VW Transporter Warning After Mechanic's Inspection

Last month had a similar situation with my VW Golf (2007, 2.0L gas). After OBD readiness tests, the check engine light appeared. The diagnostic scan revealed incomplete emission monitors, which often happens after the computer reset or battery disconnect. This is actually quite common and not necessarily a serious issue. The vehicle needs to complete a full drive cycle to restore system readiness. This typically involves: Starting with a cold engine, Driving at steady highway speeds, Some city driving with stops and starts, Running the engine at idle Most OBD readiness monitors should set themselves after about 80-160km of normal driving. In my case, it took about 3 days of regular commuting before all systems showed ready status. If the warning persists after completing several drive cycles, there might be an underlying exhaust system issue preventing the monitors from setting. Would recommend returning to the original shop since they are familiar with the recent work done. They should check if any sensors were disturbed during the previous repair. The incomplete readiness is likely just the computer needing time to run all its self-tests rather than a fault with the repair work itself.

Thanks for sharing that experience with the OBD readiness monitors. Had exactly the same problem with my Transporter last winter. The onboard diagnostics kept showing incomplete after a repair, and I was worried something was wrong with the exhaust system. Followed a similar driving pattern to reset the monitors but mine took almost a week to clear completely. Did your check engine light eventually turn off on its own? Would be curious to know if you had any other issues pop up since then and what the repair cost was at your shop. The vehicle inspection anxiety is real when those warning lights stay on longer than expected.

After letting my Golf run through several complete drive cycles, the check engine light turned off by itself. No repair costs were involved since the car diagnostics showed it was just the system readiness check being incomplete after the initial work. The shop verified this for free using their OBD2 scanner. Since getting it sorted, all monitors have stayed in ready status with no additional warning lights or exhaust system alerts. The key was really just being patient and giving the computer enough time to complete all its internal tests during normal driving. Your experience taking a week for the vehicle inspection monitors to reset is pretty typical. The onboard systems can be quite thorough in testing everything from fuel trim to catalyst efficiency. Some cars just need more drive cycles than others to complete all checks. The original warning was definitely nerve-wracking, but turns out it was just the car doing its job running through all the required system checks. If anyone else encounters this after service work, a proper car diagnostics scan usually confirms whether its just monitor reset or an actual issue needing attention.

I went back to the original mechanic after reading about similar experiences online. The whole emissions test and readiness monitor situation was stressing me out, but they checked the onboard diagnostics again at no charge. Just like others mentioned, it took about 5 days of normal driving, commuting, grocery runs, some highway trips, before all the system readiness monitors finally reset. The warning light went away on its own once the car completed all its internal tests. Turns out there was nothing wrong with the repair work. The car diagnostics just needed time to run through all the checks. Cost me nothing extra since it was just the computer resetting itself after the initial service. Really glad I didnt waste money taking it to another shop. My Transporter has been running fine since then with no warning lights. Next time I wont panic if the system needs a few days to complete its readiness checks after service work.