VW Golf 2009 1.6 TDI Fault Codes

[Mottie]

I just disconnect the glow plugs and using a test lamp connected to the positive side of the battery, check to see that it lights up when touched onto the glow plug thread.

Did you try this?

 

[Peter.N.]

If you ave 12.45 volts across the glow plugs it would suggest that they are all or mostly open circuit, connect a meter on the ohms range between the glow plug feed and earth, it should read 1 ohm or less.

Peter

 

[Caesar]

Hi Peter

Checked the resistance across the Glow Plugs by placing probe on negative battery terminal and positive on the tip of the glow plug and they all read 1.7 Ohms! Is his normal?

 

[Burnerman]

I'd say that was a little high but it is within the general tolerance of these things.
A little test.....touch the tips of your meter together, the reading should be zero. It is a digital meter you are using?
John

 

[Caesar]

Hi John

It is a digital meter indeed. Just put the tips together and there was a measurement of 0.2 Ohms

 

[Burnerman]

Ok so let's assume the plug resistance is around 1.5 ohms. It's encouraging that each plug is the same - either they work or they don't , in which case the resistance is infinite.
I think these plugs are working fine, assuming that they receive voltage the moment the ignition is turned on.....you can check with your multimeter which I guess you've done.
Tell us......is the car driving well, has it flat spots or does it tend to stall? Is the tickover and starting reliable?
John

 

[Caesar]

Hi John

The car seems to be running smoothly bar the check engine light. The only problem is during startup. It takes a fraction of a second longer than usual to start. Do you think that the other codes have anything to do with the glow plug issue. Is there an underlying fault with the ECM and would a software upgrade do the trick?

Thanks in advance

 

[Burnerman]

Sorry, I'm just guessing now and probably wasting your time.....consider calling BBA-Reman and have your details / fault codes at hand. They are very helpful over the phone.
John

 

[Peter.N.]

Did you disconnect the plugs when you tested them?

Peter

 

[Caesar]

Hi Peter

Yes plugs were disconnected when tested

 

[Peter.N.]

They sound fairly well OK then, the resistance should be lower but its very difficult to get a good enough contact for an accurate reading.

Peter

 

[Caesar]

Hi All

Finally gave the car to VW to diagnose. After 4 days they said all 4 glow plugs faulty and needs new Control unit and the cost!!! £500 is this normal?

 

[Mottie]

I thought others on here had confirmed that the glow plugs were okay? Someone's wrong.

 

[Burnerman]

This is based on no genuine knowledge whatsoever but some glow systems rely on differing voltages and time spans - even switching on when the engine is hot in some cases just to help emissions.....therefore our testing methods may not always apply.
Either way it would seem that the price of the new plugs and operating relay is extreme but maybe VW are guarding their private parts should the old plugs snap on removal.
I think I'd be heading for an independent VW specialist!
John