1983 Audi 5000 BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Glow Plugs: 4000

  1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Connect test light between No. 4 cylinder glow plug and ground. Turn ignition to heating position. Test light should glow. If not, check glow plug relay, ignition switch, or fuse box relay plate.
  2. If test light glows, turn ignition off. Connect ammeter between No. 4 cylinder glow plug and battery positive lead. Turn ignition switch on for several seconds. Initial current draw will be as high as 140 amps but will stabilize to 36 amps in a few seconds.
  3. To determine inoperative glow plug, remove wire and bus bar for plugs. Connect test light to battery positive terminal. Touch test light probe to each glow plug in turn.
  4. If light glows, glow plug is good. If light does not glow, glow plug is defective and should be replaced.
  5. If total current draw exceeded 36 amps in step 2), check current to each individual glow plug. Replace any glow plug drawing more than 9 amps.
  6. A total current draw of less than 36 amps indicates one or more defective glow plugs. A current of 27 amps is 1 bad glow plug, 18 amps is 2 bad glow plugs, and 9 amps is 3 bad glow plugs.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.