volkswagen reset engine service light

This move on Volkswagen's part forces one to go to the dealer. You are not required by law (or to maintain the warranty) to service at a dealer. You will want to follow the manufacturer's suggested maintenance guidelines, however.

If you go to the dealer with a repair invoice stating that the manufacturer recommended services were done by a professional auto repair facility, they "should" (they may give you a hard time) reset your light.

The dealer may want to, and be entitled to, charge you for this reset procedure. The charge, however, should not exceed .2 hours (or $20 @ $100 per hour).

Volkswagen check engine lights....

Service engine soon light: What is it? What does it mean? Check Engine Light, Check Engine Soon Light, Service Engine Soon Light, Engine Light, Engine Management Light, whatever you want to call it, simply means that your vehicle’s computer system has detected a problem.

With German cars, especially Volkswagens, the manufacturer recommends specific reset procedures. One simply can’t disconnect the battery or pull a fuse. A diagnostics scan tool must be used.

Why the check engine light is on varies greatly. Depending on the year and model, it may be related to the engine, the transmission, even the brakes and suspension. There are literally hundreds of reasons a Check Engine Light may appear. Few are cheap! Learn More inside an Amazing eBook Trilogy, which takes you on a shocking journey into the dim underworld of automotive service

Volkswagen Check Engine Light

Best Way to Reset Check Engine Light Codes:
If you’re not interested in diagnosing the engine service light, or it’s already fixed, and you just want the engine light out, visit any local repair shop.

Most shops will have a universal Check Engine Light Code Reader that can quickly and safely reset check engine light trouble codes. It should take about 30 seconds.

Note: all German models are better off with a specialist, and some older vehicles may require more time.

Here’s what to do…

Politely ask your local service center (ask a technician if you see one) if they could reset the check engine light with their Check Engine Light Code Reader. They may protest, arguing that the problem must first be diagnosed.

Tell the service representative that you understand fully, and that you appreciate his professionalism. But that you would just like to try resetting the Service Engine Soon Light, and if it comes on again, you’ll come back for a full diagnosis.

Be genuine. Service representatives respond positively to sincerity. If the service center wants to charge you just to reset your Service Engine Light, try another facility.

Alternatively, you can visit a parts stores such as Napa or AutoZone. They will reset your check engine light at no charge. However, be aware that a parts representative will be performing this procedure. Parts representatives are not technicians. Be wary of recommendations to try this or that part. Never just "throw a part at it."

Always be cautious during check engine light repairs, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Repair shops frequently hide behind complex technical jargon to charge excessive car repair prices. Learn More

Chicago Style Citation:
Olson, Theodore. 2006 Volkswagen Reset Engine Service Light. RepairTrust (October, 23),
Volkswagen Reset Engine Service Light

Note: if you're looking to reset your maintenance reminder light, unfortunately Volkswagen does not provide an alternate method to reset the service indicator display without the use of a VAS (dealer-only) scan tool. In other words, you'll need to visit the dealer.

Learn about prices on car repair

Volkswagen Check Engine Light