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For 1990-2009 cars only

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Power Feeds and Ground


Object Number: 30912  Size: FS
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
Information Sensors
Glow Plug System
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
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Circuit Description

The glow plug system is used to assist in providing the heat required to begin combustion during engine starting at cold ambient temperatures. The glow plugs are heated before and during cranking, as well as initial engine operation. The PCM controls the glow plug ON times by monitoring coolant temperatures and glow plug voltage. This system check will check the glow plugs and the glow plug feed circuit coming from the relay.

Diagnostic Aids

If glow plug relay is stuck in the ON position, check for proper operation of glow plugs. When glow plugs are commanded ON by the scan tool, an internal PCM timer protects the glow plugs from damage by cycling them ON for 3 seconds and the OFF for 12 seconds. Most glow plug system failure are covered by DTC P0380. If no DTCs are stored, vehicle is hard to start and white smoke is present during cranking or after vehicle is started, the most likely cause of failure is the glow plugs.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step will make sure OBD system check is performed.

  2. This step will make sure there are no other DTCs stored that will affect the operation of the glow plug system.

  3. This step will check each glow plug for an open.

  4. This step will check each glow plug feed circuit for an open.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing DTCs use the scan tool Capture Info to record freeze frame and failure records for reference, as data will be lost when Clear Info function is used.

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Is DTC:

    • P0117
    • P0118
    • P0380

stored as history or current codes?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect all glow plugs.
  3. With a test light connected to B+, probe the spade terminal on each glow plug.

Do all glow plugs turn test light ON?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  2. Glow plugs still disconnected.
  3. With a test light, jumper each glow plug connector terminal to ground.
  4. With a scan tool, command glow plugs ON.

Does each circuit turn the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

Replace all glow plugs that do not turn ON the test light. Refer to Glow Plugs .

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

6

Repair open in each circuit that does not turn ON the test light?

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

Operate vehicle within the conditions under which system was noted.

Does system operate properly?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1