As always, its best to start by scanning for trouble codes; rather then, replace random parts, hoping to “fix” the problem. These days without a scan tool, you are essentially flying blind; its better to narrow down the problem through a process of elimination, by intelligently diagnosing the issues with a vw specific scanner like vcds or equivalent.

Post any trouble codes you find and we can go from there.

 

Billy is exactly correct. The car will often tell you what is wrong with itself, and of course vcds by Ross-Tech is hands down the best scanner for a vw.

Yes you do need to drive the car for the abs light to go out.

VCDS with HEX-V2 Enthusiast | Ross-Tech

 

Thank you. The only code I have is P1473

 

17881/P1473/005235 - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com

 

What scan tool; are you using?

 

Follow up:

I reset the airbag light with the scan tool and that is now taken care of. My guess is because I had turned the ignition to "on" while the seats were out of the car it caused the light to go on.

The ABS light went out as soon as I drove the car so that one is also taken care of.

I am just down to the P1473 code causing the Check Engine Light. The Evap pump and the purge valve are both working and the canister seems to be holding the pressure that is in it for at least a day (I drove it and then removed the hoses the next day and it was pressurized). I am guessing the "open circuit" that the scanner is indicating is in the wiring going to/from the evap unit. I tried following the online info that billymade shared as well as the wiring diagram in my Chiltons manual but honestly could not make sense of it. I can not figure out where the electrical wires from the evap canister go to. If it is directly to the computer in the dashboard panel which one is it? I believe there was one computer on each side?

I have an electrician who will help me do the testing but I just don't know where the wires run and where to test them.

Trying hard to get this done for Christmas for my daughter :\

 

What scan tool are you using and can you do output testing, these would confirm, the pump, related parts are functional and the vacuum is air tight in the sytem. What were the results of the testing sequence in the above service manual pages?


17881/P1473/005235 - EVAP Leak Detection Pump: Open Circuit
Possible Symptoms

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) active

Possible Causes

• Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144) faulty
• Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144) faulty
• EVAP Canister System leaking

Possible Solutions

• Check Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144)
• Check Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144)
• Check EVAP Canister System for proper Seal

 

Review this thread, note the cracked evap canister rubber line, vcds testing procedures and the video, going over evap issues.

Evap incorrect purge flow

I just started getting a P0441 Incorrect Purge Flow on my 2001 VW Beetle a few weeks ago. I've already replaced the purge solenoid and the gas cap. What's the troubletroubleshooting flow to follow in Evap issues?

www.newbeetle.org

 

For easier to understand wiring diagrams; Alldata and Mitchell1, offer "diy" subscriptions that offer online redrawn diagrams and active web based diagrams, that can make things easier to understand, use.

Do-It-Yourself Automobile Repair Information - Mitchell 1 DIY, Snap-on Inc.

Mitchell 1 DIY provides professional repair information, estimator, maintenance, TSB, and recall information for automotive enthusiasts.

eautorepair.net

Do It Yourself Automotive Repair Information | ALLDATA DIY

Single-vehicle access to OEM diagnostic and repair information for the student and the do-it-yourself mechanic. Includes wiring diagrams, TSBs, DTCs. Powered by ALLDATA.

www.alldata.com

If you have vcds and can run the tests, confirm the pump and other evap parts are energizing, I would assume the wiring is good. If that is ok, then I would look at the other possibilities shown in the ross tech code definition page shown above. Cracked hoses or seals; seems to be a common issue? The vcds output test; could confirm the system is leak free?

 

PS: occasionally, I have had persistent trouble codes; that remained after a repair, I have found doing a "hard reset" of the ecu can sometimes help fully clear a stubborn code. Hard reset: remove +/- battery cables; touch them together and reinstall on the battery.

 

Thank you for all this. I’m heading out of town until Monday night but I will be on this as soon as I get back. Car is at a friends welding shop while I’m gone getting the damaged and rotted door sills replaced.

 

What scan tool are you using and can you do output testing, these would confirm, the pump, related parts are functional and the vacuum is air tight in the sytem. What were the results of the testing sequence in the above service manual pages?


17881/P1473/005235 - EVAP Leak Detection Pump: Open Circuit
Possible Symptoms

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) active

Possible Causes

• Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144) faulty
• Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144) faulty
• EVAP Canister System leaking

Possible Solutions

• Check Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144)
• Check Wiring/Connector(s) from/to Leak Detection Pump (LDP/V144)
• Check EVAP Canister System for proper Seal

I have the Innova 3170RS scan tool. Would you have a link to what is recommended?

 

VW specific is recommended; to be able to run the built in factory VW output testing pricedures.

VCDS by Ross Tec $199:

VCDS with HEX-V2 Enthusiast | Ross-Tech

OBDEleven $70-$100+ (requires annual subscription):

Google Search

Ancel BD500 $50-$65:

Google Search

 

Do you know if any of these also allow you to program the key immobilizer chip as well? I have two additional keys I want to get programmed

 

Here is the process using vcds: