How to Test Glow Plugs – Measure the Resistance (Still Fitted to the Vehicle Video)
Testing Glow Plugs Without Removing From Vehicle
Can be a quick way to check if they’re OK. It doesn’t always produce accurate results though (if there’s poor contact, corrosion, etc). However, testing in place can still be a good indicator on the condition. I.e. Poor results – Remove the glow plugs from the vehicle and check / test again…
The brief description that follows, helps explain why your vehicle doesn’t start easily when cold, and why we need to test the glow plugs…
Petrol engines start with the assistance of a spark from a spark plug to ignite the fuel. Whereas diesel engines start using the compression of the fuel mixture. However, diesels don’t like starting when cold. Hence diesel engines are fitted with glow plugs that heat the air fuel mix to aid starting when cold.
If a diesel engine is running well and starts easily when the engine is warm, but won’t start when cold, (or takes ages to get it started when cold). It could be an issue with the glow plugs, the glow plug system (module, relay, or voltage supply). This video shows how to test glow plugs without a multimeter (test meter).
Ordering Parts (Glow Plugs, Test Meter, Tools, etc):
The link below (it takes you to more detailed page), gives examples of the test equipment, tools, etc you can buy to fix your vehicle. If you’re not sure what you need, or how much parts cost, sometime it’s worth having a look?
Ordering Parts – Examples of What You Can Buy: (Opens in a new window / tab)
More Glow Plug Videos:
Videos:
- Diesel Won’t Start when the Engines Cold – White Exhaust Smoke:
- How to Remove and… Where are they Fitted?:
How to Test Glow Plugs:
- With a Test Meter – The Complete Guide:
- Without a Test Meter – The Complete Guide:
- Without a Test Meter – (short version):
- Still Fitted in the Vehicle (Resistance):
- Removed from the Vehicle (Resistance):
- The Supply Voltage & Timer (Voltage):
- Measure the Continuity:
More Detailed Info:
More detailed information can be found on this page: Diesel Won’t Start When Cold – How to Fix Glow Plugs: (Opens in a new window / tab)
