Glow plugs

I have 99 TDI beetle and today it wouldn't start, the glow plug light would't light up like it normally does. I had the car towed home, pushed it into the yard, just for the hell of it, I turned the key and the glow plug light came on and it fired up. Does anyone know if chagning the plugs would fix this problem? Thanks

sounds more like the glow plug relay module on relay pannel. its a 60 or 80$ relay, they usually stick open or closed, there is a newer updated version (old version is light yellow and new is black)

faulty glowplugs won't keep the car from starting unless it was way below 0%. the problem is probly due to the throttle blade on the egr/throttle body sticking open. this is very comon. i can't tell you how many cars were towed into my dealership for this and restarted as soon as they got there. next time it happens check the throttle body linkage to see if it is in the open possition. if it is flip it closed and the car will restart.

Would this also explain why the glow plug light would not come on when the key was turned forward?

Would this also explain why the glow plug light would not come on when the key was turned forward?

yes, the light comes on only when the glowplus are used and they are not used on every startup. if there was a glowplug failure the light would stay on or the engine light will come on.