2009 Volkwagen Jetta TDI Glow Plug Flashing Issue

Been getting this issue since yesterday on my 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI in where it goes into limp mode and blinks the glow plug. Loses power/boost and makes it very difficult to pass/climb hills/drive highway speeds. Can reset for about a minute when cycling the engine power (turn off/on car), but consistently returns.
UPDATE: Got the error codes scanned by VCDS and its throwing a bunch of codes related to the turbo actuator. Tested vacuum line and it holds no vacuum. Looks like a replacement actuator will be needed for the turbo. Time to wait a week and see what happens! #Dieselgate
Update: July 2016 - Replaced Turbo Actuator and that fixed it!

[@hunnysingh2109]

I had the same problem of blinking and power loss. My Skoda superb 2012 model was driving with no pickup and very less power. There was a whistling noise as I touched rpm of 2. The fault diagnosed was turbo charger hose clamp was broken. Air was leaking from there and due to lack of air in acceleration car went into limp home mode of low power and glow plug light started blinking along with static engine chk light. Problem solved by simply replacing the clamp and tightening the hose pipe

[@BunnyAcee]

hunny singh thank you finally someone with the same problem, I’ve been trying to fix this problems for a long time now. I hope it works!

[@sumilkhansk]

@@BunnyAcee has it work pls lemme know ?

[@dylanowens3173]

The glow plug sensor runs through the brake light harness. When the glow plug stays on constantly the wires are probably broken. And low boost can also be caused by a hole in the pipe itself as it is just plastic. My 2006 tdi blew a hole out on the backside plastic pipe . As a quick fix I attached a metal strip and metal clamp to seal the hole to get back boost. When changing it out the wires to the brake light switch and glow plug where corded and broke. Which lead the brake lights staying on constantly and the glow plug light staying on. I had to re solder those wires and shrink wrap.

[@hayzeproductions7093]

Here is a little tip for those who dont know. If your jetta does that stupid limp mode shit, pull over, shut the engine off, pop the hood, and unplug the maf sensor, get in and start it back up. You will have all your power back and will run faster. This is whats called Limp Mode Home, and by unplugging your maf sensor, the ecm will just over-ride to default settings regardless of any other fault conditions. Been having to battle issues with this limp mode shit for months, so i just left the maf unplugged until i can get the money to replace the VNT actuator, and possibly a nox wideband sensor.

[@kingcaution6005]

I will try it

[@tylerlarson2810]

How long did you run it like that for?

[@hayzeproductions7093]

@@tylerlarson2810 man i ran it like that for a year. But there are some things you need to consider what happends when you do unplug maf. If your dpf light comes on you need to stop the car as soon as possible, shut car off, plug the maf back in start back up and drive till dpf light goes away. Otherwise your car will goto stage 2 limp and only way to get out of it is using vcds or a $800 scan tool.

[@tylerlarson2810]

Okay I appreciate it. It’s currently keeping mine outta limp mode and I’m able to get around until I come up with the money to fix it. I’ll be sure to plug it back in if dpf light comes on. I appreciate it

[@Prigglesteen]

@@hayzeproductions7093thanks for your comment! Though im glad I looked at your second comment here, you said that if the dpf light comes on with the MAP sensor unplugged that it’ll go into stage 2 limp mode? What if my dpf light is already on but im having sudden power loss? I just want to be able to drive my car safely til I get the funds to fix it, but I don’t want to rack up even more cost

[@johncolley2201]

