ARL Glow Timer Controller: Why?

Hello,

Does anyone know why, specifically in Audi/Volkswagen vehicles, the glow plugs are not controlled by the engine control unit (ECU) as usual, but instead by a separate glow plug control module (J179 or something similar)?

I believe the ARL engine is not significantly more difficult to master from a software perspective than the other 1.9 PD engines.
With the BPX engine, which has 118 kW, the glow plugs are, as far as I know, controlled by the MSG (Motor Steuergerät - Engine Control Unit).

Hello, in Audi vehicles from April 2000, the glow plugs are controlled by the engine control unit (ECU). From July 2003 onwards, they are controlled by a separate glow plug control unit (J370). In newer engines, such as the 2.0 TDI AZV, a glow plug control unit is also used, and it is designated as J179. Best regards.

Hello!

Separate glow plug control units can be used with GSK-3.

Furthermore, the GZS offers individual control of each glow plug, which also enables diagnostic capabilities for each individual glow plug.
By using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, the heat output of the glow plugs can be precisely adjusted by the MSG (Motor Start Generator), for example, during pre-heating and post-heating.

BYE
TDI mechanics.

Hello.

Interesting. So, each individual glow plug is powered separately by the control unit? And that's despite the manufacturers trying to save every last cent in production. PWM control would also be possible in the "typical" parallel configuration, and even diagnostics could be implemented by measuring the total current. However, in that case, the control unit wouldn't be able to pinpoint the specific glow plug that's causing a problem.

Best regards,

tdi-schrauber wrote:

GSK-3 units can be used through a separate glow plug control unit. Furthermore, the GZS offers individual control of each glow plug, which also enables diagnostic capabilities for each individual glow plug. By using PWM control to drive the glow plugs, the MSG can precisely regulate the amount of heat they emit (e.g., for pre- and post-glow).

Ah yes, that makes (in principle) sense.
It's particularly useful for fine-tuning the exhaust emissions, allowing for further optimization through continuous adjustment of the heating process (instead of full power or being completely off).

And it seems the function has been moved out of the EDC because its connectors don't offer enough high-current pins (or none at all that can withstand 20A or more for several seconds).

What else comes to mind is that there are currently major problems with the glow plug control unit in the 170 hp TDI engines. They have a manufacturing defect, and now a large number of new cars are coming off the production line with an error message indicating a short circuit or open circuit in the glow plugs.

Of course, the modified engine control units are initially not available, and as a result, many cars are stranded due to a lack of power because the particulate filter is clogging due to the glow plugs not being activated.

benutzername wrote:

Hello, the glow plugs are controlled by the engine control unit (ECU) starting from April 2000 in the ARL model. From July 2003 onwards, they are controlled by the glow time control unit (J370). In newer engines, such as the 2.0 TDI AZV, a glow time control unit is also used, which is then called J179. Best regards

Hi.

Does this mean that the Golf 4 will have a diagnostic option for the glow plugs from this model year onwards? That would be ideal for my ARL engine. It constantly has problems with the glow plugs; I've already replaced two last year, and now two more this year. Can this control unit be retrofitted? It shouldn't be too difficult, or would the EDC (Electronic Differential Lock) also need to be replaced?

Thank you very much for your tips.


Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "Mit freundlichen Grüßen," which means "Sincerely" or "Best regards" in English.