Volkswagen T6 transporter glow plug light and limp mode

Hi @jayeff

We have done the OBD2 check and it doesn’t show any codes

Any other ideas

Thanks:)

@hellomacos

I don't know about VW but if the glow plug light is on it indicates that the glow plugs are warming up the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder for more efficient starting on cold engines, but then it should turn off after a very short time

At least this is what they do in my Forester diesel. The light is always on on starting and lasts for about 2-3 seconds before going out..

So maybe if the glow plug light stays on it may indicate a problem with them or a sensor that determines when to turn them off. I don't know. Although you would think there would be a code if that happened.

Unless of course the light means something else when coupled with limp mode but you didn't say that the check engine light was also on.

A quick search online shows that a glow light on/limp mode condition seems very common with VW T6 and there are lots of different causes - egr problem being the most favoured although not always the reason.

Make sure that there is sufficient coolant and oil in the engine because egr problems can affect both.

Is the vehicle still under warranty at all? 30,000 miles is not much mileage.

@jayeff

The check engine light was on but went off and the glow plugs lights came on

And I forgot to say but the light is flashing

@hellomacos

As I said lots of T6 glow plug info online.

Here's just one link where it seems that there can be multiple reasons for the light to blink and the vehicle to go into limp mode. Not all the causes shown were on the same vehicle ;-)

Also very strange that there was a check engine light but no stored DTC codes from the OBD2 port

Thanks for the link

It’s greatly appreciated

:-)