From England I think your getting a little uptight om not knowing. So glow plug problem wont affect driving at all just starting if it gets too cold most garages will be able to change a flow plug you just have to identify the one that's not grounding anymore and change it or if the plugs have been in a long time maybee change all 4 as its not a bog job even for a for a competent home DIY mechanic just fiddly. The second issue you have is with deposits from the diesel fuel clogging up the EGR valve, now when you switch off and give it 5 mins the light will go off on start up and if you drive with gentle acceleration you can do the highway speed limit no problem it will only go into limp home mode when you accelerate a little to viciously, so just stop and wait then you can drive normally again although gently with the accelerator. You can clean out the EGR on some models, ( check out youtube for yours) but when this happened to my Passat I used an additive to help clear out the gunk from my EGR so I dosed the fuel and drove the car gently for about 500 miles then cautiously accelerated a little harder until nothing flashed up and could then drive normally and then I used the additive regularly and never had an issue again. going back to the glow plug issue there is a regulator box on some models that the plugs are wired too this can be an issue too but normally its the glow plug giving up, most competent garages can give you an analysis on the engine and components with an in depth analyzer that doesn't just to engine management faults. So if you drive gently until the additive works or you get it cleaned out it wont drop you into limp home mode and will not hurt the engine just frustrate you, happy new year please post eventual finalization for all to see. Best Wishes John

[@justicator]

Hey John. Sadly Volkswagen bought my car back due to the diesel gate scandal buyback program before the car got repaired

[@johncolley2201]

I know exactly what this is, its the sensor that is attached on the exhaust gas emission as it becomes clogged with gunk from the exhaust (EGR Valve) which is used to allow exhaust gas to heat the fuel to assist combustion, so if you accelerate hard it will automatically become confused when too dirty and tell the management system there is a problem and puts you into limp home mode You can buy additives that will help clean the valve out and if you use them with every tank full of diesel will cure the problem. So if you have this situation you can drive the car after this happens like the guy said, park safely turn off, count to 40 switch back on, the light will go away but{this is the most important thing} just accelerate gently and it wont happen again and will get you home easier than trying to drive when it happens, as the guy said you loose so much power its dangerous and almost halves your fuel consumption.

[@rafaelraffaello3745]

hi have this problem since yesterday too, So what should i do now to remove the problem at all? thank you .

[@seoulkidd1]

Rafael Raffaello clean or replace sensor

[@zoiksandmorezoiks2719]

I have the same problem on my 2011 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive. Odd thing is if I drive in higher revs, (keeping 2500 rpm and above it rarely comes on) Feels odd driving at 60mph in 3rd gear when I have a 5 speed gear box, and feels like the engine working hard to drive at normal speeds. I would like to fix it as it has caught me out before - over taking when power suddenly dropped..not good. What additives did you use? I might try replacing the sensor in the exhaust but will be annoying to spend £40 on that if it doesn't fix the problem so tryiing to find some info. My other thought was forcing a DPF regeneration as someone told me DPF regeneration wont happen if the engine warning light is on. Any ideas anyone?

[@zoiksandmorezoiks2719]

also my local garage plugged it into their diagnostic computer and it said 'turbo boost low' but they were not sure as a turbo seemed ok so they suspected a sensor fault but not sure which sensor...

[@NSXLA]

any update?

[@trentcdrums]

Is this covered under the TDI warranty?

[@tylerchisholm9430]

Chekk your dpf could be clogged I have the same issue right now and I scanned it it came up at accesive soot and something about the turbo and stuff but ya check dpf

[@xshahid1987x]

Hi mate, did the car go on a scan diagnostic test? If so what fault codes did it bring up?

[@Biplop786]

Hi ive got the glow plug flashing light coming on after a while of drive. my eml light is on but when i get it scanned with obd2 it shows the P0101 and P0101P code? this is the mass air flow sensor code? is this bad not sure what to do. its a seat leon 1.6tdi 2012

[@mobiline]

I got exact same car and same problem 😢 Did you find out what it was ? Thanks

[@Biplop786]

@@mobiline No sorry, I had to cancel my insurance for a bit so ive left the car on the side. Have you found out what it is? also with my car there seems to be no problems with the eml light on or glowplug flashing, well from what I am noticing. Only start stop doesnt work when glowplug light is flashing apart from that I am not noticing anything.

[@arnasvitk1]

@@mobiline DID U FIND OUT ?????

[@arnasvitk1]

@@Biplop786 DID U FIND OUT ?????

[@Slimeballcnn]

Did anyone check the solenoid valve on this issue? Does that help?

[@dannyrocket77]

I bought the diesel geek part. Works perfectly.

