Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 2004 10:32:49 -0500
Reply-To:     "Ahlgrim, Kevin L" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Ahlgrim, Kevin L" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Testing glow plugs and then replacing tips
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Doc, I have been having, and still having, glow plug/relay problems. 
The inline fuse is to the left of the relay.  If you have a volt meter
or can make or get a 12 volt test light you will be able to trouble
shoot your problem better.  With one lead to ground put the other lead
on the leftside of the fuse.  If you have power there then check the
rightside of the fuse.  If no power fuse is bad.  If you don't have
power to the leftside make sure your key is turned on.  If you have
power to the right side of the fuse then attach the lead to the closest
glow plug to the relay. If you have power then the relay is working
properly and the glow plugs are bad.  If you don't have power then you
have a relay problem.  Also when testing you might have to have someone
turn the key on and off since it is a timed relay.  

My relay was not working so I assumed it was bad, tried a different
relay and had the same problem.  (I have 2 new relays if anyone is
interested) My problem is no amber light and no power from the relay.  I
then pulled the engine temp sensor off (blue white wire) and the amber
light goes on and my glow plugs get hot.  I have not tested my sensors
but that is my next step.  Right now that is how I am operating with the
wire disconnected.  The problem with this is that I only activate it for
about 10 seconds.  The amber light does not go out so if you wait for it
to do that you will burn out the glow plugs.  I actually fine my Van
starting easier because before when everything was working I don't think
my glow plugs were getting hot enough before shutting down.  I am
documenting my progress at
http://www.vwdieselparts.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=6 if anyone is
interested or wants to reply.
Kevin

Doc wrote:

>> IS the fuse that you are speaking of the inline
fuse in the black electrical box in the engine compartment?  IS it safe
to assume that if I am not getting power to the glow plugs, and that
fuse is ok, that the relay is bad, or is there a way to check that the
relay is getting 12v?


Doc,

Suggest you check out this site:

http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/GlowPlugs.shtml

for lots of helpful info on understanding and troubleshooting the VW
diesel glow system.

Good luck

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
http://www.vanthology.com/