Q: Radio or other electronic bits act weird

asked by on November 05, 2015

My 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is still pretty new, with approximately 22,000 miles on it. I like the car and it does what I need, but it has a lot of quirks that make me worry about the electronics. The radio will randomly blip off or a light will illuminate on the dashboard. The Check Engine light has been coming on and turning back off a lot lately. At what point should I have it checked out? I don’t want to show up with a car that doesn’t have any lights illuminating on the dashboard and is running fine.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Getting code P0446
The code P0446 is most likely due to an inoperative evaporative vent solenoid that will need replacement. The rear axle leak will need to be inspected to see where the leak is for a repair needed. If the rear cover...
Maintenance schedule for VW Jetta SE
Most vehicles have two maintenance schedules to choose from which are normal, and heavy duty. The reason for the heavy duty schedule is for drivers who do a lot of stop-and-go driving, excessive idling (police), driving in dusty conditions, or...
Brakes go all the way to the floor - 1998 Buick Skylark
To eliminate the possibility of air anywhere in the hydraulic braking system, you can bleed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/bleed-brakes) all wheel cylinders (calipers) even if you have worked on only one. Start with the longest brake line and finish with the shortest line....
Stock engine swap replacement compatibility
The engines (i.e., the long block assemblies) from the two subject VIN's are 100% interchangeable. Please note though that sensors, electronics, controls and accessories on the engines would have to be separately verified OR, without verification, simply carried over from...
Clicking sound.
Hi There, Generally a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle is a result of a weak battery or a faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement). If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it is likely that your...
Makes a noise when I turn and hit bumps.
You should have the complete front suspension checked however the sway bar links and bushings are the most common cause of the noise when turning.
Car is idling at high rpm's and when the days are hot the car cranks but doesn't turn on and also exhaust is smoking when i rev it
There are a few possible issues for each of the issues you have described. It's possible that they are individual issues, or that they may be related. As far as the high idle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-idle-speed-is-high-inspection), this could come from a vacuum...
2014 VW Jetta keeps saying No Key even when driving, happens often and dealership can't figure out.
Hi Christina. Thanks for sending in your question today. Intermittent issues like you're describing are incredibly difficult to diagnose. In most cases, it's a minor programming glitch with either the key itself or the ECU/Security system. If the dealership is...
Engine swap ls400 Lexus 1990 to 1993 1UZ-fe
The engines themselves, that is the blocks and cylinder heads, are identical in both model years. So, they are a direct catalog interchange, have identical castings and so forth. However, the computers for the two years do NOT interchange. That...

Related articles

P0307 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected
P0307 code definition Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected What the P0307 code means When the P0307 diagnostic trouble code is stored by the...
P0895 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Time Too Short
P0895 code means that there is an abnormality in the shift time between individual gears due to transmission blockage, failure, or dirty fluid.
P0798 OBD-II Trouble Code: Pressure Control Solenoid “C” Electrical
P0798 means there is a problem with the electronic pressure control solenoid or solenoid circuit due to low or dirty transmission fluid.