2009 Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0L TDi with engine code P261A and P0299

Question

I had the CAM belt and water pump changed in Jul 15 at 63,000 miles. Since then I've done 3,000 miles, but last week when cruising on the motorway the flashing glow plugs (engine management) light came on, and the car went into limp mode. I got home and the light disappeared on restarting the engine. All was OK then it happened again the next time I used the car after only a few miles. This time the actual engine management warning light also came on and stayed on - also in limp mode. I had diagnostics done and codes P261A and P0299 came up. The lights both cleared after the check and all seemed OK but after another 50 miles the flashing glow plug light came on again. Once again it disappeared on restarting the engine and has stayed off since (another 50 miles done - all well!). I'm a bit miffed as the water pump is brand new (replaced by VW).

Answer 1

Hi there,

Since replacing the pump hasn't solved the issue, it's likely a wiring problem. Here is some info for you.

P261A VOLKSWAGEN - Coolant Pump 'B' Control Circuit/Open
Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p261a_volkswagen.html

P0299 indicates an issue with the turbocharger. Here is some info for you.

P0299 VOLKSWAGEN - Turbocharger Engine Underboost
Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p0299_volkswagen.html