Golf IV TDi Dashboard Lights (Pre-heating Device)

[tayo]

I noticed a particular yellow light coming on the dashboard and after consulting the handbook manual (in french), was able to understand the light means "Pre-heating Device". Could not get any one to rectify it and so took it for servicing after changing the oil, oil-filter and fuel filter, drove the car home (abt 30KM), parked and the next morning could not get the car to start till now.
Someone should please help!!!!

[chris.fulton]

Does the dashboard light look like the picture above? If so then this is the glow plugs light. Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to pre-heat the engine prior to it being started. When you turn the key, this light should come on for a few seconds then go out. Once it has gone out, you can then start the engine.

Are you waiting until this light goes out before trying to start the engine?

[tayo]

Yes Chris that is exactly the light on the dashboard. Yes to answer your question, before now it comes up with other lights and goes off before the engine is started. It started blinking about 2 weeks ago after starting the engine prior to now that the engine is completely refusing to start.

[chris.fulton]

If the light isn't coming on at all now and the car won't start, it sounds like maybe a problem with the glow plugs relay. It would be easier to diagnose if you could get the fault codes scanned using vag-com or some diagnostic equipment. Have a look at this link to see if it helps you any.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=79819

[tayo]

Chris,
How does one scan the fault codes using the vag-com?? I'll also like to confess that I've never seen the "vag-com" device/equipment before. Am going through the link sent to see how much help it will be, meanwhile I'll keep you posted of any thing I find out related to the noticed problems before now.
Thanks once again

[chris.fulton]

Vag-com is diagnostics software that you download and run from a laptop and it will scan your ECU for any faults that have been logged as well as letting you carry out other functions (although a licensed copy is needed for the latter). You also need a cable to connect the laptop to the cars diagnostics port (which is located just above the cigarette lighter/ash tray). A fault reader, which is a hand held device that again plugs into your diagnostics port and scans faults can also be used. Any good garage should have access to at least one of these things and if not eshrules from this forum sells both cables and code readers.