2001 vw jetta flashing engine light

i was wondering if any one or had this problem before when giving it gas it hasitates and dont want to go then the check engine light flashes 18 times then goes out it does not stay on is there a code 18 for this year or is it new it is a 2001 vw jetta
The "check engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.

The flashing part of this means that the engine is misfiring badly enough to damage the catalytic converter and it should be driven that way.

There was a typo in there. I meant to say it shouldn't be driven that way.