Why does the Check Engine Light keep coming on and how to close the trunk?

Asked by ztophz Aug 28, 2015 at 10:19 AM about the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 Sedan

Question type: General

First, I just paid nearly $400 to replace a thermostat, once the CEL light came on.  It's come back on 5 times since then.  3 times the auto repair place took it off with the scanner.  It's been going back on every 3 days, since the repairman took it off.
The timing belt was replaced last year at Firestone, and oil changes are done every 3 months at Jiffy Lube.   The repairman said my engine is fine, but the light keeps coming back on.

Now for what ever reason, just recently the trunk recently closed on its own,.  It worked for 2 days, and when the CEL light came back on so did the open door light.  So I guess nothings broken, but  the noise can be heard, but it won't lock.  Should I get a new battery, the guys at O'Reilly's says my alternator is good, so it keeps the battery good.  What to do?  Other than buy a new car.

2 Answers

I sincerely wish I had some good answers.... but I don't . Other than to say there is no sensor or anything that will light the CEL and have thermostat as a DTC code. Overheating, lots of things but there is no code exists specifically for thermostat. And find another place to have your oil changed.. I caught Jiffy-Lube 'red handed' using Havoline motor oil conventional and I had asked for and paid for Mobil1 synthetic. (Nothing wrong with Havoline, just not what I wanted) And Jiffy-Lube has been busted before for services never done but customer paid for. AND services actually done but unnecessary. Most people don't know or pay attention, they trust the place to do what they are supposed to do but get ripped off. You should be able to trust them, and the vast majority are honest. But I bet they always try to talk you in to a transmission flush also. Right? Don't allow that. Also, if you use synthetic motor oil you can go a year or 10,000 miles. Conventional oil 6 months or 5000 miles (whatever comes first) Personally I don't push it that far, I use Mobil1 and change at 8000. Never a problem. Now, A good alternator will not necessarily keep battery good. The average life-span of a automotive battery is 4 to 5 years. Some will last longer depending on quality and number of start/stop cycles

Your Answer:

Jetta

Looking for a Used Jetta in your area?

CarGurus has 17,701 nationwide Jetta listings starting at $1,500.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    12,390
  • #2
    Goodwrench707
    Reputation
    5,400
  • #3
    Ed92626
    Reputation
    4,630
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Passat
326 Great Deals out of 4,187 listings starting at $800
Used Honda Civic
1,342 Great Deals out of 28,965 listings starting at $800
Used Volkswagen Jetta GLI
44 Great Deals out of 1,458 listings starting at $2,500
Used Toyota Camry
1,972 Great Deals out of 34,551 listings starting at $500
Used Honda Accord
1,481 Great Deals out of 29,273 listings starting at $500
Used Volkswagen Golf
76 Great Deals out of 854 listings starting at $2,999
Used Toyota Corolla
1,504 Great Deals out of 23,712 listings starting at $1,150
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
132 Great Deals out of 3,847 listings starting at $2,200
Used BMW 3 Series
1,090 Great Deals out of 12,691 listings starting at $1,242
Used Hyundai Elantra
869 Great Deals out of 26,397 listings starting at $1,450
Used Nissan Altima
1,250 Great Deals out of 37,337 listings starting at $1,400
Used Mazda MAZDA3
480 Great Deals out of 12,299 listings starting at $1,500
Used Audi A3
191 Great Deals out of 2,772 listings starting at $3,995
Used Audi A4
376 Great Deals out of 4,732 listings starting at $2,900

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
11 Great Deals out of 9,720 listings starting at $18,849
2023 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
44 Great Deals out of 713 listings starting at $16,597
2022 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
17 Great Deals out of 249 listings starting at $12,998
2021 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
111 Great Deals out of 1,391 listings starting at $11,477
2020 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
77 Great Deals out of 1,033 listings starting at $9,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.