VW Crafter Glow Plug Issues Causing Multiple Problems

Having moderate experience with diesel engines, I faced nearly identical issues with my 2018 VW Transporter. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, particularly the cold start problems and engine misfire signs. My diagnostic test revealed a loose connection in the glow plug wiring harness. The workshop found that moisture had caused corrosion in one of the main plug connections to the glow control unit. The repair involved cleaning the contacts and replacing the damaged connector assembly, costing 95€ in total. To help provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Crafter, Whether you notice any specific engine noise during warm-up, If the check engine light pattern is constant or intermittent, Details about your typical driving conditions and car maintenance schedule Regular maintenance is crucial for diesel engines, and catching these issues early can prevent more serious problems. The cold start issues combined with smoke during acceleration strongly suggest a glow plug system problem, but proper diagnosis is essential. Based on my experience, I recommend having a professional workshop conduct a thorough diagnostic test of the glow plug system and wiring connections. This would help identify whether you are dealing with a similar connector issue or if other components need attention.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My Crafter has 114539KM on the odometer with the last service completed only 2 months ago. During warm-up, there is a distinct knocking sound that lasts about 30 seconds. The check engine light remains constantly illuminated since the issue started. Typically drive long distances on highways with frequent stops for deliveries. The vehicle stalling symptoms match what you described with your Transporter. Looks like I should focus on checking the glow plug connections based on your experience. Will get it to a workshop this week to diagnose the heating element system before the cold start issues get worse.

Thanks for providing those details. The knocking sound during warm-up on your Crafter actually aligns perfectly with what I experienced right before discovering the glow plug issue on my Transporter. The constant illumination of the check engine light combined with the mileage points strongly toward a glow plug system malfunction rather than just a wiring issue like I initially had. After learning from my experience, I suggest having the workshop specifically check: All four glow plugs with resistance testing, The glow control unit functionality, Wiring integrity from the control unit to each plug My repair ended up being relatively straightforward, but with your symptoms being more severe, you might be looking at a full glow plug replacement. The diagnostic test should reveal if the control unit itself needs replacement. Given your highway driving pattern with frequent stops, the heating element system gets heavy use. The repair cost including parts and labor could range between 350-450€ depending on how many components need replacement. The knocking sound suggests at least one glow plug might be failing. Getting this addressed promptly through proper car maintenance will help prevent potential engine damage and ensure reliable cold starts for your delivery schedule.

Thanks for all the information regarding the glow plug system issues. After noting down your repair experience and the specific diagnostic steps, I am more confident about the potential cause of my Crafter problems. Since the knocking sound matches what you experienced, and considering my high-mileage delivery usage, a full inspection of the heating element system makes sense. The car maintenance history shows everything was fine just 2 months ago, so this glow plug failure seems to have developed quite rapidly. Given that my cold start problems and engine misfire symptoms are getting worse, I will schedule the diagnostic test for tomorrow. The suggested 350-450€ repair range helps set my expectations for the fix. Getting the check engine light and glow plug system sorted quickly is crucial for my delivery work. Will update once I get the workshop report. Thanks again for sharing your similar experience, really helped narrow down where to focus the investigation.