# 1997 volkswagen Passat

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-volkswagen-passat/27627>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [March 11, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-volkswagen-passat/27627 "2009-03-11T21:04:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rayme\_2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c5a1d2/32.png) [@rayme\_2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rayme_2)\
**Post date:** [March 11, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-volkswagen-passat/27627/1 "2009-03-11T21:04:32Z")

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My check engine light is blinking. I already changed the spark plugs and wires. I also recently changed the alternator. what can it be

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [March 11, 2009, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-volkswagen-passat/27627/2 "2009-03-11T21:26:17Z")

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It could be dozens of things. Take the car somewhere and have the codes read. Then you’ll have some idea where the problem is. Stop throwing parts at it.

Many parts stores will scan the computer free.

By the way, if the light is blinking there is a critical problem. Check your owner’s manual. It may advise not driving the vehicle.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-volkswagen-passat/27627/3 "2009-03-12T00:50:12Z")

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That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.

Regarding warning lights:

1. if the coolant temp light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

2. if the oil warning light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

3. if a FLASHING MIL/CEL comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

But if the MIL/CEL is not flashing, then it’s not an urgent indicator.