My check engine light is on in my 200 VW BEETLE and cannot get it to go off. What should i check?

Some auto parts stores scan check engine lights for free. If you can get the code, and tell me what your engine/trans is in the Beetle, I can help narrow down the cause of the check engine light.

Regards,
TXTEXAN

check to see if one of the plugs are saturated with oil due to a bad valve cover gasket

Very bad.Sorry but you need of engine overhaul.Again sorry

Is your check engine light on? Check the throttle body or maybe the accelerator pedal is bad.

Malfunction indicator light it is the symbol of your engine with a line of suffering and the word "CHECK" -- this could be something minor like needing a spark plug to be replaced (common problem) or to something more serious like engine electrical work needed. a flashing engine light is the more serious so you are not to worry.
keep this handy: http://www.newbeetle.org/forums/2-0-liter-gas/39141-where-can-i-find-warning-light-diagram.html

My daughter had the same problem! It turns out the key had "deprogramed" itself. Sure enough, we used her spare key and the car ran like a champ. Oddly enough, the back-up key's remote did not work. VW wanted around $200 dollars to reprogram her key and about the same amount to get a new remote. We put the back-up key on the good remote and she is off to the races.

vw2000 (2.0)
Blinking engine lt. Poor performance-barely make it up a hill.
Mechanic said bad O2 sensor--Replaced--had same problem-
Used "ADVANCED AUTO" Diagnostic meter---FREE FREE FREE
Code read MISFIRE
Replaced COIL pack!!!!!!!!!
Returned to Advance auto to clear codes---
NO CHECK engine light --runs like new
Believe the COIL pack went bad causing the sensor to clog and go bad--Probably could have just cleaned it.
Cost $200 parts and free labor>LOTS of bad words,gerasy hands and good running car
HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE

BTW - if you have less than 100,000miles you might be able to have your cat replaced under warranty by the dealer. In Canada it's 160,000km.

What do you mean "check the radiator"? Does the radiator not work or only work every other day? You could have a clog in the cooling system and it might be smart to get it flushed out.

where is the break light switch on a vw bettle