Warning Lights appeared *Engine Management and Catalytic Converter*

[Dewdrop]

Hello,

First of all apologies for notposting pix of my new (used) Golf - I've posted here before when I was looking to buy a Gti but hadn't updated that I'd actually bought one - and I'm loving it btw!

The Problem

Had it for 2 months (bought privately) its a Silver 2005, DSG, with 54k miles, sailed through its MOT a few weeks ago but today got in the car and saw two warning lights appear in the dash:

1) EPC(?) Engine Management
2) Catalytic Convertor

The car seems to be driving as well as normal. The car is due for a service in 2k miles or October anyway so I was thinking is this serious - can I wait a month to get this checked out or should I ring them today and get it booked in (my head is saying yes my wallet saying no lol) -  I've got a warranty with Warranty Direct so hopefully it will be covered as its quite comprehensive. I'll be using an independent either Ricci Concept (Hull) http://www.ricci-concept.com/ or Autotechinca (new company). http://www.autotechnica.co.uk/

Ricci concept MOT'd my car and I was impressed with them car came back clean - I just need to check they do Warranty work - I think they mentioned I'd have to pay them directly and then claim back from Warranty Direct - is that normal?

Any suggestions gratefully accepted!

[vRStu]

Why not consider using your nearest main dealer and maintain a franchised dealer service history?

There have been a couple of updates for the TFSi ECU as well as known issues with the manifold runners on many cars.

Maybe - http://www.jct600.co.uk/servicing-and-mot.php

All VAG dealers should offer special rates for cars over 4 years old as well as matching local independents so long as the quote includes genuine parts and the full service schedule.

As for your current problem I'd see if you can find a local VCDS owner who will to take a look for you.  However if you are hoping to use the warranty I'd get it in somewhere ASAP.  Be warned some dealers will charge for Diagnostics in relation to those type of warranties as they fear for not getting the money back.

[Dewdrop]

Hi VRSTU,

Thank-you for your reply, unfortunatley I didn't go for the more expensive option in my warranty of taking it to a dealer so it has to be an independent - wouldn't they be able to update the ECU like a dealer?

I'll get it booked it asap.

Thanks.

[vRStu]

ECU updates are carried out by the dealer tool.

I'm not saying you have to take it to a main dealer for servicing however, if the car has a full history at the moment then there are good reasons to maintain it for a while.  Goodwill is the first and then the updates etc that I mention above.

Be careful with the warranty as they aren't the most user friendly people to deal with.

[FamilyDub]

ECU updates are carried out by the dealer tool.

I'm not saying you have to take it to a main dealer for servicing however, if the car has a full history at the moment then there are good reasons to maintain it for a while.  Goodwill is the first and then the updates etc that I mention above.

Be careful with the warranty as they aren't the most user friendly people to deal with.

I get my servicing done at a franchised dealer to maintain the book 'stamps'.

The inevitable 'extra work' list that I get after the visit is done by a local VAG independant who about 40% cheaper and 500% better than my VW garage. 

[Dewdrop]

Ok I took the Golf to at the weekend to Ricci Concept in Hull VW/Audi Independent specialist (took it there previously for my MOT and was very happy with service).

Charged £70 for diagnostic and said 'ECU is returning a checksum error', asked if I'd had the car remapped before, I replied no (only had car 2 months) but I'm confident it hasn't it doesn't feel particularly quick - and that my choices where:

1) reflash the ECU for £100  or
2) remap the ECU for @£500 - obviously will give benefits of increased power - as I was thinking of going this route anyway I'm thinking great bit of a silver lining

I then asked Ricci Concept which company creates the maps, it seems its a swedish company who I've never heard of and the results didn't seem as impressive as those I've seen for others ie Revo ie

Ricci Concept http://www.ricci-concept.com/tuning1.php - 235 bhp / + 258 lb/torque £550 + VAT

Revo - 260 bhp /  285 lb/torque (are these figures for Revo stage 2, it seems high for car with standard exhaust/cat/dp?) - £500 + VAT

My thoughts are:
1) Ricci Concept seem reputable and service is good, but gains seem a little below average, but I trust them to do a good job
2) Revo map gives more hp/torque and now there is a local supplier http://www.autotechnica.co.uk/revotechnik.php but I've never had any dealings with them and they are a new company, ie been running since about July

First will this remap sort out checksum error and stop ECP and cat light coming on?

Also what would people recommend with regards to remap - I'm guessing Revo as they seem to be highly thought of? Its a lot of money and I want to get it right.

Thanks.



Simon

[john_o]

vrstu is the man when it comes to VAGCOM amongst other things 

I assume the error code is this one
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/16985/P0601/001537

and that appears to have been frequent on a quick search of golfmkv.com

Solved by an update of the ECU code usually 

My position would be to always sort the current issue before changing the parameters of the car.
Its less clear cut here , but this may be a good opportunity to get friendly with your dealer and see how much they would charge to update your ECU code.
As well as that Id be looking to confirm that the cars had all the recalls and changes done (seeing as its 05) from VW

either that or negotiate a part price off Ricci , i.e. £100 for reflash , but they discount that from the remap which you would get a few weeks after confirming the std ECU running is ok?

Never heard of Ricci , so cant comment other than I'd advise a better known remap company imho (REVO/APR)
(If you still want to choose Ricci then Id suggest you should get it for a lot less than £500  )

If you remap and its fine then no probs but your course of action if you jump straight to a remap and get issues would be far less clear , than compared to if you had confirmed the stock running car was OK prior to remap.

[Dewdrop]

Thanks John_0

That made a lot of sense - can only dealers do these updates or could Ricci etc do them too?

If I phoned my local VW dealer, do they keep a database of what updates/recalls have been carried out to every car? I ask as I'm the 3rd owner.

Thanks

[Dewdrop]

Just spoken to the dealer (JCT 600) they've recommended they do a diagnostic (so I'll have wasted the £70 going to the independent (my fault I guess)), and we take it from there.

So I've booked it in tomorrow at JCT 600 Hull. I noticed Ricci concept said I needed a service in the next 4k miles, whereas JCT have just advised me as car is on long-life service plan it doesn't need another service for another 13k miles! They are also take me to work after I've dropped my car off - I'm impressed so far!

The other good news is I've just checked my warranty details (with Warranty Direct) and I have chosen the option to claim back at Dealer prices! So if anything is found hopefully I'll be covered.

Thanks for everyone's help - I'll update with what they found and hopefully thats its fixed.

Simon

[Hurdy]

Most people recommend having the GTI on T&D instead of long life service regime. It is better for the car in the long term