VW Lupo - Emission / Engine Management light - fuel?

Jimbo Mahoney

Jimbo Mahoney

Jimbo Mahoney

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My 2001 VW Lupo 1.0 petrol has just had its dashboard light up.

The light looks (to me) like a gearbox and is orange in colour. I think the manual said this was the engine management light (but could be emissions?).

I spoke with the dealer who asked if I had filled up with fuel recently, which I have (Tesco). They said that was the problem and that I should just drive until I need to fill up and use BP / Maxol instead.

What are your opinions?

Shall I just use BP or shall I try an additive like Redex?

Many thanks.
 
Jimbo Mahoney said:
What are your opinions?
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Find another dealer (or preferably an independent garage). This guy sounds like a fool. A 2001 Polo is not going to need a specific brand of fuel.

Ideally you need to get the fault codes read to find out what the ECU thinks is wrong. You can buy a very basic cheap code reader for VWs (VAG COM) that will do the job, or there may be someone nearby that could help you. If you go to a garage they will charge you to read the codes.
 
I've got a Seat Arosa (which is pretty much the same car) might be worth while checking out the spark plugs, HT leads and coil as this can also lead to the engine management light coming on.

It appeared on my car a few months ago, put it in for a service, new plugs etc etc and its been fine ever since.
 
Dogbreath said:
Ideally you need to get the fault codes read to find out what the ECU thinks is wrong. You can buy a very basic cheap code reader for VWs (VAG COM) that will do the job,
Click to expand...

Thanks.

Seems it's about £20 for the cable and £200 for the software?

Do I need a specific cable?

EDIT - Found one with a display for £50.

EDIT 2 - Where does this actually plug into? The engine or the dashboard?
 
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You can use a free version of the software just to read basic fault codes, and it usually comes with the cable. The cable can be had for quite a bit less if you are prepared to wait for delivery from China...

The ODB2 socket will be inside the car somewhere close to where the driver is seated. I have a vague feeling it might be behind the ashtray on the Polo, but I might be wrong.
 
Dogbreath said:
You can use a free version of the software just to read basic fault codes, and it usually comes with the cable. The cable can be had for quite a bit less if you are prepared to wait for delivery from China...

The ODB2 socket will be inside the car somewhere close to where the driver is seated. I have a vague feeling it might be behind the ashtray on the Polo, but I might be wrong.
Click to expand...

it's a lupo, not a polo

i own a lupo but don't where it is. i remember it being by the ash tray on my mk4 golf under the heater controls
 
If you have the radio code unlug the Neg lead from the battery for 15 - 30 mins, when i first picked up the Passat my emissions light came on during the trip home, i didn't have Vag-com at the time but doing the above sorted it out and the Management Lights never come back on (for that reason anyways :rolleyes:).
 
funnily enough, the emission light came on on mine this morning on my way to work. took it to main dealer and turns out its (hopefully) a plug lead
 
Strangely, it's gone off of its own accord now.

Perhaps it was just because the car hadn't been used in a while, sitting at the dealers, and now it's being used daily.

Could be anything I suppose.
 
the dealer didn't have any plug leads in and neither did any local dealers so i have a 10 reg polo as a courtesy car and i must say i'm impressed. i hope the new leads sort the problem and my cat isn't screwed from unburnt fuel :rolleyes:
 
Lupos have issues with the coil pack connectors corroding onto the leads.

@ OP, just take it for an italian tune up, will probably do wonders.
 
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