MFA notification: EXHAUST, WORKSHOP & ENGINE MALFUNCTION on AXR

Hi everyone,

I sat in the car for a while today (about 20 minutes with an outside temperature of 1°C) and only had the ignition on (seat heater ).
Then I tried to start it, but it didn't work because the engine and spark plugs were cold again. So I pre-heated it one more time. This time, the message 'ENGINE MALFUNCTION - WORKSHOP' immediately appeared on the multi-function display (MFA). However, the engine started without any problems.
I then drove off and briefly turned the ignition off along the way to reset the control unit, but it didn't help. Now, in addition to that, I'm getting the message 'EMISSIONS - WORKSHOP' and shortly after that, 'ENGINE MALFUNCTION - WORKSHOP'.
During the ride, the yellow ENGINE light remains on continuously, and the filament is blinking.
Removing the key doesn't make any difference either.
The engine is running smoothly as usual, and the power output is also normal.

'Ideally, you would need a VAG-Com to see what's going on. Unfortunately, I don't have one. Does anyone recognize these error messages in connection with a defect? The AXR engine doesn't have any sensors in the exhaust system. The 'EXHAUST' message might indicate a problem that negatively affects the exhaust behavior, right?'

Thank you for your tips and greetings.

Eike.

PS: It might be relevant to know that recently, a 'Check coolant! Instructions' error message has been appearing sporadically in the mornings. However, the coolant level in the expansion tank is fine and even slightly above the maximum mark (the workshop overfilled it because they thought the problem was caused by the coolant contracting when cold, which would mean the sensor wouldn't register the level). My suspicion is that the control unit has malfunctioned and is becoming increasingly erratic. Or could moisture have gotten in?

Hi,

Has the AGR ever been modified?

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Micha"

Hi there,

No, the car is in its original condition.

Greetings.

Eike.

eike wrote:

... The "EXHAUST" message may indicate a malfunction that could negatively affect the exhaust system, right?

Genau so ist es .... ... Thank you to EU OBD2!

I love these EU4 OBD2 vehicles... In two years, you can buy them for a ridiculously low price because no one understands what these cars want or what errors they have.

Since you can't read any error codes, it will be a bit difficult. In principle, I would even suspect a faulty reading. However, you could easily check that with VAG-COM.

Quote:

PS: folgendes könnte in dem Zusammenhang evtl. wichtig sein: in letzter Zeit kommt morgends sporadisch die Fehlermeldung "Kühlmittel prüfen! Anleitung". Der Kühlmittelstand im Ausgleichsgefäß ist jedoch OK und sogar etwas über max (hat die Werkstatt etwas überfüllt, da sie meinte der Fehler käme daher, weil sich das Kühlmittel im kalten Zustand zusammenzieht und der Stand dann für den Sensor nicht mehr reicht). Meine Vermutung: das Steuergerät hat eine Klatsche und spinnt immer mehr? Oder Is there perhaps moisture that has seeped in?

Okay, if you encounter another issue like this, I would recommend checking the weight distribution between the engine block/chassis. It's a common problem.

Okay, regarding the coolant level sensor, I'd say it's the usual problem: the two electrodes likely have some buildup on them in the water.

Devilseye503 wrote:

So, regarding the coolant level sensor, I would say - it's the usual story that the two electrodes have some slight buildup on them in the water.

Okay, so you take a toothbrush and scrub the two contacts inside the container with it, then rinse out the container (of course, unscrew the caps to be able to tip it over). Then add new G12 Plus coolant, and that's it.

Hi,

Quote:

eike wrote the following: ... The "EXHAUST" message may indicate a malfunction that could negatively affect the exhaust system, right? Genau so ist es .... icon_smile.gif ... Thank you to EU OBD2!

Therefore, my question is about the AGR (Abgasrückführung). If the AGR system is not at least 90% functional (either due to manipulation or a defect/contamination), then this exact message will appear. So, either log and analyze the data, or check and verschandeln the return valve for contamination.

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Micha"

Hi there,

This morning, I wanted to take the car to the workshop because of a problem. On the way there, I stopped at a gas station to take advantage of the still relatively low fuel prices, even though the tank was about three-quarters full. Using a ventilation trick, I managed to fill it with 25 liters.
And lo and behold, after refueling, the error suddenly disappeared.
Is there a way to explain this connection? Could it perhaps be a fault in the fuel pump that isn't being activated when the tank is full?
I'm going to hold off on taking it to the workshop for now and see if the problem reappears...

Greetings.

Eike.

eike wrote:

Und, siehe da, nach dem Tanken war der Fehler plötzlich weg. Läßt sich so ein Zusammenhang irgendwie erklären?

It could also coincide with the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) deactivation cycle: if the triggering error doesn't reappear for 3 (?) consecutive trips, the MIL will turn off, but the error code remains stored in the memory.

Und, siehe da, nach dem Tanken war der Fehler plötzlich weg. Läßt sich so ein Zusammenhang irgendwie erklären?
Das könnte auch zufällig mit dem Ausschaltzyklus der MIL zusammenpassen: wenn der auslösende Fehler während 3(?) Fahrten nacheinander nicht mehr auftritt, geht die MIL aus, aber der Fehler bleibt weiter im Speicher.

Hmm, that would be quite a coincidence. Since the first time this error appeared, I've restarted the car at least 20 times (including driving over 100 km) and have repeatedly encountered the same error. This happens both during cold starts in the morning and after briefly turning off the ignition while driving.

So far, it's been quiet. Let's see how long that lasts...

Greetings.

Eike.

eike wrote:

... And lo and behold, after refueling, the error suddenly disappeared. Läßt sich so ein Zusammenhang irgendwie erklären? War es vielleicht ein Fehler in der Spritpumpe, die bei vollem Tank nicht angesteuert wird?

The fuel tank vent/breather is an emissions-related component and, for EOBD2 compliance, it's a monitored part. Something might be stuck or blocked there.

Bertil wrote:

Die Tankent-/belüftung ist ein Abgasrelevantes und für EOBD2 ein Überwachungspflichtiges Bauteil.

Beim Diesel auch?
"With gasoline engines, there are supposedly some switching valves for venting the activated carbon filter (or something similar), but this is completely new to me with TDIs... at least my EU3 OBD-ASZ doesn't have anything like that, even though it already has the strict monitoring of the EGR system and diligently logs any malfunctions for the TÜV inspection."

Hi there,

After it had gotten a bit warmer again, I had some time without the problem. Now that winter is back, the issue has reappeared.
So, I went to the friendly mechanic and had them read the error codes.

Result: Engine speed sensor - implausible signal .

Was das allerdings mit der Abgas-Meldung der MFA zu tun hat, ist mir schleierhaft. OK, er springt erst verzögert an, da das MSG auf einen weiteren Sensor an der Nockenwelle zurückgreift. Dafür muß der Motor jedoch 2 Umdrehungen machen, bevor das Signal eindeutig ist. Der Meister meinte dazu ur : Naja, der Kunde soll halt möglichst schnell mit sowas in die Werkstatt kommen.
Since the car isn't that old yet, there's still a 70% warranty coverage on the part. I'll have it replaced next week.

Goodbye...

Eike.

Hi,

Thank you for the feedback!

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Micha"

Please check the cable connector inside the water tank!

There's an entry for this issue in the Volkswagen problem database – otherwise, you might end up stranded soon with this error code. This is typical for the AXR engine in the Golf IV from this production period – the dealership should be aware of it!

Best regards, myfisch.