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check engine light is on. no other problems or ticks or problems accelerating. however the exhaust does smell a little weird maybe lean? if that's the problem how would i fix it? or any other suggestions to what it may be?

Hi,
Check the air - fuel systems , there must be dirt in it.

I'm not sure about the lean portion, but a check engine for emissions is common in these cars. Before seeking a fix for it I would make sure that this car has to pass emissions. In Massachusetts a car over the age of 15 is not required to pass emissions so you would be good to go besides the check engine.

So down to the real issue, This car has an EGR system which gets clogged up. Just in case you don't know what an EGR system is, it recirculates some of the exhaust of the car to reburn the air. This creates better emissions. When this system gets clogged it can trigger a check engine light for emissions. There is a oil catch can that is part of the system that has a (forgot what it's called) for a lack of a better term fire ring inside of it. This ring basically keeps from a fire starting in the system. It collects dirt and other crap on it that eventually clogs this system. My old 90 was clogged and I was told by our mechanic it's an easy job but I sold the car before I ever fixed it.
I don't want to guarantee it is this but it's just one possible direction.

I would suggest looking on www.quattroworld.com