Passat Amber light (glow plug)

[fourstardan]

On Friday I put my Passat b8 into an indy for a cam change and service.

Yesterday evening amber engine light comes on, so it went back to them today, the code came back as glow plugs.

Removing the first glow plug showed residue on it.

Is this cause for concern and going to be something they've fooked up doing the cam/oil change?

I can't believe the glow plugs gone, its only done 75k.

[Drive Blind]

glow plug failed on my mk7 Golf. Read the code, change the plug.
Replacement was 13 quid from ECP

Mine would have been under 50K miles when it failed.

my thread > here

[fourstardan]

Cheers matey, I wonder if this is just extremely bad coincidence with getting the work done a few days before.

Wouldn't surprise me so far on this B8 I've had a passenger Door Lock go after about 60k and then the boot lock packed up for some reason 5k later.

[Who me ?]

Be aware that there's another common fault on other VAG vehicles. Switch on, glow plug light comes on ,and engine starts ,but glow plug flashes. Check for brake lights as the brake switch is two element. One brings on lights as contacts make. other contacts break to tell ECU that switch works.

[fourstardan]

[quote=Who me ?]Be aware that there's another common fault on other VAG vehicles. Switch on, glow plug light comes on ,and engine starts ,but glow plug flashes. Check for brake lights as the brake switch is two element. One brings on lights as contacts make. other contacts break to tell ECU that switch works.
[/quote]

This wasn't the glow plug on, just Engine Management light.

Im thinking about getting something to read codes now, has anyone got any recommendations?

[Drive Blind]

fourstardan said:

Im thinking about getting something to read codes now, has anyone got any recommendations?

I've got the proper rosstech vcds cable - bought it about 8 years ago. Cost me about £250, looking at prices on Ebay I could probably get most of that back if I sold it now. It has more than paid for itself being used on about 10 cars belonging to myself, relatives, friends, etc.

The problem with vcds now is it's more £££'s and the different versions are locked by VIN no. A fully unlocked one like my older one now comes in at about £500 i think.

No experience of using any of the cheaper alternatives

[Belle427]

I have a few genuine tools but needed Vcds to code a steering rack on my own car so took a punt on a hooky copy advertised on Facebook locally, worked a treat for me.
Obviously not for everyone but I decided to take a chance on this occasion as I was already £400 in on the replacement steering rack.

[fourstardan]

After taking it in earlier in the week the light came on again today so another diag and the same issue.

Glowplug clearly needs replacing, cars 5 years old and done 75k so could just be pot luck.

[Belle427]

They are an electrical component and can fail at any time really, I’d probably Chuck a new set in for what they cost.

[fourstardan]

Belle427 said:

They are an electrical component and can fail at any time really, I’d probably Chuck a new set in for what they cost.

Yeh you are right, I think I will just do the whole set.