Glow Plug Issue...

Recently my check engine light came on in my 2001 VW Golf TDI and I took my car to the dealer to get it checked out. It turns out that apparently the last place I got my car serviced at replaced the glow plug in cylinder #3 with a different glow plug than that of the other 3 cylinders. The service guy at the dealer said that the original plugs are Bosch, and the one that is different is Beru. He said that the Bosch plugs draw 10.5 amps and the Beru plug draws 8.5 amps. This caused the check engine light to come on.
Now, the dealer will charge $180 parts/labor to fix it. My questions are, how difficult is it to replace a glow plug?, How much does the glow plug itself cost?, Where can I get the correct glow plug?, and what exactly is the part name/number of the correct glow plug?

Another curious note...the CEL didn't come on 'til quite awhile after the car was serviced? Why would this be the case?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

As little as $11 bucks and some change or up to $22 for bosh Beru.

OE Part Number: N10140105
Manufacturer's Part Number: 250202022 HERE $20 each

The 2nd and 3rd ones

Take a look at the the Glow Plug FAQ thread... Glow Plug 101 ver2

Your dealer is blowing smoke up your posterior orifice. Go get your car.

Test your glowplugs and see if any are really bad. If needed, order a new one from IMPEX, Danix, or Dieselgeek. $20 max. It could also be a glowplug harness issue. This handy thread tells you how. Glowplug 101 v.2

They remove and install like a spark plug. Remove them with the engine warm. One caveat. Put antisieze on the threads of the new one, and hand thread it until snug to avoid cross-threading. Then torque to 130 in/lbs, or 11 ft/lbs.

Well, the dealer did say that having that different plug in there doesn't hurt anything, but the check engine light will stay on. I really would rather have it off, since I won't be able to tell if something else goes wrong that would throw the CEL. As long as it is as easy as you say to replace the glowplugs, I might as well just do it myself. Which glowplugs do you recommend? Should I just replace the "odd" one with a matching Bosch instead of having to replace all the rest?

In all the times of changing GPs, I have never seen a case where a mix of plugs caused the CEL. Do as paramedick says: Test your glowplugs and see if any are really bad. You will have to have the code cleared after resolving the defective part. Find a helpful person with VAG-COM in your area.

Where is Ballard, WA located in relation to Seattle?

There are a few enthusiasts in WA and OR who could help you with the GP testing and VAG-COM depending on where you are located.

Keli

Ballard is basically a "neighborhood" or part of Seattle. I am just going to replace the glowplug myself, but I do need to find someone to help me clear the CEL.

Keli - who are you referring to...?

Yes there are a few TDI nuts around. It's actually a pretty easy job Chilli - let me know if you are hard pressed for help.

m-

Thanks alot for the offer. I just might have to take you up on that if I don't find anybody closer. I'm always driving down to Olympia to visit my family, so it wouldn't be a big deal to meet up with you. I really appreciate your's and everyone else's help.

the dealer said that the original plugs are Bosch, and the one that is different is Beru. He said that the Bosch plugs draw 10.5 amps and the Beru plug draws 8.5 amps. This caused the check engine light to come on.
Now, the dealer will charge $180 parts/labor to fix it. My questions are, how difficult is it to replace a glow plug?, How much does the glow plug itself cost?, Where can I get the correct glow plug?, and what exactly is the part name/number of the correct glow plug?

Another curious note...the CEL didn't come on 'til quite awhile after the car was serviced? Why would this be the case?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Click to expand...

The TDI Golf, Jetta & NB are built using either the Bosch or Beru Glow plugs. The issue is not to mix them. They should be installed as a set of four (4).
Bosch GP N-101-401-04
Beru GP N-101-401-05

If you've ever changed a spark plug, you should be able to change a glow plug. It's basically the same process.

>>If you've ever changed a spark plug, you should be able to change a glow plug.<<

What's a spark plug ???

(20+ years with VW Diesels... can't remember what I drove before...)

Yuri.

>>If you've ever changed a spark plug, you should be able to change a glow plug.<<

What's a spark plug ???

(20+ years with VW Diesels... can't remember what I drove before...)

Yuri.

Click to expand...

My lawn mower has two...Other than one purchase for it last summer, I haven't had to buy spark plugs in a long time.