VW Beetle Glow Plug Failure: Real Cost Guide

Had a similar issue with my 2013 VW Golf TDI diesel engine last winter. The check engine light came on and cold start became increasingly difficult, especially during the colder months. The preheating lamp stayed illuminated, matching your symptoms exactly. A diagnostic scan revealed faulty glow plugs, two had completely failed and one was showing intermittent function. This is actually a common issue on these TDI engines around the 100000km mark. The repair required replacing all four glow plugs since they typically wear at similar rates. The job itself isnt particularly complex, but access can be tricky and requires specific tools. My mechanic also discovered carbon buildup in the glow plug holes which needed cleaning, this is important to prevent future issues. While glow plug replacement is not a catastrophic repair, ignoring it can lead to more serious problems like engine misfire or starting system damage. The repair should include: Full diagnostic scan, Removal and inspection of all glow plugs, Cleaning of glow plug holes, Installation of new glow plugs, System testing to confirm proper function Recommend getting this addressed soon to avoid potential cold weather starting issues or further engine damage.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Good to know others have dealt with the same glow plug problems. My Beetle is showing those exact preheating lamp and cold start symptoms. I finally got the repair done just before winter and the engine combustion is much smoother now, especially during cold starts. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was at your shop? I also wonder if you had any related fuel efficiency or starting issues pop up since getting it fixed? Want to make sure I know what to watch out for with my diesel car going forward.

Since getting the glow plugs replaced at my shop a while back, my diesel engine has been running perfectly. The total cost came to 440€ for replacing all four glow plugs, including parts and labor. The rough idle completely disappeared after the fix. The fuel efficiency actually improved slightly once the new glow plugs were installed. The diesel car starts reliably now, even in cold weather, and I havent experienced any related issues since the repair. The engine combustion is noticeably smoother, especially during those first few minutes after a cold start. Just keep an eye on your temperature gauge and listen for any unusual sounds during startup. With proper maintenance, these diesel engines can run reliably for many more kilometers. The glow plug replacement should give you worry-free starts for years to come.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. I ended up taking my Beetle to a certified diesel specialist who confirmed the glow plug diagnosis. The repair cost came to 395€ total, slightly less than expected after reading your experiences. The mechanic found all four glow plugs needed replacement due to carbon buildup. The check engine light is now off and cold starts are back to normal. The rough idle I was experiencing has completely disappeared. Best part is the engine combustion feels much smoother overall. Fuel economy has improved a bit too. Really glad I got this fixed before winter hit. The whole repair took about 3 hours and the shop even showed me the old damaged plugs. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who always seemed to hide information.

Hello! My 2018 VW Touran 2.0 TDI suddenly started very poorly in cold weather. Thanks to the Carly adapter, after reading out the data, it quickly became clear that the glow plug control unit was defective (cost €80-200, depending on the manufacturer). After the replacement, it took about 4 months, then the engine electronics warning light came on. Again, after reading out the fault memory, it quickly became clear that the glow plugs cylinder 3+4 had a short circuit to ground and had to be replaced. So all were replaced (1-4), with cylinders 1, 2 and 4 being normal glow plugs (about €45 each at VW), and cylinder 3 a glow plug with a pressure sensor (about €225 at VW). However, these are cheaper in accessories (e.g., Bosch for €14.50 for the normal one and €160 for the one with a pressure sensor. I myself got the Beru set for €135). CAUTION: Pay attention to the exact fit for the vehicle type/engine, as it can happen that the glow plug cylinder 3, with a pressure sensor, is not recognized and the warning light comes on again!!! After changing the glow plugs and clearing the fault memory, my vehicle is now error-free! Good luck!!!

(Translated from German)

It's great to hear that you resolved the issue with your VW Touran by replacing the glow plugs and the control unit. Thanks for sharing your experience and the caution about ensuring the correct fit for the glow plug with a pressure sensor. This is crucial to avoid further warning lights and ensure proper engine function. If you notice any further issues or have questions about your vehicle's performance, feel free to ask. Keep an eye on the engine's performance, especially during cold starts, to ensure everything continues to run smoothly.