FW: [Vwdiesel] Help evaluating Jetta TDI?

[James Hansen]

Now this is gonna sound stupid, but check the brake lights.  Glow plug light
flashes to let you know a brake light is dead. Dunno if it includes the 3rd
light cluster or not.
The big one is a flashing MIL light (multifunction indicator lamp) or
commonly called check engine light.  Steady light is usually emissions, okay
to keep going. Flashing MIL is "stop now, it's broken".
Just one little point... NOTHING ever "just does that".
-James

> -----Original Message-----
> From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]On
> Behalf Of Doyt W. Echelberger
> Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 5:47 AM
> To: vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> Subject: [Vwdiesel] Help evaluating Jetta TDI?
> 
> 
> I'm driving lots of cars that are for sale, and not just diesels, 
>  because 
> mine are all very old and I think I want something that is more 
> reliable in 
> my old age. Yeah, I'm one of those. Never thought it would happen to me. 
> Anyhow.....
> 
> I did a test drive last night with a 2001 VW Jetta TDI stick 
> shift that had 
> 27k on the odo. Nice silver little beast.
> 
> Crisp accurate easy gates for the shifting. Good driveability. 
> Good lights. 
> Nice heated leather seats. Good steering feel, great leather-wrapped 
> steering wheel. Heater took considerable time to warm up the cabin.
> 
> Firm ride that was a little bouncy at times, but well-snubbed.
> 
> More 'air-rushing-by' noise than I expected at 60 mph. Also considerable 
> road noise coming through into the cabin at highway speed. (My test drive 
> in a new Honda Accord was very very quiet, comparably.)
> 
> Surreal impression from all those little points of red light from 
> various  switches all around the cockpit at night.
> 
> Wife commented on the limited vertical leg room in the front passenger 
> footwell. Sort of a V-shaped foot space, I guess.
> 
> PROBLEM: The double-loop symbol yellow light on the dash (that indicates 
> operating glow plugs on start-up) came on and continued to blink 
> all during 
> the test drive. It never went out.  Owner said "Oh, that just does that. 
> Don't worry about it."
> 
> QUESTION/STATEMENT: Certainly the blinking means there is a problem with 
> the glow plug system. But what problem?.   Stuck relay?   High resistance 
> in circuit due to infinite resistance in one or more broken plugs?
> 
> I am not subscribed to the TDI forum, nor do I have access to a 
> TDI owner's 
> manual.  Anybody know about the possible meanings of the blinking double 
> loop warning?
> 
> The answers will help me estimate the cost of fixing whatever is wrong. I 
> couldn't drive it with that light blinking away whenever it is 
> running.  I'll just deduct the cost of the repair from the offer 
> I make on 
> the car.
> 
> Comments greatly appreciated.
> 
> Doyt Echelberger
> 85 Jetta TD    running daily
> 84 Rabbit na D   running daily
> 82 Jetta na D,  RIP 2002
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Vwdiesel mailing list
> Vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/vwdiesel
> ---
> Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.542 / Virus Database: 336 - Release Date: 11/18/2003
> 

__________________________________________________________________
<< ella for Spam Control >> has removed Spam messages and set aside
Newsletters for me
You can use it too - and it's FREE!  http://www.ellaforspam.com

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.542 / Virus Database: 336 - Release Date: 11/18/2003
 

__________________________________________________________________
<< ella for Spam Control >> has removed Spam messages and set aside
Newsletters for me
You can use it too - and it's FREE!  http://www.ellaforspam.com

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.542 / Virus Database: 336 - Release Date: 11/18/2003