Glow Plug Light: What Is It and Can You Drive With It On?

Jun 4, 2021 -

Glow Plug Light: What Is It and Can You Drive With It On?

A vehicle’s dashboard has many symbols that light up to tell drivers the status of different parts and systems This includes the coil light, also known as a glow plug light.

There are a few different reasons the glow plug light might come on, including cold starts or to indicate malfunctions. Keep on reading to find out more and what it means for you as a driver.

What Is a Glow Plug?

Sometimes, diesel engines need help starting in cold temperatures. That’s where glow plugs come in. Glow plugs are heating elements that heat the air and fuel mixture present in the combustion chamber to help your engine start efficiently.

The glow plugs also raise the cylinders’ internal temperature during the process, causing the diesel fuel to pressurize and detonate. Typically, this requires a driver to wait a short period of time before the engine is fully warmed up and ready to start.

Illuminated Glow Plug Light and Cold Starts

As covered in our gasoline vs. diesel engine post, diesel engines do not use spark plugs. They rely on the heat generated by very high compression to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.

When diesel engines are cold, they can be difficult to start. To help overcome this challenge, diesel engines use glow plugs during startup to warm the air in the cylinder, which causes the coil light symbol on the dashboard to illuminate. Once the engine is running, the glow plug no longer plays a role in the combustion process.

The total time needed for a glow plug to warm up varies depending on the vehicle and the ambient temperature. Usually, glow plugs take between five seconds and one minute to sufficiently heat the engine. At that point, the dashboard coil light symbol should turn off, and the driver should be able to start the vehicle. 

In addition to glow plugs, diesel engines may also use other starting aids, including:

  • A coolant heater
  • An ether injection kit
  • An oil pan heater
  • A block heater
  • An air intake heater

What Does a Blinking Glow Plug Symbol Mean?

A blinking glow plug or coil light symbol on the dashboard indicates a malfunction. While there isn’t a quick fix to determine the specific malfunction, a skilled diesel technician should be able to diagnose the problem.

Issues with the diesel glow plug itself can cause the blinking coil light to illuminate, including a loss of heating ability. There could also be an issue with the timer, which is what regulates how long the glow plugs operate. If the timer is off, it can cause the glow plugs to wear out.

Symptoms of faulty glow plugs include a loss of acceleration or a loss of overall power in the engine. You might also notice a drop in fuel economy or even engine misfiring. Be sure and take your car for diagnostic testing if a blinking coil light comes on, as a trained technician should be able to identify and fix the issue.

Can You Drive With the Glow Plug Warning Light On?

If your glow plug light has come on and you’re wondering if you should drive your vehicle, the answer depends on whether the light is blinking or not. If the glow plug light is solid, most cars can’t fully start until the light has turned off and the engine is fully warmed up.

In the case of a glow plug light flashing, if you need to keep driving, take it easy and avoid high speeds as much as possible. Many times, an engine will go into “safety mode,” and you might notice a drop in performance.

The purpose of a blinking glow plug light is to alert you as a driver to a potential problem, so it’s important to take it seriously and get it checked out when you can. This also goes for a glow light that comes on and doesn’t turn off, even once your engine has fully warmed up.

Glow Plug Light FAQs

Can a diesel engine run without a functioning glow plug?

Glow plugs help initiate engine start, so as long as you can get your engine to start, the vehicle is drivable. However, continuing to start the engine with a bad glow plug will place stress on other components like the battery and starter, creating the potential for additional issues.

H3: How often do glow plugs need replacing?

The climate you live in and how often you drive can affect how often you need to replace glow plugs. As a general rule of thumb, replace glow plugs every 100,000 miles as part of diesel preventive maintenance.

Should I replace all my glow plugs at the same time?

Even if just one glow plug is faulty, it’s best to replace them all at once. Doing so will save you the trouble of replacing one every few months. 

How can I diagnose and fix a glow plug issue?

If your glow plug dashboard light is blinking, you can test which glow plug is bad with a multimeter, but as previously mentioned, it’s best to replace them all at once. An experienced diesel technician can help you do this. 

Are glow plugs universal?

No, glow plugs fall into three categories: hot, medium, or cold. Fuel type, engine type, engine size and acceleration will determine which is best. The vehicle manufacturer or a diesel technician can help you choose the right kind.

Diagnose a Diesel Glow Plug Indicator Light With Training From UTI

You can learn the ins and outs of diesel systems and diagnose problems after receiving training from Universal Technical Institute. The 45-week Diesel Technology program helps prepare students with foundational knowledge they can apply to a career in the industry.1,7

The Diesel Engines Service & Repair course covers engine repair and operation. Electrical diagnostics are also covered, giving you the knowledge you need for glow plug light inspection and maintenance.

Expand your knowledge and prepare for a career doing something you love. Find out more about the program by requesting more information here.

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