Q: Can leaving the glow plugs on damage them?
How long can a glow plug stay on before there are issues?
The glow plugs on every vehicle that I have ever worked on that come on when the key is turned on will have a timer unit. This timer unit limits how long the glow plugs will stay on each time the key is turned on. You can damage the glow plugs if you continue to cycle the key several times.
The glow plugs can get a carbon build up on them from the normal engine combustion process and when you go to use them they will not heat up enough to help start the engine when it is really cold out. The carbon can be cleaned off of them and reinstalled if the glow plug tests good.
If you run into any issues, consider having your glow plugs and timer serviced at your home or office by a mobile technician from YourMechanic.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Car shaking, squeaking, and clunking
These noises can be caused by a number of different sources. I would need more information, such as where these clunks are coming from and when you are hearing them, to make an accurate diagnosis. I suggest you call the...
Mercedes AMG 2001 has a P0410 code
You've changed the check valve. Unfortunately, on those things, the pumps themselves are often what go wrong. And as expensive as those things can be, you'll probably need a new pump on that thing. What you might try to do...
Feels like transmission slipping
It sounds like you may have a problem with one of your rear CV axles on your 2002 Honda Passport. If one of the axles fails, this can cause the driver to feel some resistance as well as vibrations. If...
2012 BMW 535xi shakes at 50 mph when braking
If you've had both sets of rotors replaced, then I will assume the brakes are not the problem. Other issues that would cause the problem you are having include worn wheel bearings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), worn steering or suspension parts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-system-inspection), or...
What's the fastest/cheapest way to diagnose an ABS light?
Hello there. The ABS on most vehicles requires a scanner with ABS testing capabilities. You will need to have the system scanned and codes received and diagnosed in order to learn what is the problem. If you want to have...
My dash lights and gages won't cut on the car starts now but won't go into gear
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing more than one issue. If your dash lights and gauges are not functioning then the first thing I would do is check the vehicle's fuses. It...
How much to service the AWD?
Hello - I would first use a scan tool that can access problem codes from your AWD system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/service-awd-system-light-is-coming-on-by-jeffrey-c) (will likely be specific to your manufacturer) to determine what is wrong with your AWD system. This will expedite accurate diagnosis...
What could happen by driving without a bolt on a pulley?
The consequences in regard to the pulley depend on which pulley was vandalized (there are quite a few on a engine). If it was the crank pulley, such could fall off (eventually) and if it does cause a fair amount...
Loss of power, drive. 2010 Ford F150
Hello - check first for the correct fluid level (and condition - red and relatively clear) of transmission fluid. If fluid level and condition are proper, the problem is likely with the internals of the transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-an-automatic-transmission-works): fluid pressure and...
Related articles
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Glow Plugs
Common signs in diesel vehicles include engine misfires, issues starting in the cold, and more smoke coming out of the exhaust.
How Long Does a Glow Plug Last?
A A diesel engine is a very powerful and complicated piece of machinery. There are a variety of things that have to work together in order for the diesel engine to fire off and run as intended. Just like a...
How to Replace a Car Glow Plug Timer
Glow plug timers let glow plugs know when to shut off in diesel engines. Symptoms of bad glow plug timers include hard starting or a Glow Plug Light.
Browse other content
Estimates
Cities