Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Glow Plugs
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench (5-50 Nm) V.A.G 1331
- Engine Bung Set VAS 6122
- Hose Clip Pliers VAS 6362
- Socket Insert AF 12 for Glow Plugs 4-Cyl. TDI CR VAS 6454
- Follow the safety precautions when working on the diesel direct injection system. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .
- Observe the rules for cleanliness. Refer to CLEAN WORKING CONDITIONS .
Always follow these instructions before and during work.
Requirements
- Ignition is turned off.
- Engine must be cold.
Removing
When removing the glow plugs, make sure no contaminants enter the fuel system and the glow plug bore.
Seal off the connections in the fuel system using plugs from the engine bung set VAS 6122.
-- Remove the engine cover. Refer to ENGINE COVER .
-- Remove the protective strip, if equipped.
-- Disconnect the fuel injector connectors -A-, the exhaust pressure sensor 1 -G450- connector -B- and the fuel pressure sensor -G247- connector -C-.
-- Remove the coolant line bolts -arrows- from the intake manifold and lay the line in front of the intake manifold.
-- Remove the fuel return line bolt from the intake manifold.
Always follow the procedure "glow plug connector, disconnecting and connecting.
-- Disconnect the glow plug connectors. Refer to GLOW PLUG CONNECTOR, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .
-- Reposition the hose clamp -arrow- using the hose clip pliers VAS 6362 and remove the line from the fuel rail.
-- Before removing, clean the return line connection on the fuel injectors (for example using a commercially available detergent).
-- Dry the return line connections.
-- Cover the return line connections with a cloth.
-- Remove the fuel return line connections on the fuel injectors. Pull them upward to release them -arrow-.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.