GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Control Schematics

Glow Plug Controls--California Emissions


Object Number: 528498  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module Description
Fuel Pump Controls
Glow Plug Controls-Federal Emissions
Battery, Auxiliary Battery, and Underhood Fuse/Relay Center
IGN A, IGN B Fuses, and Ignition Switch
IGN A, IGN B Fuses, and Ignition Switch
GAUGES Fuse
ECM 1 and IGN E Fuses (6.5L)
ECM 1 and IGN E Fuses (6.5L)
GAUGES Fuse, WATER-IN-FUEL Indicator Sensor, G103
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G103 (6.5L Engine)
.

Circuit Description

Important: This check only applies to the Federal Glow Plug System. The Federal Glow Plug System does not have the ability to detect for a glow plug failure. The California Glow Plug System can determine glow plug failure by setting a DTC P0380.

The glow plug system helps provide the heat required to begin combustion when starting the engine at cold ambient temperatures. The glow plugs are heated before and during cranking, as well as during the initial engine operation. The PCM controls the amount of time the glow plugs are energized by monitoring coolant temperatures and the glow plug voltage. This system check will check the glow plugs and the glow plug feed circuit coming from the relay.

Diagnostic Aids

If the glow plug relay is stuck in the ON position, check for proper operation of glow plugs. When the 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 then OFF for 12 seconds. Most glow plug system failures are covered by DTC P0380. If no DTCs are stored, note if the vehicle is hard to start and white smoke is present during cranking, or after the vehicle is started. The most likely cause of failure is the glow plugs.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step will ensure that the OBD system check is performed.

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

  3. This step checks each glow plug for an open.

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

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The data in the control module is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Verify whether any of the following DTCs are stored as history or current codes:

    • P0117
    • P0118
    • P0380

Are any of the above DTCs stored as history or current codes?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

3

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

Do all of the glow plugs turn the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  2. The glow plugs are still disconnected.
  3. Use a test light in order to jumper each glow plug connector terminal to ground.
  4. Use a scan tool in order to command the glow plugs ON.

Does each circuit turn the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

Does the test light stay ON all the time for each glow plug terminal, even when the glow plugs aren't commanded ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 11

6

  1. Disconnect the gray glow plug output cable from the glow plug relay.
  2. Probe each glow plug terminal with a test light connected to ground.

Is the test light ON for all terminals?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Repair the short to voltage on the glow plug output circuit or the short to voltage on the glow plug signal circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

8

Replace the glow plug relay. Refer to Glow Plug Relay Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace all of the glow plugs that do not turn the test light ON. Refer to Glow Plug Relay Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which system was noted.

Does the system operate properly?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1