Flashing Pre-Glow and MIL lamps

2013 NMS Passat, 48K. Vehicle had been parked about two weeks. First start engine turned over much longer than normal. Pre-glow lamp continues to flash with MIL lamp illuminated. Drove about a block and returned home. Subsequent starts are successful but also require longer cranking than normal. Idle is smooth. Scheduled a service appointment with dealership. Anyone had a similar issue? Thanks.

I had a similar issue in April 2016. Used VCDS and discovered it was the turbo wastegate getting stuck. Problem fixed itself by the time I got to dealer. Hasnt reoccured since.

No such thing as a wastegate on a NMS. As to the OP, you need to check codes. This particular combination can indicate several problems. The worst being a failed turbo which is not to be taken lightly.

Check your oil level at minimum. If low, then drop the lower charge tube on the Intercooler and check for excess oil. More than a couple of teaspoons of lubricant is cause for concern.

As with all diesels the first commandment when a problem arises is to change filters. The fuel filter will be of primary concern. Make 100% sure there are no sparkles (metal shavings) in evidence. And even if the filter appears clean, replace it.

As I shared above, codes will likely at least hint at the problem. Given the circumstances described I would not be at all surprised if the engine was starving for fuel. Hopefully I'm correct as the filter is cheap and simple.

nord said:

No such thing as a wastegate on a NMS. As to the OP, you need to check codes. This particular combination can indicate several problems. The worst being a failed turbo which is not to be taken lightly.

Check your oil level at minimum. If low, then drop the lower charge tube on the Intercooler and check for excess oil. More than a couple of teaspoons of lubricant is cause for concern.

As with all diesels the first commandment when a problem arises is to change filters. The fuel filter will be of primary concern. Make 100% sure there are no sparkles (metal shavings) in evidence. And even if the filter appears clean, replace it.

As I shared above, codes will likely at least hint at the problem. Given the circumstances described I would not be at all surprised if the engine was starving for fuel. Hopefully I'm correct as the filter is cheap and simple.

Click to expand...

My apologies for oversimplifying. It is the VNT Actuator valve getting stuck. Dealer referred to it as the waste-gate. Its close to the firewall (passenger side..i think).
I don't have the Fault code that I found in VCDS, but will post when I get home. But my first guess was the Turbo. Thank god I dodged that bullet for now.

If we want to go all technical, the VNT actuator is mounted to the turbo close to the firewall, near the passengers side.

gprabhu said:

My apologies for oversimplifying. It is the VNT Actuator valve getting stuck. Dealer referred to it as the waste-gate. Its on the firewall (passenger side..i think).
I don't have the Fault code that I found in VCDS, but will post when I get home. But my first guess was the Turbo. Thank god I dodged that bullet for now.

Click to expand...

My fault Codes. I am an armchair mechanic. So i apologize, in advance if this doesnt meet expectations.

2 Faults Found:
9126 - Actuator Module for Turbocharger 1
P00AF 00 [096] - Stuck
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 129252 km
Date: 2016.04.25
Time: 06:47:45

9127 - Actuator Module for Turbocharger 1
P00AF 00 [096] - Stuck
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 129253 km
Date: 2016.04.25
Time: 06:48:29

all guesses until the codes are known

I suspect the longer cranking is due to a partially flat battery. Low voltage can then cause all kinds of modules to be unhappy. Try charging the battery, or buy a new one. Yours is at least 4 years old, so it's near to the end of its life.

Schnell TDI said:

2013 NMS Passat, 48K. Vehicle had been parked about two weeks. First start engine turned over much longer than normal. Pre-glow lamp continues to flash with MIL lamp illuminated. Drove about a block and returned home. Subsequent starts are successful but also require longer cranking than normal. Idle is smooth. Scheduled a service appointment with dealership. Anyone had a similar issue? Thanks.

Click to expand...

OP, Any updates? Codes pulled?

Code directed the tech to the crankshaft position sensor, he then found wires eaten by mice. $556 for the repair. The goodwill card covered $500. The dealership also replaced a tire at no charge that blew out a plug in the shop. They really seem to have shifted to a customer service centric approach. Past experience there was painful and I had used an independent recommended here for the 40k service. Happy but still registered for the buy back program. Thank you for all the helpful response.

my friend is a insurance agent, mice damage is almost always covered

Contacted the insurance company, you're right, it's covered. Thanks very much.