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Autopapyrus · Audi A5 3.0 TDI (CSWB, 2019)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/audi/a5/glow-plug-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Audi A5 3.0 TDI (CSWB, 2019): Glow Plug Replacement

The 3.0 TDI V6 has 6 glow plugs (one per cylinder). Replacement requires care. The plugs are fragile, and if one is seized in its bore, there is a risk of snapping off the heating element. It is recommended to replace the whole set at once, even if only one plug has failed, since they wear at about the same rate. The engine should be warm before you start. This reduces the chance of the threads seizing.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours Steps: 12 Tools: 10 mm socket set (deep), extension, universal joint (swivel), ratchet, torque wrench, pliers, WD-40 or penetrating oil, high-temperature anti-seize thread paste, shop rags

Part

  • 🔩 Glow plug (OE 059963319AB/059963319D/059963319M or equivalent BERU GE133). Set of 6
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online) and 1 more. See manuals →

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Warm the engine up to operating temperature, shut it off, and wait 15-20 minutes (so you don't get burned, but the plugs are still warm).
  2. Remove the engine cover (held by clips or Torx T30 screws).
  3. Disconnect the power connectors from each glow plug (4 mm pin connector). Carefully pull on the rubber boot. If it is stuck tight, use the back of a zip tie as a lever so you don't tear the boot.
  4. Spray the threads of each glow plug with penetrating oil (WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes.
  5. Use a 10 mm socket with an extension to unscrew the plugs. Start with cylinders 1, 2, 4 and 5 (direct access). Cylinders 3 and 6 require a universal joint because of limited access. You may need to move the wiring harness aside.
  6. Remove the plugs from their bores. If a plug won't come out, do not force it. Apply penetrating oil again and try gently rocking it back and forth while unscrewing.
  7. Clean carbon deposits and dirt out of the bores with a dry rag or compressed air.
  8. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature anti-seize to the threads and body of each new plug. Do not touch the heating element with your fingers. Fingerprints can cause overheating and premature failure.
  9. Thread the new plug in by hand until it seats, then tighten it with a torque wrench to 15-20 N·m (11-15 lb-ft). Do not exceed this torque. Threads in an aluminum head strip easily.
  10. Push the rubber boots onto the plug terminals and connect the connectors.
  11. Install the engine cover.
  12. Start the engine and make sure there are no glow system errors on the instrument cluster. If the glow plug indicator flashes or stays on, check that the connectors are tight and read the fault codes with a scan tool.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • A snapped-off plug in its bore will require drilling out the remains, which is an expensive and time-consuming repair. Take your time when unscrewing seized plugs. If a plug won't budge after a second application of penetrating oil, take the car to a specialist repair shop. Do not use excessive force or impact tools.