1998 2.0 Petrol

[Galaxy newbie]

When u turn on the ignition the e.m.l doesn't light before going out, also airbag light is on all the time. Any ideas where to start guys? Would the eml mean a new centre console. Any help appreciated. Thanks. Andy

[SilverBeast]

Hi, Do you mean the light shaped like an engine? I don't believe this is used on the TDI's. The TDI's use the glowplug light (yellow coil) to double up as the engine management light (Sorry if you know this already). This should come on briefly - longer when the weather is cold - then go out before you start the engine. Mine seems to stay on for 7-8 seconds regardless of conditions every time. Engine still starts fine so I don't worry about it.

 

The airbag light staying on means there is a fault in the system - the most frequent problem seems to be the "clock spring". This is the connection for the steering wheel airbag that allows the wheel to turn while still keeping a good connection. If you have had any of the airbag connections disconnected while working on the car with the ignition on then this would also be detected as a fault and give the same effect. If you have a laptop you would be best investing in a VAG-COM/VCDS Lite lead (<£10 from ebay) and downloading the free VCDS-Lite software as this will let you diagnose lots of the systems on your diesel galaxy, including the airbags. It will give an indication of the area of the fault and also allows you to reset the system. I did this recently for someone whose side airbag connector in the passenger seat had become disconnected. It took 2-3 cycles of the ignition for the light to reset itself.

 

Unfortunately I believe checking of the correct operation of the airbag light is now part of the MOT, so this will need fixing/clearing.

 

Good luck

[SilverBeast]

:( Should have read the title better. I just looked at your signature. The VAG-COM stuff still applies to the airbag. I'm nut sure about the engine management light as I have the diesel. I'v read elsewhere that it only applied to the V6 but suspect it may cover the Ford 2.0 engine too.

[Galaxy newbie]

Yeah sorry a little confusing. I'm asking for a friend who bought an 's' plate gal 2ltr petrol and the management light doesnt come on at all when first putting keys in and turning the ignition dash lights on, and I think this is an mot failure. Just wondering if it would be worth pulling the clocks to check if the bulb has been removed? Thank you for your reply silverbeast.

[sparky Paul]

Just wondering if it would be worth pulling the clocks to check if the bulb has been removed?

 

That would be favourite, or maybe taped over. Or perhaps it might have even popped! :(

 

As you say, incorrect function of the warning lights is now a MOT fail.

[Galaxy newbie]

Would this gal. Ie 1998 2.0 petrol have abs, as there is also no light for this that illuminates and goes off on the dash?

[sparky Paul]

Some of the early models were not fitted with abs, later ones all had abs.

 

The abs pump is situated directly behind and just below the battery tray, under the expansion bottle. It's a lump about the size of a bag of sugar, with brake pipes connected at the front side. If it's not there, you don't have abs.