Check Engine light - Slight water leak

[Kent McLean]

Teresa wrote:
 > I have a 1993 Audi 90S which I purchased 2 years ago.
...
 > This morning my check engine light came on while I was stopped
 > at a stop light.
...
 > I did notice after being parked for a bit(15 minutes or so) and
 > driving away that there was some water under the car.

The two issues are totally unrelated.  The check engine light
(CEL) reports on the failure of various sensors related to the
emissions system.  The CEL won't report on water leaks or bad
water pumps.

You can check the diagnostic troubleshooting codes related to
the CEL using an inexpensive (<$5) LED with built-in resistor
from Radio Shack. (I found a part number 276-209, but that may
be outdated). Directions for using it to pull the codes may be
found on <www.v12.org>. The site seems to be down right now,
but look under the maintenance section.

As for the water leak, it could be a number of things. If it
is clear water, it would most likely be from the AC condenser
drain, but since your AC isn't working, it could be overflow
from the plenum under the hood at the base of the windshield,
or your windshield washer tank or tubing. If the water has a
pink or green tint (or rusty brown, worst case), it might be
coolant.  Since you found crusty crud on the coolant hoses,
that would be a likely cause if they were wet.  Best advice
is to clean things up, then run the car and look for evidence
of *fresh* leaks.

--
Kent McLean
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody"
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke