Q: Where Are the Glow Plugs Typically Located?
A: There could be as many as 10 glow plugs in diesel engines, one in each of the cylinders. The plugs are directly connected to the engine control unit to determine when to turn them on or off and how much current is required to heat them.
Glow plugs are common in light truck diesel engines except for many of the Cummins engines, which use a manifold heater instead, so don’t go looking for glow plugs on a Dodge diesel.
Glow plugs receive 12 volts from the battery to heat incoming fuel and air for more efficient fuel combustion in a diesel engine. Since a diesel fires on the heat generated by compression, a cold diesel engine will be hard to start without electrically generated heat.
The powertrain control module controls most glow plugs in newer vehicles. The glow plugs turn on or off, depending on the engine’s temperature.
Tips on How to Access the Glow Plugs
Before you access the glow plugs, make sure you remove the cover to expose them. Afterward, it’s recommended to soak the plugs in WD-40 lubricant (spray it when the engine is warm) and leave it for a couple of days.
Use a 10mm socket and a wrench to loosen the glow plugs. Take your time in removing them to prevent them from snapping.
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