AutoCodes – Volkswagen – P1618 Volkswagen

P1618 Volkswagen Code - Glow Plug Relay Short To Positive

Quick Answer

P1618 Volkswagen indicates Glow Plug Relay Short To Positive. Common causes include Faulty Glow Plug Relay, Glow Plug Relay harness is open or shorted, Glow Plug Relay 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: P1618 Volkswagen indicates Glow Plug Relay Short To Positive.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Glow Plug Relay, Glow Plug Relay harness is open or shorted, Glow Plug Relay 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 3,089

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 01, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1618 Volkswagen Description

OBDII Code P1618 Volkswagen - Glow Plug Relay Short To Positive - AutoCodes.com — P1618 Volkswagen Code - Glow Plug Relay Short To Positive

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1618 Volkswagen?

Faulty Glow Plug Relay
Glow Plug Relay harness is open or shorted
Glow Plug Relay circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1618 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 P1618 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.

Need more information about the P1618 Volkswagen code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1618 Volkswagen code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1618 Volkswagen code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P1618 Volkswagen Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1618 in a Volkswagen related to the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive?

The common symptoms include hard starting, rough idling, misfires, and the glow plug indicator light staying on.

2. What causes the OBDII code P1618 indicating a Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive in a Volkswagen?

The code P1618 is usually caused by a short circuit between the glow plug relay and the positive power supply.

3. How can I diagnose the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive issue causing the OBDII code P1618 in my Volkswagen?

You can use a multimeter to check for a short circuit between the relay and the positive power supply. Inspect the wiring for any damage or corrosion.

4. Can a faulty glow plug itself trigger the OBDII code P1618 in a Volkswagen?

Yes, a faulty glow plug can sometimes cause the relay to short to positive, triggering the P1618 code.

5. Is it safe to continue driving my Volkswagen with the OBDII code P1618 related to the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive?

It is not recommended to continue driving with the P1618 code as it can lead to starting issues and potential engine damage.

6. How do I repair the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive issue causing the OBDII code P1618 in my Volkswagen?

To repair this issue, you will need to locate and repair the short circuit between the relay and the positive power supply. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged wiring.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code P1618 related to the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive in my Volkswagen using a diagnostic scanner?

Yes, you can reset the code using a diagnostic scanner after addressing the underlying issue. If the problem persists, the code may return.

8. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid the OBDII code P1618 due to the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive in my Volkswagen?

Regularly inspecting the glow plug system and wiring for any signs of damage or wear can help prevent the occurrence of the P1618 code.

9. How crucial is it to address the OBDII code P1618 indicating a Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive in my Volkswagen promptly?

It is important to address the P1618 code promptly to prevent potential starting issues and further damage to the engine caused by improper glow plug operation.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge fix the Glow Plug Relay Short to Positive problem causing the OBDII code P1618 in a Volkswagen?

Depending on your skill level and comfort working with electrical systems, you may be able to address the issue yourself by following repair guides and safety precautions.