Volkswagen Crafter Glow Plugs Replacement Parts

Yes, every Volkswagen Crafter sold in the UK has been diesel-powered, so all variants are fitted with glow plugs – there is no petrol Crafter to worry about. Glow plugs are essential to diesel cold-starting, and the Crafter has used them across its entire production history. You are in the right place searching for this part.

The first-generation Crafter ran from 2006 to 2016 and the second generation launched in 2017, so a 2010 and a 2016 van are both first-generation vehicles – however, the engine code is the detail that really determines whether the plugs interchange, because VW used more than one engine variant within that generation. Supply your engine code (found on your V5C or via a VIN check) to the breaker so they can match it precisely rather than going on year alone. Never assume fitment on year and generation alone.

The second-generation Crafter launched in 2017 on an entirely new platform with updated 2.0 TDI engines, making it a clean break from the first-generation 2.5 TDI and 2.0 TDI units used before. Because the engine families differ significantly between generations, glow plugs from a pre-2017 van are very unlikely to be a direct match for a 2017-onwards vehicle. Always confirm against your engine code with the breaker before buying.

No, gearbox type has no bearing on glow plug fitment whatsoever – glow plugs are part of the engine's combustion system and are entirely unrelated to the transmission. What matters is your engine code, which tells the breaker the exact cylinder head and plug specification required. Focus on supplying the engine code rather than worrying about whether your van is a manual or automatic.

Trim level makes no difference to glow plug fitment on the Crafter – Startline, Trendline, and Highline vans with the same engine code will use identical plugs. Trim affects interior specification, comfort features, and similar cosmetic details, none of which touch the engine. Confirm the engine code with your V5C or a VIN check and quote that to the breaker for an accurate match.

On a four-cylinder engine there are four glow plugs – one per cylinder – which covers the 2.0 TDI units used widely across both Crafter generations. If your van has a five-cylinder 2.5 TDI engine, as found in many first-generation (2006–2016) Crafters, it will have five glow plugs. Check your engine code on the V5C to confirm which engine you have, and tell the breaker so they can supply the correct quantity and specification.