Glow plug warning light flashing.

[Nebooaw]

Hi i have a 1.9TDi Passat Estate R-reg, the glow plug light just started to flash whilst driving. It only starts flashing after 5 mins of driving or so. Have checked brake lights are working ok. Has anyone got any ideas?

Kindest thanks...:(

[minty0_10]

mines been flashing for the last 40k brake lights still working ok after a while ive got used to it and only notice it if it stops :biglaugh:

also read some where it will come on if you have used dirty diesel not sure if this is true or not through.

have you been on the chery ade lol

[seraph]

you have a error logged in the ecu - its just reminding you its there despite it perhaps not being too serious.

[Turkster]

could be 1 of your glow plugs is dead, does more smoke than normal come out your zorst when started from dead cold ?

[seraph]

could be 1 of your glow plugs is dead, does more smoke than normal come out your zorst when started from dead cold ?
the glow plug light has nothing to do with the glow plugs once it flashes - its letting you know an ecu error's occured.

[TDi_B5]

What sort of fault does it indicate? Will it be a serious one? I'm reluctant to drive too far if I don't know what the problem is! Some people are suggesting brake light faults too?!

[Turkster]

the glow plug light has nothing to do with the glow plugs once it flashes - its letting you know an ecu error's occured.

so if the said code was deleted there would be no issue with the engine? why does it just start flashiing and "Engine Workshop" ?

[JIMMER15]

Hi all, I had the same problem and mine was due to a brake bulb coming out and causing a short which must have caused two other brake bulbs to blow, replaced blown bulbs and all is well now. Cant beleave VW scare the hell out of you with the computer saying "Engine Workshop". when mine happened I turned straight round and got home asap only for someone to say "mate your brake lights aint working" :Blush2: Check both sides !!!! Even if they look ok and working.
Jimmer

[TDi_B5]

Hi all, my glow plug light has just started flashing AGAIN!!!! After reading through the above posts I checked the brake lights. One of them was out, so I replaced it, the warning light disappeared for about 30 seconds, but then resumed again? Any ideas anyone? Don't really fancy a trip back to the dealership! I don't want to ignore it, thinking its something trivial if its something that needs attention.

[TDi_B5]

I cleared my fault code today (flashing glow plug light) using a 'car-care VW/Audi Code reader, the code was 17978. Anyone know what that it? It is not listed in the booklet of fault codes that comes with the reader.