Check engine light

kathie659 · Jan 4, 2015

2001 Jetta Diesel - Don't have owners manual - today a light came on that looks like 2 loops (previous owner - daughter) says its the glow plug light - and the check engine light.....Taking it to mechanics tomorrow - just wondering if it IS both the glow plug and check engine light? He is not a diesel mechanic but can set it up on machine to determine code - I hope (BTW done waiting for daughter to find owners manual - going to try to buy one today)!

I hate to go to mechanic with no idea what it could be - hence the question. Thanks

nesdon · Jan 4, 2015

Find an indy VW garage that will scan it for free

That glow plug light has a few of functions, not sure what all of them are, but it also goes off for water in the fuel filter. Generally doesn't go off for the glow plugs unless they are called on by the ECU, which varies by year, but I think for that one it is like 40 deg F, so it's its on and it hasn't been started when cold, it may be one of the other meanings.

In general it's always a good idea to avoid dealers and go to garages that specialize in your make and model of car. With modern OBDII cars, a good shop should scan your car for free and let you know what the scanner says it wrong and what it will cost to fix.

marshalldanielp · Jan 4, 2015

Have you noticed any difference in performance?

Also does the glow plug light stay on or flash? Does it go out after the car starts?

Most auto parts stores will scan the car for you at no charge. You could take the car this afternoon and get the codes, post results and be better prepared for tomorrow.

Check the brake lights, I believe if one is out they can cause the glow plug light

kathie659 · Jan 5, 2015

No difference in performance - unfortunately I don't know of any diesel mechanics in my area (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA)

Thanks for the info - I will get it to an autoparts store this afternoon...

turboboost1 · Jan 5, 2015

kathie659 said:
No difference in performance - unfortunately I don't know of any diesel mechanics in my area (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA)

Thanks for the info - I will get it to an autoparts store this afternoon...

Contact Dieseldubs.. They changed the name. About an hour away from you but a trusted GURU.. http://dieseldubs.com/epages/34a903...78b-4f62-bbfe-116c3f42b6af/Categories/Imprint

kathie659 · Jan 15, 2015

Glow plug lights

Well after at least 10 days, I finally have an appointment! When I stopped in the shop he had an 08 Jetta TDI on the lift and a diesel "bug" waiting for next lift. Hope that's a good sign - I will let you know how I make out.

Ol'Rattler · Jan 15, 2015

This may sound wacky, but a bad brake light swtch will cause the glow plug light to come on. Does your cruise control engage? If not, go ahead and change the brake light switch.

whitedog · Jan 15, 2015

Ol'Rattler said:
This may sound wacky, but a bad brake light swtch will cause the glow plug light to come on. Does your cruise control engage? If not, go ahead and change the brake light switch.

Are those things still under a recall?

Ol'Rattler · Jan 15, 2015

IDK about any recall, but there could be.

Faulty brake light switches on Dubs have been an issues for many years though.

DanEboy · Jan 15, 2015

I think the recall expired.
Good thing is the switch itself is inexpensive.
Kathleen, I hope it's just a brakelight is burned out.
If you back up to a wall you can check the lights yourself at night!

kathie659 · Jan 16, 2015

Here's hoping

Mech is checking it out today - hopefully it is nothing major (and he is as honest as the Mechanic that recommended him)

RunnerwiththeTDI · Jan 16, 2015

kathie659 said:
Mech is checking it out today - hopefully it is nothing major (and he is as honest as the Mechanic that recommended him)

Keep us posted!

kathie659 · Jan 18, 2015

After looking at the number of vw's in the lot, I don't think I will be hearing anything soon!
But i'll post what I find out!

keaton85 · Jan 19, 2015

Should have just taken it to autozone or advance auto parts. They will scan it for free.

Realistically, if you own a car, you should own a scanner. They are cheap and great to have in the glovebox just incase.

sdeck · Jan 19, 2015

If your car is an automatic, a faulty brake light switch won't let you put it in gear.

whitedog · Jan 19, 2015

The brake switch is two parts. I haven't looked at the diagram but I know one part runs the lights and one part runs the cruise control but I don't know what part runs the shift interlock. It's a good thing to look into.

Mike_04GolfTDI · Jan 20, 2015

^ Contact the vendor of your Chinese push button starter and see if they can offer you some advice. Will they stand behind their product that ruined your car?

Just kidding... Sorry

BobnOH · Jan 20, 2015

Thoughts for mloecher-
Go over to http://forums.tdiclub.com/ and find the model specific forum and re-post there.
This thread is a discussion of a 2001 with completely different symptoms than you describe.
When you find the forum, read around for a few minutes, maybe search, you may find a better match.
Good Luck!

whitedog · Jan 20, 2015

BobnOH said:
Thoughts for mloecher-
Go over to http://forums.tdiclub.com/ and find the model specific forum and re-post there.
This thread is a discussion of a 2001 with completely different symptoms than you describe.
When you find the forum, read around for a few minutes, maybe search, you may find a better match.
Good Luck!

