Using AE to find bad glow plug

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Jul 1, 2013 | 02:51 PM

ScottInTexas

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From: Who cares?

Using AE to find bad glow plug

I have the Auto Enginuity device and am still trying to learn to use it. When my daughter's friend comes over later to see if I can help her with her "check engine light problem" I will want to check the glow plugs because some store told her that was the problem code. Is there a way to check the GPCM also? If I get a code for GP #6 can I count on that as gospel and just replace 6 and call it good? I read the thread on changing glow plugs on the 6.0 Power Stroke. I saw where it was recommended to replace the harness also. I guess I'll take that to heart because I know if anything can break, it will if I handle it.

The truck is a 2007 F-350, King Ranch, 6.0 Power Stroke. If you have any advice about the job I am wide open to it. If you were to say "take it to the shop" I would seriously consider it. But since the job doesn't look too bad I should see if I can help her out.

Jul 1, 2013 | 05:31 PM

npccpartsman

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From: Stuttgart, Ar

You can test the glowplug with an Ohm meter. The same for the harness. The code won't specify which is bad, just that there isn't a circuit. You only need to replace the harness IF you break the plugs where they go through the rocker box.

Jul 2, 2013 | 11:15 AM

ScottInTexas

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Well the AE showed me that GP #8 was bad, or the harness there is bad. But it also showed me more and I would like to decide if the GP is a problem based on other issues.

I attached a jpeg of the output. Can someone take a look and see if there is anything that can cause the GP error? It doesn't seem like there could be, but I wonder about the Communication Bus Fault error.

Attached Images

Jul 2, 2013 | 12:17 PM

Edogsf350

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From: Jerome Idaho

You can clear all codes then do a system ready ness test and see what comes back. Does the ABS light come on when you turn the key on then go out? Obviously whith the GP code it's going to be hard starting. With the 4x4 codes I'm guessing its not working.

Jul 2, 2013 | 12:48 PM

ScottInTexas

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Why does it need glow plugs in 100 degree heat? And that's another thing. Why the hell are the glow plugs so low on the engine? I was expecting them to be under the valve covers, but when I looked them up it turns out they can be changed from the wheel well. Huh???? All right. I guess the glow plugs (at least on that side) should be replaced, and as I understand it, the harness also. Shop is quoting around $600. I don't know the extent of the quote so I can't say what they plan on replacing. They are quoting $160 for glow plugs. Maybe that's all 8.

Jul 2, 2013 | 01:01 PM

Rusty Axlerod

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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)

P0678 fixed at home for $14.37 (the price of the GP) and about 30minutes work. The connector is a pain to get off plug and it is easy to break but I'd give it a shot. I pulled mine with a piece of stainless steel safety wire (.032 in) and a pair of wire twisting pliers.
As far as doing all 4 on that side it's a crapshoot. I did my #8 last Dec I think and now have a P0672 seven months later. Maybe I'll get a new harness this time but I hope not.
Good luck.