Glow Plug Relay
Posted: 14 Nov 2026, 14:48
I have a 1.6 TD JX engine and found the van would not start due to no power going to the Glow Plugs
After ruling out the wiring to the relay I concluded that the Glow Plug Relay was failing (sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't)
I found that the relay which was fitted was a Ford part which was correctly configured except that the temp sensor was internal and didn't need a feed from the engine.
I replaced the relay with a VW stock part and the glow plugs now work. The relay powers them on for 8-10 secs before starting and remains energized for 10 secs after then shuts off. This is without the temp sensor connected (the wiring had been removed)
My question is whether I need the temp sensor or not as it seems to work fine without it?
After ruling out the wiring to the relay I concluded that the Glow Plug Relay was failing (sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't)
I found that the relay which was fitted was a Ford part which was correctly configured except that the temp sensor was internal and didn't need a feed from the engine.
I replaced the relay with a VW stock part and the glow plugs now work. The relay powers them on for 8-10 secs before starting and remains energized for 10 secs after then shuts off. This is without the temp sensor connected (the wiring had been removed)
My question is whether I need the temp sensor or not as it seems to work fine without it?