AutoCodes – Volkswagen – P0678 Volkswagen

P0678 Volkswagen Code - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault

Quick Answer

The glow plug system is used to assist in providing the heat required to begin combustion during cold engine temperatures. Common causes include Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug, Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0678 Volkswagen indicates Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug, Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 3,583
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 18, 2022
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Code P0678 Volkswagen Description

The glow plug system is used to assist in providing the heat required to begin combustion during cold engine temperatures. The glow plugs are heated before and during cranking, as well as initial engine operation. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the glow plug ON times by monitoring coolant temperature and glow plug voltage. The California Glow Plug system has eight individual glow plug supply circuits between the controller and the glow plugs. If the feedback voltage from the controller to the ECM is not within range, the ECM sets the OBDII code.
OBDII Code P0678 Volkswagen - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com
P0678 Volkswagen Code - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0678 Volkswagen?

  • Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug
  • Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted
  • Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty glow plug module

How to Fix the DTC P0678 Volkswagen?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0678 Volkswagen code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Need Help with the Code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0678 Volkswagen Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0678 in a Volkswagen related to Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault?

- Common symptoms include hard starting, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and potentially an illuminated Check Engine light.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code P0678 in a Volkswagen indicating a Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault?

- Potential causes include a faulty glow plug in cylinder 8, damaged wiring or connectors in the glow plug circuit, or a malfunctioning glow plug module.

3. How can I diagnose the Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault causing OBDII code P0678 in my Volkswagen?

- Diagnosis involves testing the resistance of the glow plug in cylinder 8, checking the wiring and connectors for damage, and using a multimeter to test the glow plug circuit for proper voltage.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0678 related to Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault cause further damage to my Volkswagen?

- Continued driving with this fault may lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the engine due to incomplete combustion in cylinder 8.

5. Are there any repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0678 in a Volkswagen due to a Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault?

- Repair tips include replacing the faulty glow plug in cylinder 8, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and if necessary, replacing the glow plug module.

6. How critical is it to address OBDII code P0678 in a Volkswagen linked to Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault promptly?

- Promptly addressing this issue is important to ensure proper engine performance, prevent potential starting difficulties, and avoid further damage to the engine components.

7. Can weather conditions affect the likelihood of triggering OBDII code P0678 due to a Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault in a Volkswagen?

- Yes, cold weather can exacerbate issues related to glow plugs, potentially increasing the chances of triggering this fault code during winter months.

8. Is it possible to clear OBDII code P0678 related to Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault in a Volkswagen without fixing the underlying issue?

- Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will only temporarily remove the Check Engine light, as the fault will likely reoccur until the underlying problem is resolved.

9. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0678 in a Volkswagen caused by a Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the fault, but replacing a glow plug or repairing wiring/connectors often takes a few hours to complete.

10. Can I fix OBDII code P0678 in my Volkswagen related to Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault myself, or should I seek professional help?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to tackle this repair, it is recommended to seek professional help, especially if you are unfamiliar with automotive electrical systems to ensure the job is done correctly.

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