Author Topic: Relay click after a few minutes (Read 4588 times)

Jetta Fan · « **on:** December 04, 2006, 10:08:07 am »

OK, here's the scenario......after starting the car (letting the glow plugs do their thing first) and then pulling away, I hear a relay click after 2 or 3 minutes (haven't timed it, so not exactly sure). It comes from under the dash and does not seem to be speed related or related to anything I have on in the car (rear defrost, blower, stereo etc).

Any ideas?

QuickTD · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2006, 10:28:29 am »

It's the glow plug relay shutting off. AAZ's run the glow plugs for 3 minutes after every start, or until the coolant temp reaches 70ºC or so.

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2006, 11:09:50 am »

They do? I never knew that. Thanks.

So, when I turn the key and the glow plugs come on, and then 10 seconds or so later I hear a click I start the car.....would I be better off to wait a bit longer?

QuickTD · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:03:27 pm »

When you turn on the key (or close the drivers door on 96 and up jetta/golf) the glow plugs come on for an interval determined by engine temperature. The light goes out a few seconds before this interval expires. You should start the car when the light goes out. If you don't turn the key when the light goes out, the glow plugs just shut off after 5 seconds or so, so you won't gain much by waiting longer.

After the engine starts, the glow plugs come back on and then go out when the coolant temp reaches 70º or after 3 minutes.

Jetta Fan · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2006, 05:21:01 am »

Thanks for the info QuickTD.