Author Topic: Remote glow plug actuation (Read 4069 times)

Mikeyworks · « **on:** February 04, 2005, 04:48:28 pm »

I was thinking about making my 1.6 TD easier to start in the morning.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the glow plug relay gets activated when the ignition circut trips it, correct?

What if I connected that "trip" wire to the door jamb sensor on my Mk2? If I am following the process correctly, once I open the door, the plunger which normally activates the overhead light could also be used to activate the glow plug relay. Door open ---- glow plugs turn on.

From the time I open the door, get in, get my crap in, and shut the door in the AM is about the same time as a GP cycle. I think it's wasted time that could be better captured by using it to heat up the GPs.

Is my logic flawed?

Mikey
Mikey

MK3 GTD · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2005, 09:02:24 pm »

seeing as the newer vw diesels do this i dont see why not.

Dr. Diesel · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2005, 05:40:51 am »

the glowplug cycle length depends on an input from a coolant temperature sensor. Perhaps if you replaced the ignition power to the relay with power from the door switch, it would work. But only while the door was open. close the door halfway through the cycle, and it'd shut off the plugs. Not so good in the rain. You'd also want to double check that the doorswitch wiring is capable of whatever amperage that particular pin on the plug relay requires. Likely ok, but double check.
For the length of time a glow cycle takes, maybe it's not really worth jumping through this hoop.

Patrick · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2005, 05:57:55 am »

I just open the door, stick the key in, turn it on, park my "stuff", put my seatbelt on, close the door, and by that time the light has gone out. Works for me!

Mikeyworks · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2005, 10:55:48 am »

Well, it was worth the shot....at least I can assume my thought processes are not completely out of whack!!!!

:lol:

Mikey

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2005, 11:16:17 am »

if you were good at making printed circuit boards, i'm sure you could conjure up something that would work fine. Would need to have input from the ignition switch (prevent glowing while engine is on) and have a special circuit for the glow operation (while door is shut)

with warmer temperatures around the corner you might as well just live with the time