T-Cross Diesel Glow Plug Failures Trigger Warning Lights

Having experienced similar symptoms with a T-Roc diesel (2016, 2.0 TDI), I can relate to this situation. The constant preheating lamp combined with dark smoke during acceleration strongly points to glow plug system issues. Last month, the diagnosis revealed that moisture had damaged the connections between the glow plug control unit and several glow plugs. The cold start performance was severely affected, and the vehicle stalling became more frequent as the problem worsened. The repair involved: Testing each glow plug individually, Replacing corroded wiring connectors, Installing a new glow plug control unit, Performing a system reset The root cause was a failed seal that allowed water to reach the electrical connections. This is considered a serious issue as it can lead to engine damage if left unattended, especially during cold weather when proper glow plug function is crucial for car maintenance. For accurate diagnosis, the control unit needs proper testing with specialized equipment. The symptoms match classic glow plug system failure, but a professional should verify using diagnostic tools to rule out other potential causes like fuel pressure issues or injector problems.

Thanks for sharing those details about your T-Roc repair. My T-Cross had almost identical symptoms, the engine light kept turning on and dark smoke was a constant issue. A certified technician finally found it was indeed the glow plug control unit failing, plus two damaged glow plugs. After fixing those, the diesel engine runs perfectly now and vehicle stalling completely stopped. Did you notice any other issues coming up after the repair? Also curious about the total cost you paid, it would help me verify if I was charged fairly.

My glow control unit repair went smoothly without any follow-up problems. The engine light disappeared right after fixing the faulty cable connections near the control unit. My total repair cost was 95€ for addressing the connection issues, which was quite reasonable. The diesel engine has been running perfectly since then with no cold start problems or dark smoke. Unlike your case, my glow plugs were still in good condition, so I only needed the wiring fix. This explains why my repair cost was lower than what you likely paid for the complete glow plug replacement. The vehicle stalling completely stopped and the diagnostic system shows no more error codes. Regular cold starts are now quick and smooth, exactly how a properly functioning diesel engine should perform. Consider keeping track of your engine performance over the next few weeks just to ensure everything stays optimal. A properly working glow control unit makes a huge difference in how these diesel engines operate.

I finally got the issue resolved last week. After getting tired of unreliable shops, I found a diesel engine specialist who immediately recognized the symptoms. Their diagnostic test confirmed the failing glow control unit and damaged plugs. The repair cost came to 480€ total, including: New glow control unit, 2 replacement glow plugs, Labor for testing and installation, System calibration The heating element system works perfectly now. No more dark smoke, warning lights, or starting issues. The engine runs smoother than it has in months, especially during cold starts. The mechanic showed me the old parts, the control unit had visible corrosion and the glow plugs were completely worn. Regular car maintenance checks might have caught this earlier, but at least its fixed now. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who charged 200€ for unnecessary sensor replacements that didnt address the real problem.