Glow plug flashing & brake light switch out-coincidence?

Yesterday, my glow plug started flashing. (I had my fuel injector pump replaced 2 months ago.) When I got to work an hour later the brake light wouldn't go out. Went to the dealer and was told about the recall for the brake light switch. Getting that done tomorrow and they'll check the flashing glow plug out. My question: Can the two problems be related? The service guy said absolutely not. They are not connected in any way. The switch will be replaced under the recall but they'll dig into the flashing glow plug and let me know what's up. Does this sound right? It's just really strange that they both happened within an hour of each other. Could the defective switch trip the glow plug somehow? And why wasn't I notified about the recall?? I have an '03 Jetta TDI. Help out a very unmechanical person!

A flashing glow plug light indicates a computer / electrical problem, which in your case is extremely likely to be your brake light switch. The service guy should read your car's manual.

Due to whatever reason, the Flashing Glow Plug Light (FGPL) is what will warn you when there is a problem with the brake lights. There are 16 year old kids on this site that know this. If your VW trained technician charges you for diagnosing this, suggest to them that place the bill in a place that only a proctologist would find.

I think I'm speachless...I hate dealers.

Find A Different Dealer To Do Recall!!!! Do Not Tell Them About Flashing Glow Plug Light!!! Which dealer is this? Maybe someone from your area can suggest a different dealer.

I'm going to the dealer in Palmdale, Ca as I'm pretty limited on dealer choice. I'm hoping to get several responses to my question so I can print the thread and bring it with me tomorrow when I tell them to ONLY fix the recall item and don't touch the glow plug. You guys are awesome!

lmquinn said:

I'm going to the dealer in Palmdale, Ca as I'm pretty limited on dealer choice. I'm hoping to get several responses to my question so I can print the thread and bring it with me tomorrow when I tell them to ONLY fix the recall item and don't touch the glow plug. You guys are awesome!

Click to expand...

You should not have to show a dealership service advisor that a flashing glowplug indicator may indicate:
1) a faulty brake switch, or
2) a burnt-out brake bulb

Other indicators of a faulty brake switch are:
1) cruise control doesn't engage or stay engaged
2) automatic transmission models may be hard to get out of PARK.

Do not let the dealership mess with your glowplugs or glowplug harness -- it is a hugely profitable line of work for them, and rarely improves a thing. Just get the recall out of the way, and try to stay away from the dealership. Learn to do your own maintenance, find a local shop to do brakes and suspension stuff, when you need a new timing belt go see Harvieux in Fullerton (well worth the drive).

And plan to spend a lot of time here at tdiclub -- it can save you thousands of dollars.

T-rex said:

Learn to do your own maintenance, find a local shop to do brakes and suspension stuff, when you need a new timing belt go see Harvieux in Fullerton (well worth the drive).

And plan to spend a lot of time here at tdiclub -- it can save you thousands of dollars.

Click to expand...

The only thing I would add is to Plan well ahead to have the TB done if you choose Harvieux. He is busy.

Update to issue

Took the car to the dealer yesterday. Brake light switch was replaced and glow plug problem went away. Imagine that! I hate dealers.

lmquinn said:

Took the car to the dealer yesterday. Brake light switch was replaced and glow plug problem went away. Imagine that! I hate dealers.

Click to expand...

You just need to become more knowledgeable about your TDI, so dealerships (or independent shops) will know not to try selling work you don't need.