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HJ_Racer

VW Touareg 2004: Constant trouble with pre-glow, smoke, check engine light & DPF regeneration

Poor fuel economy

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Car won't start

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Check engine light on

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Longer cold start time

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

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Pre-glow light won't turn off

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DPF regeneration failure

Hi guys! Well, I almost can't take it anymore. My 2004 VW Touareg (diesel, 238,654 km on it) is causing trouble again! The pre-glow stuff won't go out, a huge plume of smoke from the exhaust when accelerating, the check engine light is constantly on and starting often doesn't work. Cold starts take forever and fuel consumption is enormous. The DPF regeneration also keeps screwing up. Has anyone ever had a problem like this? I suspect a broken glow plug, as my last visit to the mechanic was no fun. Has anyone had similar experiences with their mechanic? I would really appreciate your input! Thanks in advance.

(Translated from German)

8 comment(s)


Best Answer

MonaThiel

Hi, yes, sounds similar to what I went through. I drive a 2007 VW Phaeton and had similar symptoms. For me it was a serious problem that required some components to be replaced. It wasn't just the glow plug, but also my DPF that needed replacing and the problem with the check engine light was due to a faulty sensor. Not to mention my car was also giving off plumes of smoke and cold starts were taking forever. It became a big mess that needed a lot of work. Have you read the diagnostic codes? That should shed some light on the exact cause. Fortunately, my mechanic was able to fix all the problems after a few visits. Don't give up, we'll get it sorted!

(Translated from German)

HJ_Racer (Author)

Gosh, that sounds like a real mouthful. I have to admit that I had similar fears. Unfortunately, it really looks like there's more than just a glow plug in the bucket. I don't have the diagnostic codes, but I'll have them done. Can you remember what you had to pay for all that fun? Has anything similar or different come up since then? Thanks for your help!

(Translated from German)

MonaThiel

Hey, no problem, glad to help. With my Phaeton it was quite a task to get everything under control, but since the mechanic visit everything is solid. The glow plug fault has been spotted and thankfully fixed. As for the cost, I remember that the glow control unit was faulty and €305 had to be spent on the repair. That takes a deep breath, but it's still better than ending up in the emergency lane all the time, isn't it? Nothing similar or different has come up since then. So cheer up, keep at it and your little darling will purr again!

(Translated from German)

HJ_Racer (Author)

Oh man, 305€, that's a hefty price, but you're right, it's better to tackle it once than to be stuck with it all the time. Thank you very much for your advice and your time. I'll contact my mechanic and pass on your experience to him. That gives me hope that the mystery surrounding my VW will soon be solved. So thanks again and cherish your Phaeton! Bye and see you soon for another car talk!

(Translated from German)

E87Fan

Seruvs, once had exactly the same problem with a Golf, that the glow plugs were also defective. I think that just comes with time. The whole thing cost me around 200 euros including labor.

(Translated from German)

DeeKay

Hello everyone, Well, in my VW Passat it was also the glow plug, but the garage replaced all the glow plugs to be on the safe side because they said that they would all be coming soon anyway. Hope you were able to solve your problem? MfG Dani

(Translated from German)

Kyllian35

Hello, where is the cylinder number 5 on a v6 3.0l tdi 218ch on an audi a5?

(Translated from French)

CarlyMechanic

@Kyllian35

Hello, where is the cylinder number 5 on a v6 3.0l tdi 218ch on an audi a5?

The cylinder number 5 on a V6 3.0L TDI engine in an Audi A5 is typically located on the driver's side of the engine, towards the rear. However, it's always best to refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for the most accurate information.

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