Top 4 Signs of Bad Glow Plugs
Glow plugs are essential for the proper functioning of a diesel engine. If a diesel glow plug becomes damaged or faulty, it can have noticeable symptoms that can impact the performance of the vehicle. Here are four common signs of bad diesel glow plugs:
1) Difficulty Starting the Engine
One of the most common symptoms of bad diesel glow plugs is difficulty starting the engine, particularly in cold weather. You may find that it takes several attempts to start the vehicle, which can be frustrating.
2) Engine Misfires (Duramex Diesel Engine)
If the glow plug is not functioning properly in a Duramex diesel engine, it can prevent the air inside the cylinder from reaching the required temperature, leading to incomplete combustion and resulting in an engine misfire. When the diesel fuel in a cylinder fails to ignite properly, it can cause misfires.
Even though it is still possible to drive the vehicle with a faulty glow plug, you might notice a decrease in its normal performance.
3) Excessive Smoke From Exhaust (Black Smoke From Exhaust)
Excessive exhaust smoke is another indicator that there may be an issue with the glow plugs. The smoke can appear black, white, or blue depending on the underlying problem.
Black smoke typically signifies incomplete combustion, often caused by faulty glow plugs that fail to generate sufficient heat. On the other hand, white smoke may suggest that the glow plug is not heating the fuel effectively, leading to inefficient burning.
4) Check Engine Light Illuminated
When a diesel glow plug is not functioning properly, the Check Engine light on the dashboard will typically illuminate. To accurately identify the issue, it is advisable to utilize a diagnostic scan tool to access the precise trouble code(s) stored by the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM).
In most cases, the displayed code will be P0380, indicating a malfunction in glow plug/heater circuit “A.”