Yes. Once the OP has solved the problem, THEN jump in and ask your own question. Otherwise, people are trying to answer questions from too many people and no one knows what reply is for which problem.

This should be in a "Must read before posting" page.

kathie659 · Jan 20, 2015

I figure I need to find a mechanic eventually - I know this mechanic through my employer - never thought to ask him about diesels. He was recommended by my very much trusted (25-30 yrs of service) non- diesel mechanic.

I'll find out soon enough if this was a good decision.

Its a standard btw....

kathie659 · Jan 22, 2015

Glow plugs were the problem - seems whomever told my daughter they hanged the plugs (twice) lied. My mechanic showed me the plugs - 3 were original! He got a deal on bosch plugs (he wont guarantee aftermarket) - showed me the invoice so I know he didnt overcharge) and charged me $100.00 for all labor (including diagnostic). He said the filters (fuel, air) looked "old" suggested I bring it back for service when I had time. He also mentioned that the waterpump in this year had some propeller problems, gave me 2 options 1) Bring it back to be changed 2) Watch for temp spikes and stop driving immediately if the temp light comes on. The timing belt was changed 30K miles ago - he said that was good for another 70K, but its to bad they didnt do water pump as the cost in the new pump was in the labor it takes to get to it. He typically does water pump and timing belt at same time. Car runs like a champ - starts faster than ever, no light on. He also asked me to give him first shot if I ever decide to sell!

Tdijarhead · Jan 22, 2015

kathie659 said:
Glow plugs were the problem - seems whomever told my daughter they hanged the plugs (twice) lied. My mechanic showed me the plugs - 3 were original! He got a deal on bosch plugs (he wont guarantee aftermarket) - showed me the invoice so I know he didnt overcharge) and charged me $100.00 for all labor (including diagnostic). He said the filters (fuel, air) looked "old" suggested I bring it back for service when I had time. He also mentioned that the waterpump in this year had some propeller problems, gave me 2 options 1) Bring it back to be changed 2) Watch for temp spikes and stop driving immediately if the temp light comes on. The timing belt was changed 30K miles ago - he said that was good for another 70K, but its to bad they didnt do water pump as the cost in the new pump was in the labor it takes to get to it. He typically does water pump and timing belt at same time. Car runs like a champ - starts faster than ever, no light on. He also asked me to give him first shot if I ever decide to sell!

It sounds like you've found someone that is familiar with VW diesels. He's right about the water pumps , the originals had plastic impellers that would become loose on the shaft and not spin anymore.

The last timing belt change should have included the water pump, tenisioner and rollers, in addition to the belt. It's often not the belt that breaks but one of those others that fail and break the belt as a result.

If this was my car knowing what you know now I would buy a complete kit from one of the trusted vendors, idparts , metalmanparts etc and have it installed. Putting a new belt on without changing the other parts is an invitation to belt failure.

Lightflyer1 · Jan 22, 2015

Yep when done it should be a kit similar to this one:

http://www.dieselgeek.com/ALH_TDI_Timing_Belt_Kit_p/tbk-alh.htm

http://www.dieselgeek.com/ALH_TDI_Timing_Belt_Tool_Kit_p/mn-alh.htm

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/index.html

Many of our vendors here sell such kits as Dieselgeek (registered forum vendor) does. The person installing it should also have the proper tools and knowledge as well as VCDS. If your mechanic is good he might be inclined to join and apply to be on our trusted mechanics list. The link for that is in my signature below.

meerschm · Jan 22, 2015

Kathie can put(nominate) the mechanic on the list, can't she?

Lightflyer1 · Jan 22, 2015

meerschm said:
Kathie can put(nominate) the mechanic on the list, can't she?

I think there is a little more to it than just that, but yes.

kathie659 · Jan 25, 2015

Had the car back around a week - had no problems - but NOW the plug light is flashing constantly (prior to plug change it was a constant ON)

So here we are - I know the plugs needed changing (3 were found to be original on a 2001) regardless and he only charged $100 for labor, but now we have to wait again for an appointment.

My daughter never had a problem with this car, but it was more of a "spare" and rarely used. We use it daily and travel 100's of miles a week.... So far the amount we've put into the alternator, battery and glow plugs is nowhere near with the car would have cost us from anyone other than my daughter.....

As far as nominating the mechanic? I would like to have at least 6 months - year successful history with him.....

meerschm · Jan 25, 2015

He should try to squeeze you in. flashing light is the car really yelling for help.

more serious than not flashing.

kathie659 · Jan 26, 2015

I have another vehicle - the only place we will be driving the jetta is the 2 minute trip to the mechanics....

whitedog · Jan 26, 2015

A flashing CEL is a serious problem. A flashing glow plug light isn't.

Lightflyer1 · Jan 26, 2015

If I were you I would get the car to a trusted mechanic from the list. They should be able to help you out without throwing parts at it and getting it fixed the first try. As before the link is in my signature below. When you have to pay for labor and parts you want them to diagnose and fix properly the first time.

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