Glow plug light does not come on. Therefore, sluggish in starting, especially during cold weather. Anyone with suggestions? Also, how difficult is it to change the plugs? Are these the nutty things sticking out of the cylinder block about an inch below the fuel injectors? Thanks.

Sandy

I have no trouble pulling all five plugs in under 10 minutes. Although, I have done this quite a few times. If you would like, PM me with your email address, and I can give you the 'Glow Plug Diagnostics' sheet that I have on my computer. This sheet will walk you through what to do about your light not coming on. Also, You are identifying the glow plugs location correctly.

I am curious to see if you were able to get your glow plug light to come on. I also have a 1983 300d and the glow plug light never goes on. I am thinking it is probably a bad relay. I checked the fuse and it was ok. From what I have read on this website, bad glow plugs show up as a blinking light, while a bad relay shows up as no light at all.

Were you able to fix your's?

Deeph8, no light ususally means one (or more) glow plugs are bad.

A blinking light after start may mean one or more bad, on some models.

Don't assume it's a bad relay. Check the glow plugs, it's really easy to do.

Best Regards,
Jim

Definitely the glow plugs... I wonder if they are still the original ones, up to you if you want to replace just the bad ones or all of them.

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Audi TT

Before you pull them, check the strip fuse in the relay (pull the cover on top off). Also, once you have turned the key to the "glow" position, give the relay a thump with your fist. If that makes the relay kick into gear, then its just a bit sticky inside - unbolt the relay, and open it up (4 screws) and you will see the actual relay and two contact points...betcha they have crud on them and could use a little cleaning.
The reason I mention those things first is ...well,... is because they don't cost you anything but a little time. After that, you can check the plugs.

Hope this helps...

-Larry

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Testing Glow Plugs

scroll down to the test proceedure by JimH

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car