most places do...

[nitroscope8]

Probably a catalytic converter. For some reason they like to fail on those at any mileage. If it IS a cat, talk to your VW dealer because Volkswagen extended the warranty on some engines for up to 120k mile replacement and up to 10 years.