Could someone tell me how to change the glow plugs in a 1990 vw jetta? Or give me a link where it would give me instructions on how to? Thank you
Five answers:
2007-01-16 12:06:08 UTC
To figure out which one(s) are bad, you can test the current moving along on the wire connecting the glow plugs together. between the plugs there should be around 5 amps difference between the plug. You can also, while the engine in cold, check the resistance from the top of the plug to the engine block. I can't remember quite what the resistance should be but it should be low....less than 10 ohms. Anything more or overload means its burnt out or not working great. You have to disconnect the glow wire before you test it.
The two on the right hand side of the engine aren't too bad to change, but the other require you to pull the injector pump. I've tried to do them with the pump on but it took me hours and I wound up cross threading it....yikes
To change them, loosen off the wire, them unscrew the glowplug. No special tools needed. When you're putting in the new one be very careful not to cross thread it. The aluminum head is real easy to mess up.
Its been my experience that glow plugs do get old and lose their zing. A mechanic I know charges around 120 canadian for a job when the injector pump removal is needed. One can do it themself, but unless you're a 3 banana skill level I'd take it to a diesel guy
Cheers
Geoff
gregthomasparke
2007-01-14 11:48:27 UTC
Glow plugs are different then spark pulgs. they usually do not need to be changed unless there is a problem with them, and then in that case it should be done by a professional mechanic that knows diesels. If something caused that glow plug to go bad, then replacing the glow plug isn't goign to do anything. I do not know VW's diesels very well, and I do not remember what is under they're maintance scheduals.
2016-05-24 04:59:56 UTC
Nobody at the shop can help because JETTA TDI's do not have spark plugs! Diesel engines rely on compression not combustion (spark plugs ignite gasoline). So there is no way that the jetta has spark plugs. Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about.
2007-01-14 11:48:40 UTC
They remove just like spark plugs. You can test them with a test light (+ to glow plug terminal, if light comes on it works)
rustymustangs
2007-01-14 15:18:43 UTC
It's not easy.two of them are really hard to get to,might be worth your while to let someone do it for you.
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