Cylinder Issue for Volkswagen
This bulletin applies to 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI (diesel) engine. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be on accompanied by glow plug Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
One or more of the following DTCs that refer to a sensor for internal pressure of a specific cylinder:
P13CE.... cylinder 1 electrical error
P13CF.....cylinder 1 short circuit to ground
P13D0.....cylinder 1 implausible signal
P13D1..... cylinder 2 electrical error
P13D2.....cylinder 2 short circuit to ground
P13D3.....cylinder 2 implausible signal
P13D4.....cylinder 3 electrical error
P13D5......cylinder 3 short circuit to ground
P13D6.......cylinder 3 implausible signal
P13D7.......cylinder 4 electrical error
P13D8.......cylinder 4 short circuit to ground
P13D9......cylinder 4 implausible signal
P13E0.......cylinder 1 malfunction
P13E1.......cylinder 2 malfunction
P13E2.......cylinder 3 malfunction
P13E3.......cylinder 4 malfunction
When diagnosing a MIL on with glow plug pressure sensor DTCs, it’s important to perform diagnostic tests before replacing a glow plug. First, check for loose connections by performing a push/pull test of the connectors. If during a push test, a click can be felt, or on a pull test, the connector comes off easily, the connector is most likely the cause. Properly seat the connector, clear any DTCs and test drive the vehicle. Do not replace the glow plug if a loose connection is found and no faults return after the test drive.
A check of the glow plug can be performed by swapping the glow plug from the affected cylinder with the glow plug from an adjacent cylinder without a fault. Note: It may take two drive cycles for the MIL to illuminate.
If after swapping the glow plug the DTC follows the glow plug, the glow plug is faulty and requires replacement.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.