Arteon Diesel Glow Plug System Malfunction & Smoke Issues

Had the exact same electrical fault on a 2019 Passat 2.0 TDI last winter. The symptoms match perfectly, constant glow plug indicator, check engine light, and excess smoke under load. The car electronics diagnosis revealed a failed heating module connection at the preheater control unit. The repair involved replacing the entire glow plug control module since the cable connections had corroded, affecting the ignition system timing. This was causing incomplete fuel combustion during cold starts. The fix required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly calibrate the new preheater module with the engine management system. While not the most expensive repair, its definitely not a DIY job since it requires proper electrical diagnostic tools and programming. The heating module plays a critical role in cold weather performance and emissions control. Incorrect repair can lead to starting problems and potential engine damage. My suggestion is to have this checked soon at a shop with proper diagnostic capabilities. The symptoms indicate a failing preheater system that will only get worse if left unaddressed.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the diesel preheater system. The issue does sound identical to what I faced. I resolved mine a few months ago with my VW Arteon and it has been running perfectly since then. The vehicle heater symptoms match what you described, especially that annoying constant glow plug light. Just curious, do you remember the total repair cost for the heating module replacement and programming? Also, have you noticed any other electrical issues popping up after getting it fixed? Sometimes these car electronics problems can be related to other systems.

Since getting my Passat fixed, the engine preheat system has worked flawlessly. The repair was straightforward, just 95€ to fix a defective part in the cable connection at the preheating control unit. No programming was actually needed in my case, as the car electronics issue was isolated to just that connection point. No other electrical problems have emerged after the repair. The ignition system and heating module are both functioning perfectly now. The repair shop found the root cause quickly, which saved both time and money compared to replacing the entire control unit like they initially thought might be needed. The constant glow plug warning light disappeared immediately after they fixed the faulty connection, and the engine has been starting smoothly ever since, even on cold mornings.

I finally got my Arteon fixed last week and wanted to share how it went. Took it to a certified diesel specialist who actually found a more complex issue than expected with the preheating unit. The electrical fault extended beyond just the cable connections, turned out the entire control module was faulty. Total repair came to 485€, which included the new preheating control unit, programming, and diagnostic time. More than I hoped but less than I feared. The car preheater system is working perfectly now, no more warning lights, smooth cold starts, and the excessive smoke is completely gone. The ignition system needed a minor adjustment too, but the shop threw that in at no extra cost. Really glad I went with a specialist rather than trying a general mechanic again. The vehicle heater and all related systems are working exactly as they should now. For anyone facing similar symptoms, investing in proper diagnosis really pays off. My previous mechanic missed the root cause entirely, which could have led to more expensive problems down the line.