Glow plugs are an important part of your vehicle’s emission control system, and are designed to help your engine produce cleaner emissions. They work by using heat to raise the temperature of a liquid that is in the air passing through the glow plugs.
Your car’s engine control unit (ECM) uses a glow plug relay to switch the current for the glow plugs. Depending on the type of engine, these switches can handle currents of up to 80 A.
The relay is usually located in the engine compartment, but it can be difficult to find, especially if your vehicle doesn’t have an electrically operated hood. If you can’t locate it, use a flashlight to shine light into the engine compartment.
If you do locate the relay, look for the wires that lead to it and remove them. If you have access to the inside of your engine, you can use a rag or towel to wipe away any dirt and dust that may be present.
Test the Relay
Before replacing your glow plug relay, it’s important to make sure it’s functioning properly. To do this, connect one multimeter test lead to a ground on the relay and another lead to the power supply terminal of the glow plug. This will allow you to measure the voltage that passes through it, which can tell you how much current the glow plugs are receiving from the ECM.
Once you’ve confirmed the voltage is correct, replace your old relay with your new one. Double check that the wiring is connected correctly and that all the terminals are correctly marked.
How to Install a Glow Plug Relay
You can buy glow plug relays online or at auto parts stores. These are available in different sizes and styles, so you can select the one that is right for your vehicle. It’s important to choose a relay with the same reference number as the existing relay. This way, the glow timer will function properly.
It’s also important to ensure that the relay is able to handle the current that your vehicle’s glow plugs require. If your glow plugs aren’t working, it’s probably because the relay is worn out or doesn’t handle the voltage well.
This can cause a variety of problems, including the relay not shutting off or the glow plugs being hot for longer than necessary. The glow plug relay is an essential component of your glow plug system and should be replaced before it becomes too damaged to work.
The best way to replace your glow plug relay is to have a professional do it for you. A certified mechanic from YourMechanic will be able to make sure the job is done properly and safely.
How to Wire a Glow Plug Relay
To wire a glow plug relay, you will need to have some tools and parts on hand. You will also need a multimeter to check the voltage and current.
If you have the right tools, you should be able to wire a glow plug relay and have it working properly. However, you should remember to take your time and make sure that everything is done correctly.
