Audi A2 Diesel: Heavy Smoke & Glow Plug Warning Signs

The symptoms match what I encountered with my 2008 Audi A3 2.0 TDI. The glow plug system failure often shows these exact warning signs, constant glow plug light, engine light, and black smoke during acceleration. In my case, the car maintenance revealed that the glow plug control module had corroded connections, and two glow plugs had failed. The smoke during acceleration happens because of incomplete combustion during cold start, as the heating element system is not working properly. The fix required: Testing all glow plugs individually, Replacing the faulty glow plug control module, Cleaning the connector pins, Checking the wiring harness for damage This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, as continued driving can damage injectors and affect engine performance. The repair shop had to use specialized diagnostic equipment to confirm which glow plugs were failing. The black smoke is a clear indicator that the engine is running rich to compensate for poor cold start performance. Get it checked soon, as driving with faulty glow plugs can lead to starting problems and increased fuel consumption.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Had almost identical issues with my A2. The constant glow plug light and engine warning were really concerning. Got it fixed about 3 months ago and the car runs perfectly now. Did you remember roughly how much you paid for the full repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues with the heating element system? My mechanic mentioned that glow plug problems often cascade into other issues if left unchecked, so Im curious if you experienced any follow-up problems.

Had my A3 fixed at the repair shop and it turned out to be a much simpler fix than expected. The diagnostic test revealed a defective glow control unit, but it was just the cable connection that needed repair, not the entire unit. Total bill came to 95 Euro, which was a relief since I was worried about a complete replacement. Since the repair, the diesel engine has been running flawlessly. No more warning lights, smooth cold starts, and the black smoke issue completely disappeared. The heating element system works perfectly now, especially during those chilly mornings. Your mechanic is right about catching these issues early. When glow plug problems go unfixed, they can definitely cause bigger engine troubles down the line. But three months into the repair, I have zero complaints, the car starts right up and runs like it should. Preventive car maintenance really pays off in these situations. Getting it fixed early probably saved me from more expensive repairs later.

The situation is finally resolved! Got it sorted at my local repair shop last week. The mechanic ran a full diagnostic test which confirmed what others suggested, it was indeed the glow control unit causing all the trouble. The final repair included replacing two faulty glow plugs and fixing corroded wiring in the control unit. My diesel engine now starts perfectly, even on cold mornings. No more warning lights or black smoke during acceleration. The total cost came to 320 Euro, which included parts and labor. While not cheap, it was worth every cent considering how smoothly the car runs now. The mechanic also cleaned the connectors and checked the entire heating element system to prevent future issues. Regular car maintenance could have caught this earlier, but at least its fixed now. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice, saved me from potentially bigger engine problems down the road.