Volkswagen Golf - why is the emission light on?

I have recently bought a 2001 Volkswagen Golf and the emission light has come on
Do you think this is the exhaust? It started flashing, then stayed solid, then when I started the car it went off, comes back on, flashes and then goes solid. Any ideas?

Asked on 31 January 2016 by Auberge

Answered by Honest John
At best it's a failed sensor. Bit worse, a failed cat converter. Much more serious, a failed cylinder head gasket. Find a good independent VAG specialist: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
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