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elizabethstern1

VW Sharan Glow Plug Light Stays On Despite Cold Start

Looking for urgent advice on my 2005 VW Sharan diesel. The glow plug warning light stays on continuously and the system shows a stored error code. With 72370km on the clock, I want to avoid another bad mechanic experience. Has anyone dealt with a similar glow plug issue on their Sharan? How much did the repair cost and what exactly needed fixing? The cold start still works, but I am concerned about potential engine combustion problems if I keep driving like this.

4 comment(s)

achimfrank7

As a VW Touran 2.0 TDI 2008 owner, I faced this exact glow plug issue. The continuous glow plug warning light combined with error codes typically indicates either faulty glow plugs or a control module problem. During cold start conditions, my car showed similar symptoms but would still start. The diagnosis revealed two failed glow plugs and corrosion in the wiring harness connector. The repair involved replacing all glow plugs as a set and installing a new wiring harness since the original was damaged. This was a serious repair that required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly assess the diesel engine control system. Left unaddressed, faulty glow plugs can lead to engine misfire, increased emissions, and poor cold start performance. In severe cases, it can cause incomplete combustion and potential engine damage. The check engine light may also activate if the problem persists. The repair took about 4 hours, including diagnostic time. While the cold start function might work now, continuing to drive with faulty glow plugs risks damaging other components. Recommend getting it checked by a VW specialist who can properly diagnose whether its just the glow plugs or if theres an underlying electrical issue.

elizabethstern1 (Author)

Thank you for describing your repair experience. I had almost identical issues with my Sharan. The rough idle during cold start finally pushed me to get it fixed. After replacing the glow plugs and harness, the diesel car runs perfectly now, especially in cold weather. Would you mind sharing the total repair cost? Also, has everything stayed working properly since the fix, or have you noticed any other engine misfire symptoms?

achimfrank7

Got the glow plug repair done on my Touran last month, total cost was 440€ parts and labor. The fuel efficiency has improved noticeably since the fix, especially during cold starts. My diesel engine runs much smoother now with no rough idle or warning lights. The mechanic found similar issues to yours, faulty glow plugs and damaged wiring harness. Since replacing both, everything has worked flawlessly. No engine light problems, no misfires, and the cold start performance is back to normal. The investment was worth it to prevent potential long-term engine damage. I definitely recommend addressing glow plug failures promptly when they occur. Waiting too long can lead to bigger issues with the engine combustion system. Regular maintenance checks can help catch these problems early.

elizabethstern1 (Author)

The mechanic experience turned out better than expected. Taking the car in last week, they diagnosed faulty glow plugs and a corroded wiring harness, exactly what you mentioned. Total repair came to 380€, slightly less than yours. The diesel car starts perfectly now, even in cold conditions. No more warning lights or rough idle issues. The engine combustion feels smoother and more responsive. Really glad I addressed the glow plug problem before it caused more serious engine damage. Had a brief scare when the engine light flickered once after the repair, but it was just a loose connection the mechanic quickly fixed under warranty. No engine misfire or other issues since then. The shop did a thorough job testing everything after the repair. Definitely worth getting it done by a proper specialist. Going to stick to regular maintenance checks from now on. Learned my lesson about waiting too long when warning lights appear. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it helped push me to get this fixed before bigger problems developed.

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