VW Passat glow plug warning light

rosewine · December 18th, 2008, 10:19 AM

Hi,
I own a 2004 VW Passat TDI. I have owned it since April 2008 and it has run fine, no problems. But last week I was returning from a trip to Harrogate North Yorkshire (I live in Wiltshire). I had done about 130 miles when the glow plug warning light came on, i was near the hard shoulder so I pulled over and stopped, turned the engine off and after a few minutes started the engine again and the light went off, so I resumed my journey. I must have only gone on for a mile or so when the light came on again plus engine management system was flashing, immediately the car lost all power, I was putting my foot on the accelerator as I was in the fast lane and needed to pull over but nothing was happening. I managed to get on the hard shoulder and called AA. they couldnt find anything wrong (again engine started ok) but they towed me home as they couldnt be sure it would get me home, another 90 miles on the motorway. They advised me to take it to VW in the morning, but as the car was and still is running fine, mainly short trips around town and a 50 mile trip on motorway to test it I am loath to take it to the garage and possibly incurr huge costs. But I am planning to take 2 trips up north in the new year and I'm worried the same thing could happen again, it was pretty scary, losing all power in the fast lane

Can anybody give me some advice on whats the best route to take to try to find out the fault or do I just forget about it as it seems to be running fine now?

I, Brian · January 12th, 2009, 11:46 PM

Unfortunately it does sound like an electrical fault you're going to need to look at - I think you realise yourself how serious the situation must be if you can lose all power in the fast lane.

It may cost to have the car looked at in the garage - but think of the costs you'll incur if there's something that desperately needs attention.

AtoeMonro · January 25th, 2009, 10:10 AM

nice forum^)

buyadvice · January 28th, 2009, 06:47 PM

I feel you must consult a mechanic without ignoring the matter fully.

kurtdaniel · April 29th, 2009, 12:17 PM

I think it normally means the brake light switch is broken, check if the brake lights work!

December 18th, 2008, 10:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
rosewine Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1	VW Passat glow plug warning light Hi, I own a 2004 VW Passat TDI. I have owned it since April 2008 and it has run fine, no problems. But last week I was returning from a trip to Harrogate North Yorkshire (I live in Wiltshire). I had done about 130 miles when the glow plug warning light came on, i was near the hard shoulder so I pulled over and stopped, turned the engine off and after a few minutes started the engine again and the light went off, so I resumed my journey. I must have only gone on for a mile or so when the light came on again plus engine management system was flashing, immediately the car lost all power, I was putting my foot on the accelerator as I was in the fast lane and needed to pull over but nothing was happening. I managed to get on the hard shoulder and called AA. they couldnt find anything wrong (again engine started ok) but they towed me home as they couldnt be sure it would get me home, another 90 miles on the motorway. They advised me to take it to VW in the morning, but as the car was and still is running fine, mainly short trips around town and a 50 mile trip on motorway to test it I am loath to take it to the garage and possibly incurr huge costs. But I am planning to take 2 trips up north in the new year and I'm worried the same thing could happen again, it was pretty scary, losing all power in the fast lane Can anybody give me some advice on whats the best route to take to try to find out the fault or do I just forget about it as it seems to be running fine now?

January 12th, 2009, 11:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
I, Brian Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Re: VW Passat glow plug warning light Unfortunately it does sound like an electrical fault you're going to need to look at - I think you realise yourself how serious the situation must be if you can lose all power in the fast lane. It may cost to have the car looked at in the garage - but think of the costs you'll incur if there's something that desperately needs attention.

January 25th, 2009, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
AtoeMonro Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1	hi all nice forum^)

January 28th, 2009, 06:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
buyadvice Car & Autos forum Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 22	Re: VW Passat glow plug warning light I feel you must consult a mechanic without ignoring the matter fully.

April 29th, 2009, 12:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
kurtdaniel Car & Autos forum Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 14	Re: VW Passat glow plug warning light I think it normally means the brake light switch is broken, check if the brake lights work!


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