[@sasan_mhmmdmhmmd8410]

I have the same problem, could you tell me what is this geek part please? thanks

[@dannyrocket77]

@@sasan_mhmmdmhmmd8410 www.dieselgeek.com/products/p2015-code-repair-bracket-for-vw-common-rail-tdi-with-aluminum-manifold-03l-129-711e

[@dannyrocket77]

@@sasan_mhmmdmhmmd8410 Don't buy the knock off brands. I did l and it didnt fix the problem.

[@hardcore4476]

@@dannyrocket77 what is the part in that helped your gpe light from flashing?

[@hanareihana9209]

Hey I have the same problem and have had the vehicle scanned and it has come up engine speed sensor : no signal p0322

[@shaikmohammedsuhail4185]

I got the same glow plug issue while my car is running with glow plug other lights also showing like ABS light and steering light all problems are coming at same time can u find the problem

[@orenJF]

Mine is doing this exactly, what was the issue?

[@hussainqureshiwaish7364]

Hi there mate I think I've got exactly the same problem just wanted to know is it a big job meaning is it going to be expensive to repair? With labour and that.

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

I replaced the actuator myself and it was cheap but your issue may be different. What's your car doing besides the glow plug flashing. Is it going into limp mode?

[@kmturner1543]

@@ZeroTwoSixtymy car has the same issue and it's going into limp mode... Do u have any suggestions

[@danielreilly616]

@@ZeroTwoSixty my car has the same issue as you was it an easy fix wit going into limp mode after few min off bein on

[@modirwakwanaite5060]

hi guys my issue was the engine warning light coming where i lost power also. VW and other local workshops diagnostics pulled out an error that says there was a problem with water pump and i had them replaced and i was back in action. Couldn't believe it would be a water pump in the beginning but they were right. Now i am getting glow plug light flashing and they claim it might be electrical problem because of the faulty brake light switch...makes no sense to me why it would be caused by faulty brake light switch. I Haven't replaced the switch as yet.

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

+Modirwa kwanaite Wow that's definitely a strange one

[@pinchnpierce]

Was it damaging your car driving it like this?

[@johncolley2201]

issue you have is with deposits from the diesel fuel clogging up the EGR valve, now when you switch off and give it 5 mins the light will go off on start up and if you drive with gentle acceleration you can do the highway speed limit no problem it will only go into limp home mode when you accelerate a little to viciously, so just stop and wait then you can drive normally again although gently with the accelerator. You can clean out the EGR on some models, ( check out youtube for yours) but when this happened to my Passat I used an additive to help clear out the gunk from my EGR so I dosed the fuel and drove the car gently for about 500 miles then cautiously accelerated a little harder until nothing flashed up and could then drive normally and then I used the additive regularly and never had an issue again.

[@pinchnpierce]

@@johncolley2201 Thanks for that infor John,I haven't lost power at all nor has it gone into limp mode(yet) but I got a lift to work today and a mate is giving it a service. I did mention the EGR valve to him but not sure if he knows much about it. I will def watch the KZbin video on how to clean it but I'll purchase the additive like you did and I'll follow your instructions with it 😁I love my car and would hate to have to sell it or spend copious amounts of money on it. Thanks again for replying to me,I really appreciate it and I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers 😊

[@altinademaj4376]

I have the same problem on my sharan 1.9 tdi -98 when i accelerate it goes on limp mode what to do

[@gerolddo]

Use redex,on high gear...Wen limp mode turn the engine off and strategic it again,it will not go in limp mode,soon drive the car on high rpm....to clean the turbo of gunk...

[@colinparks619]

i only have these issues at low speed, drove for an hour today at 60 mph-80 mph came back i to a town and boom glow plug light starts acting up and now emissions light is on

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

I would suspect this is only going to get worse and happen more frequently. You will likely lose more and more boost pressure due to a leak and will likely worsen until it comes up almost immediately

[@paulburchell1762]

Just bought seat altea. Same problem... it sucks bro

[@jimsan1123]

Clean or replace your airflow massmeter.

