Meaning
The computer or glow plug module detects that the current in the glow plug circuit is abnormal — one or more glow plugs are not heating.
Urgency
Low in summer, medium in winter. When warm, the engine starts normally, but when cold it may not start.
It affects
Diesel engines. Glow plugs, relay or module for heating, wiring.
What does P0380 mean
Glow plugs heat up the combustion chamber so the cold diesel can ignite. Most cars monitor the current to them and if the current is interrupted or irregular they will record P0380. A fault in the spark plug control module itself is P0670.
Symptoms
- Difficult starting when cold, long cranking of the starter
- White smoke and rough running after ignition
- The heating lamp (coil) flashes or lights up
- Lamp "Check Engine"
| Can it be driven?
Yes. But don't leave the repair for the first cold day. Too much rotation of the starter drains the battery (see P0562).
Common reasons
- Burnt glow plug — often more than one.
- Faulty relay or module for heating.
- Burnt fuse or broken cable to the candles.
- Oxidized coupling or loose nut on the candle.
How we diagnose it
- We measure the resistance of each candle and the warm-up current.
- We check the relay or module, fuse and wiring.
- We replace only the burned out candles, and in case of high mileage - the entire set.