B3 Eco-Diesel Glow Plug Controler

[Big Daddy Roth]

J179 - Where the hell is it?? I can't find the dam thing. Do I even have one?

It's not attached to the fuse box nor the back side of the center console.

[the caveman]

I seem to remember some had them in the plenum next to the wipers.

[AudiVWguy]

Describe how this glow plug controller works. I'm only familiar with the basic relay style.

[vanbcguy]

Guessing you're talking about your B3?  The A3's have it all integrated into the body controller - there's a small simple (cheap) relay in the fuse box but the body ecu does all the actual "work".  I'd guess your B3 would be the same as they usually got stuff a few years before the A3's did.

[Big Daddy Roth]

Pic of MK3 layout


Except I have a 1993 Passat eco-diesel.

I never thought to look in the plenum where the 16V/VR6 ECU would be. I'll check in the AM.

[Big Daddy Roth]

nope, not in the plenum.

[Big Daddy Roth]

I found it!

It's up behind the fuse panel. Hanging from the underside of the plenum.

Mine is labeled "134" and "357 906 123"

[fck]

ugh, my west diesel had a glow plug fusible link hiding up behind my fuse box that gave me all kinds of trouble.

glad you found it!

[Big Daddy Roth]

P/N changes up to the typical 1H0 906 123  "136" controller.

I needed to find it so I could add a wire to the 14 pin of the relay for the "injection start positioner". My Eco-diesel pump didn't have it. My new pump does have it.

That solenoid is powered when the micro-switch on the throttle is closed, correct?

[Vincent Waldon]

That solenoid is powered when the micro-switch on the throttle is closed, correct?

My understanding is that RPM enters into the equation as well, although I've not looked at a wiring diagram for a while.  

It's a very subtle timing adjustment and is purely for a small NOX reduction under specific engine conditions.. so many folks either connect it to the stop solenoid or leave it disconnected.

When I got my Giles pump I asked him for his opinion... connect, disconnect, run it to the controller.. his response was "connect it and listen to your engine, then disconnect it... see what it prefers".  Mine preferred disconnected.  

[Big Daddy Roth]

Oh, I had it connected to the stop solenoid. Seemed like too much fuel at low RPM's and my fuel economy went to ***.

Yes, tach signal from the Alt does go to that controler.

I'll connect it for a while and play with the micro-switch and see if I can find myself a sweet spot on the throttle plate.