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4K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  briano1234 
#1 ·
In 1982 we bought a new Rabbit sedan, diesel, and kept it for a couple of years. During that time, I seem to recall that the glow plug light would come on all the time, even though I may have just driven the car and it was nice and warm....like say from the house to the post office to go in and mail a letter. Once back in the car, when starting up again, the glow plug lite would activate as before.

Then in 06 we got a Jetta TDI, and it too ... even though engine was just turned off 15-20 seconds ago, the light would come on as usual. Of course, with both cars, once the engines were/are running, it goes off ... as normal.

Now, with my recent 'toy', the 1981 rabbit diesel, when I start it up the light comes on well and fine. But if I let it run and get warmed up, and then shut it off ... then back on 15-20 seconds later, the light does not come on ... and I have to crank more than if when it is on. Yes, it'll start after I press on the pedal a bit, but the fact it's not activated seems a problem.

Plugs are new; less than 50 miles on them so far.

Any suggestions? Am scheduled to take it to a 'more than me' expert in a week or so ... so is it something I should have him look at ... or is it something I might can check, adjust, etc.?

TIA
 
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#2 ·
In mid year 82 vw introduced the 7 second relay for the glow plugs. The use a "hotter plug" than the older 81 and 82.4 and below.

You can't buy the stay on forever glow plugs any more and only the 7 second one are available.
So if you are using the 7 second plugs, and don't have the 7 second relay in there that could be your issue.

I would look at your grounds, as in replacing them and then making sure that your bus bars between the plugs are clean and tight.
 
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