Diesel Engines with Wait to Start DTC P0381 - keywords glow glowplug indicator plug

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

The dealer may encounter a customer concern of a SES light with the Wait to Start Control Circuit DTC P0381 found.

If the DTC P0381 code cannot be duplicated, and it is only found as a history code, clear the DTC and evaluate the concern.

Make sure the vehicle is started cold, and again when the engine is at operating temperature, to verify the DTC P0381 does not reset.

If DTC P0381 does not reset return the vehicle to the customer for evaluation.

If the DTC P0381 does reset, continue with the current SI diagnostics and repair the vehicle as needed.

Engineering has been involved and investigated P0381 codes. At this time P0381 DTCs have been resolved with a wiring, component replacement, or a modification found on the vehicle.

Note: The operation of the Glow Plug Wait to Start Indicator has changed considerably in the 2006 model year. The wait to start light will only illuminate for one second on a cold start. The Glow Plug Indicator will not illuminate with the engine warm.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.