[@NSXLA]

It would be helpful to know which codes you were getting.

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

I'm surprised I didn't list it anywhere as well, I know the fix was replacing my VNT turbo actuator, but this same behavior can be caused by other things

[@NSXLA]

Thanks - did you get error code P0237?

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

unfortunately It was a long time ago and I no longer remember

[@NSXLA]

My jetta is doing exactly the same thing as yours - they are running a smoke test on it currently - Don't know if that would show a bad actuator but a leaky one =]

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

I tested my actuator by using a small hand pump and the vacuum line going to the actuator and see if it held pressure

[@mettupmadhusudhanareddysud579]

how ca n slove glove plu flssh some time ,some time stop, agai n come vw vento tdi 2011 what do ,pick up 80_90 only pls pls suggestion

[@rahilaahmad9108]

For me same issues but pickup is still fine sometime power gets off but once I start again no glove light shows but after few minutes it will come again. . Did you solve this issue. And how much cost you?

[@johnhoward1426]

hey i have the same issue. did you find out how to fix it?

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

Hi John, I recommend getting the codes pulled from your car. I got some codes that told me that the turbo vane actuator went bad I checked the vacuum on the actuator and it did not hold any vacuum... so I ended up purchasing THIS part from IDParts www.idparts.com/vane-actuator-cbea-cjaa-p-2797.html and had to replace it. My Turbo Diesel has some information, but they said you would need a cutout deep socket and a wraparound wrench... which i bought but did not end up using!!! save your money and just get a fairly long 10mm Flex head ratchet wrench (something like this www.amazon.com/TEKTON-WRN77103-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Wrench/dp/B01F512F74/ref=sr_1_6?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1472414530&sr=8-6&keywords=10mm+flex+ratchet+wrench&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011 ) Instructions: www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/vnt-turbo-actuator-testing-and-replacement-mk5-mk6-tdi-engine/

[@iqbal0840]

Turbo boost pressure valve sensor is faulty replace that .

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

I don't have the car anymore, but your comment may help others, thanks!

[@iqbal0840]

Zero Two Sixty yes may help to others I was facing same problem in vw vento tdi today i visited cervice center & they replaced pressure valve sensor and all lights gone vehichel working fine

[@tamxeelmeer511]

I am having same engine check light and glow plug light and car has lost pickup vw Polo 1.2

[@tc6730]

I just ordered the part. Hopefully this will solve my problems with the car. I had a problem with the clogged DPF. Got it cleaned out and picked up the car from the garage. Drove it for 3 days, and the car went into the limp mode again. My guy told me to take the car to the dealership for active regen. However, since I just got the filter cleaned out, I wanted to see the other people with the same issue and it brought me here. I am hoping that it will work this time.

[@Pc-xp7mh]

Omg diagnose the car 😂😂😂

[@alikashif9057]

how to fix

[@alikashif9057]

i have same problem ,i want fax help me thanks

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

You will need to pull the engine fault codes for your car. You can do it yourself if you have a scan tool. I put out a video recently on a bluetooth obd scan tool

[@vsd1988]

i have the same issue rn with my ibiza 1.4 tdi 6L.

[@alikashif9057]

i have same problem how to fix .....

[@ZeroTwoSixty]

My particular issue was fixed by replacing my turbo vane actuator. This issue could also come on from any number of issues, (I've also had a bad boost sensor which did the same behavior) which you need to pull the codes from your car with a scanner.

[@trentcdrums]

. I took my car to the dealer and they replaced my whole fuel system under warranty.

[@MrDim09]

There are lot of reasons why glow plug warning flashes.So.....better go to an experienced mechanic.Lots of sensors.......

[@irishrapper483]

I’ve got it too but my brake lights don’t work rest of car is fine

[@paulburchell1762]

That could be the brake light switch mate

[@floramcdonald5524]

Buy product ... Archoil AR6400-D MAX

[@Pc-xp7mh]

Hahaha easy a flashing glowplug light os engine management so its a sensor ,bad connection faulty wires or clogged stuck egr thas failing