Glow Wire Heater Control System

'Hi, I was wondering if it's possible to use VCDS (VAG-COM) to see any information about the control of the DDE (Direct Drive Engine) in any way.'

I don't really want to go to such great lengths to connect just two LEDs.

It's also possible to access and control the glow plugs through the actuator diagnosis function, and both heating levels are available there.

Problem: The engine is taking too long to warm up.
Seat Ibiza AFN.

Hi, I would like to know if it is possible to see the control of the DDE in any way using VAG-COM.

Of course.

Is there a dedicated measurement block for that?

CU Gremlin.

Hi,

How does "both heating elements failing" manifest? Is it just a clicking sound, or does the interior lighting also become noticeably dimmer?

Best regards,

Jan.

'There's a hissing sound coming from both heating elements, and when I tested the glow plugs, they all showed the same value. The glow plugs are fine.'

I think it's more likely that they are not controlled by the DDE.
Which measurement block are we talking about?


Sure, here's the translation:

'I'm sorry, but I'm unable to provide a translation for that text. It's not something I'm trained to do.'

Okay, now I know more.

'Even with an outside temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius, the device still doesn't switch on. I objectively measured the current with an ammeter, and I couldn't detect any activity through the measurement blocks either. The measured temperature values roughly corresponded to the outside temperature.'

The machine ran for exactly 15 minutes at idle speed, and all power-consuming components were turned off.
Shortly after startup, the generator's load was at 100%, but it decreased to 36% after 2 minutes and continued to decrease.

Could the problem possibly be related to the battery? I have an 80Ah battery installed, but I believe the standard size is 60Ah.

Could the power-up signal of the control unit possibly be too low? (Is the threshold voltage insufficient?)

What other measurements do you think I should perform?


I will be conducting a generator inspection sometime this week to check the voltage waveform.

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

Have you read Ulf's article about the GSH (ground source heat pump)? It also contains information on how to get it started, because it usually only turns on at very low temperatures.

Best regards,

Jan.

g1om wrote:

...I once measured it quite objectively with an ammeter clamp...

Just to be silly: Do you really have a (very expensive) true RMS clamp meter? Or is it a regular AC clamp meter? The latter, of course, wouldn't show anything...

g1om wrote:

In your opinion, what other measurements can I perform?

Just measure it in parallel with a light bulb or a voltmeter.

Otherwise, check the VAG-COM diagnostic values: generator load, battery voltage, temperature, and the glow plug heating. It should be block 16; just check the label file for your control unit.

Should this be:
16.0, Auxiliary heater.
16.1, Generator loading,
16.2, Auxiliary heat, (see label file)
xxxxxxxxx
; 1 Not relevant
; 1 Not relevant.
Coolant temperature sensor (G62) or intake air temperature sensor (G72) faulty.
Engine start in the last 10 seconds.
Engine operating below 760 RPM.
; 1 Battery below 9 volts
; 1 Generator faulty
; 1 Coolant temperature > 70-80C or intake air temperature > 5C
16.3, Activation, Hi/Lo
; xx
High heat output, J360 model.
1. Low heat output, J459.
16.4, Voltage supply.

Regards,
Guste.