P0673 is a diesel-only code meaning the engine control unit detected an electrical fault in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 3. Glow plugs preheat each combustion chamber so a cold diesel can ignite. The code identifies the cylinder 3 circuit specifically, usually pointing to a failed plug, its wiring, or its connection rather than the whole system. Repairs typically run 30-180 EUR for a single plug and circuit fix.
DTC/P0673·Volkswagen
P0673 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Volkswagen
P0673 on a Volkswagen is a diesel-only code meaning the engine control unit detected an electrical fault in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 3. Glow plugs preheat each combustion chamber so a cold diesel can ignite. The code identifies the cylinder 3 circuit specifically, usually pointing to a failed plug, its wiring, or its connection rather than the whole system. Repairs typically run 30-180 EUR for a single plug and circuit fix.
Repair cost on Volkswagen€5 - €441
What does P0673 mean on a Volkswagen?
Volkswagen Golf TDI
2005-2021The Golf TDI control module monitors each plug individually, so a single failed cylinder 3 plug sets P0673 cleanly. Plugs can seize on engines that have never had them changed, so warm the engine and use penetrating oil before removal. Replacing one plug is cheap, but a seized plug that snaps turns this into a much larger job.
What causes P0673 on a Volkswagen?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0673 page, these are the Volkswagen-specific patterns we see most often:
Volkswagen Golf TDIFailed individual cylinder 3 plug on TDI engines
Volkswagen Golf TDISeized plug on neglected high-mileage cars
How to diagnose P0673 on a Volkswagen with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0673:
- Read the stored code and freeze frame with Skanyx or any ELM327 adapter to confirm P0673 and note the start temperature when it set
- Locate the cylinder 3 glow plug and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or damage
- Disconnect the cylinder 3 glow plug and bench-test it with a multimeter: a healthy plug reads roughly 0.5-2 ohm, while an open (infinite) reading confirms that plug has failed
- If the cylinder 3 plug is good, check continuity of its wiring back to the control module and verify a clean ground
- Remember that per-cylinder glow plug live status is manufacturer-extended (Mode $22) data, not generic OBD2, so the multimeter test on the cylinder 3 plug is how you confirm the failure
- Consider replacing the full set if the plugs are original and high-mileage, since the others are likely to fail soon
How much does P0673 cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs on a Volkswagen (Volkswagen parts and labour typically run 5% above the average for this code).
Prices estimated as of May 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related codes that often appear with P0673 on Volkswagen
These codes commonly cluster with P0673 on Volkswagen vehicles:
FAQ: P0673 on Volkswagen
Can I drive with a P0673 code?
Yes. This flags only the cylinder 3 glow plug circuit, and one dead plug rarely stops a diesel from running. You will get harder cold starts and a brief cold misfire from that cylinder. The car will likely fail inspection until it is fixed.
Do I need to replace all four glow plugs for P0673?
Not strictly. P0673 points to cylinder 3, so you can replace just that plug. But if the plugs are original and high-mileage, replacing the full set while you are in there avoids repeat labor when the next plug fails.
How do I confirm the cylinder 3 glow plug is the problem?
Disconnect the cylinder 3 plug and measure its resistance with a multimeter. A good plug reads about 0.5-2 ohm. An open reading confirms it has failed. Generic OBD2 only tells you the circuit, not the plug condition.
Why does only one cylinder set a glow plug code?
Each glow plug has its own circuit the control module monitors. When the cylinder 3 plug or its wiring goes open or shorted, the module reports that specific circuit, which is why you see a per-cylinder code rather than a general one.
Looking for the full P0673 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0673 guideSkanyx · Volkswagen
Diagnosing P0673 on your Volkswagen?
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