Glow Plug Controller or Relay?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Glow Plug Controller or Relay?
I know my glow plug controller as a whole is not working properly.
I have power to the controller, and the wait to start light is staying on for the correct duration (10 - 12 sec cold) but no power to plugs. All new plugs and I tested continuity of wiring harness.
It seems the the relay itself is bad. It clicks when I apply power and ground to the small terminals, but does not close the circuit across the larger poles.
Is it possible that the controller is still good, even though the relay is not working? I know I can avoid the whole thing with another relay and a momentary switch, but would prefer to keep the factory setup if the controller is salvageable by replacing just the relay.
I have power to the controller, and the wait to start light is staying on for the correct duration (10 - 12 sec cold) but no power to plugs. All new plugs and I tested continuity of wiring harness.
It seems the the relay itself is bad. It clicks when I apply power and ground to the small terminals, but does not close the circuit across the larger poles.
Is it possible that the controller is still good, even though the relay is not working? I know I can avoid the whole thing with another relay and a momentary switch, but would prefer to keep the factory setup if the controller is salvageable by replacing just the relay.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
This question would be a lot easier to answer if we knew which glow plug system you have.
Two different systems with different way to diagnose each.
What year is your truck?
Blue bar above click "User CP"
Then click "Edit Signature"
Enter your truck info in the signature.
We will not have to ask this again to help you.
Hold your mouse pointer over the "Signature" word to the lower right of my post headed for an example.
Two different systems with different way to diagnose each.
What year is your truck?
Blue bar above click "User CP"
Then click "Edit Signature"
Enter your truck info in the signature.
We will not have to ask this again to help you.
Hold your mouse pointer over the "Signature" word to the lower right of my post headed for an example.
Last edited by Dave Sponaugle; Jan 2, 2006 at 04:00 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Do you have battery voltage to the battery terminal at all times?
The white wire should go to ground when the glow plugs are heating.
Check the ground wire connection for a good ground.
Also check for continuity between the relay terminal(yellow wire) that hooks to the metal strip and the glow plug terminal(green wire) on the other end. There are a set of contacts in most of them that may be corroded.
When the relay is energised the metal strip should have battery voltage on it all the way across.
Last edited by Dave Sponaugle; Jan 2, 2006 at 04:30 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 743
Likes: 2
From: MI -- farmboy
when I bought my truck, I also had starting problems. The glowplug issue was caused by 2 things. The controller had a crack in it and was all corroded inside, and I also had a very poor connection in my glowplug connector. The end dang near fell off when I changed controllers. I crimped on a new end with a little dielectric grease and all was good. I also took the time to install a push-button over-ride. I bought a small surface mount momentary contact switch from Radio Shack and connected to the controller. This way, if I ever doubt my controller or have problems with it, I have a backup plan. I mounted the switch in an out-of-the-way area, in the trim panel almost directly under the steering column. This way its out of the way, but accessible when you need it.
