P0382 Glow Plug/Heater Circuit “B”

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P0382 Glow Plug/Heater Circuit “B”

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Glow Plug/Heater Circuit “B”

What does that mean?

This code is a generic powertrain code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996-newer), although specific repair steps may be slightly different depending on the model.

The description for GM vehicles is just slightly different: Glow Plug Performance Conditions.

The glow plug operates when starting a cold diesel engine (the powertrain control module PCM uses the coolant temperature when the ignition is switched on to determine this). The glow plug heats up red hot for a short period of time to increase the cylinder temperature allowing the diesel fuel to ignite more easily. If there is an open in the glow plug or circuit this DTC will set.

On some diesel engines, the PCM will operate the glow plugs for a period of time after the engine is running to reduce white smoke and engine noises.

A typical diesel engine glow plug:

Basically, the P0382 code means that the PCM has detected a fault in the glow plug/heater circuit "B".

Note: This DTC is very similar to P0380 which that code refers to circuit "A". If you have multiple DTC codes, fix them in the order they appear.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0382 trouble code may include:

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination
  • Glow plug / Wait To Start indicator stays illuminated longer than normal (may be on solid)
  • Hard to start condition especially in colder weather
  • Potential Causes

    Potential causes for this DTC may include:

  • Fault in glow plug wiring (open, short to ground, etc.)
  • Glow plug faulty
  • Open fuse
  • Faulty glow plug relay
  • Faulty glow plug module
  • Diagnostic Steps & Possible Solutions

  • If you have a GM truck or really any vehicle for that matter, check for known issues such as TSBs (technical service bulletins) that pertain to this code.
  • Check associated fuses, replace if blown. Test glow plug relay if possible.
  • Visually inspect the glow plugs, wiring, and connectors for corrosion, wiring pins bent/loose, loose screws/nuts on wiring connections, burnt appearance. Repair as necessary.
  • Check harness connectors for resistance using a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM). Compare to manufacturer specifications.
  • Disconnect glow plug wires, measure resistance using DVOM, compare to spec.
  • Use a DVOM to verify that the glow plug wiring connector is getting power and ground.
  • If replacing a glow plug, be sure to start it in the threads by hand first, just like you would a spark plug.
  • If you really want to test the glow plug, you could always remove them, apply 12V to the terminal and ground the body for a 2-3 seconds. If it glows red hot it’s good, if it’s a dull red or not red, it’s no good.
  • If you have access to an advanced scan tool, there may be functions you could use on it that pertain to the glow plug wiring circuit.
  • Other Glow Plug related DTCs: P0380, P0381, P0383, P0384, P0670, P0671, P0672, P0673, P0674, P0675, P0676, P0677, P0678, P0679, P0680, P0681, P0682, P0683, P0684.

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    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0382 in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0382 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0382.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p0382