Golf GT TDI issues :(

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Thu 15 Feb 2007 08:08
Golf GT TDI issues :( - callmecheez
Hi all, am new owner of a 1.9 VW Golf GT TDI; 1998.

However, it has a fault and I'm wanting your advice on what it might be / how to get it fixed; and how much etc!

When you turn the key 2 clicks; the glowplug light flashes up for a split second and then disappears. Instead of staying on for a few seconds as it should. The manual says this is an issue with the E.M.S.

Secondly; I was driving the new car home the other night; going about 70-75mph and suddenly all the power went out of the engine. My foot was flat to the floor and the speed trickled down to 60mph.
When I came off the motorway; I pulled over; switched the car off and on again and it was 'fixed' again.

Thirdly; the glow plug light occasionally flashes on and off.


I'd be looking to get it fixed in the Leeds/Wakefield/Castleford area, but am willing to travel to find the right place!


Any help advice greatly appreciated.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 09:05
Golf GT TDI issues :( - Peter D
Did you but the car from a dealer or an individual. You should really consider taking it back as it is not fit for purpose unless the seller disclosed the problems to you prior to sale. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 09:54
Golf GT TDI issues :( - callmecheez
Sadly bought from an individual. Sold as seen.

I test drove it; it was fine.
Checked it over several times; looked fine.

It only happened when I got it out onto the motorway :(

Thanks anyway
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 10:20
Golf GT TDI issues :( - Hamsafar
I think you need to have any falut codes read. The flashing glow-plug light has the same meaning as an EML.
If the glow plugs light goes off quickly when cold, it may be the coolant temperature sensor for the cold start.
I don't know why it would cut out or whether it's related, but get the fault codes read by a VAG specialist and have them cleared and see which ones come back. It's best to clear them as sometimes a list of flukes can build up.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 10:29
Golf GT TDI issues :( - callmecheez
So I need to pay for them to be reset; then pay to go back again for them to be read again, is that right?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 10:30
Golf GT TDI issues :( - callmecheez
ps. what is the EML? Many thanks
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 15 Feb 2007 14:02
Golf GT TDI issues :( - craig-pd130
EML is engine management light AKA check engine light -- tells you the ECU has logged a "fault".

If you have the radio code, you could reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery negative terminal for 30 mins or so. This can also clear fault codes.

The power loss sounds like a mass air flow (MAF) meter fault -- quite common on this engine across VW, Audi, Seat etc. A new unit is about £70, but try unplugging and re-plugging the MAF connector plug a few times to "wipe" the terminals clean as the connector is often the problem. The MAF is just next to the air filter box.

If those don't work, then take it to someone with VAG-COM (the VW diagnostic software) for interrogation.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide