DIY glow plug repair

In detail: DIY glow plug repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Glow plugs sometimes fail, while knocking out an error on the instrument panel. After diagnosing and replacing the spark plug, the error periodically appears anyway, despite a properly working system. This is possible with different resistance values ​​for the new candle and all the others. In this case, it is recommended to change the candles (if there are five of them, then it turns out a little expensive). But you can try to restore the candle. In my experience, about 90 percent of faulty plugs will lie down for restoration.

The glow plug itself is not much different from the shades used in electric kettles, toasters and similar electrical devices. The disadvantage of these things is that the heating coil must somehow be attached to the contacts. And it is a very common phenomenon when, due to numerous heating-cooling cycles, the contact point is simply oxidized or covered with carbon deposits. Everything would be fine, but the candle is not collapsible and we cannot clean the place of contact. But. You can try to burn this carbon deposit with a good arc (as in welding). So. In order to restore the candle, you need to collect the following scheme:

With a SHORT-TERM touch of the body (where the minus is in the figure), the circuit will close and if you see a spark at the point of contact - congratulations, we have a whole candle.

If you did not see a spark (i.e. the current does not flow through the circuit), try a couple more times and if there is no result, the candle is irreversibly faulty. (but this is rare)

Diesel car owners will find it very useful to know how to check glow plugs, since they are an integral part of a diesel engine, and any failure in their work will create discomfort, or even force you to change to public transport.

Video (click to play).

The main function of these parts is to start the engine, because, as you know, its principle of operation is somewhat different from that of gasoline, since the fuel in this case is ignited not by means of a spark, but by compression. And a more efficient ignition is facilitated by a high temperature, which is what glow plugs provide. Modern cars are equipped with such types that heat the fuel not only until the moment of start-up, but also then for several more minutes, thanks to this, the operation of the engine at idle speed becomes more stable, and the emission of harmful substances reaches a minimum due to more efficient combustion of fuel.

Undoubtedly, in the warm season, there is practically no need for them, but as soon as the ambient temperature reaches +5 ° C, it becomes almost impossible to start a car without this element... Therefore, it is very important to monitor their condition, especially with the onset of cold weather, and for this you need to know how to check the glow plug. But first, let's take a closer look at their connection diagram in order to understand at what point you need to sound the alarm.

Image - DIY glow plug repair

Image - DIY glow plug repair Image - DIY glow plug repair Image - DIY glow plug repair

In principle, they can be compared to an electric heater. The rod of the candle is located in the prechamber in such a way that its tip is right on the border of the swirling of the working mixture created by the nozzle. The glow plug connection diagram provides automatic supply of electric current, immediately after turning the ignition key to the operating position. They heat up themselves to a very high temperature and, accordingly, warm up the combustion chamber, as well as the air that enters it.

The glow plug control unit is responsible for their correct functioning.The algorithm of its operation is as follows: after turning the key, the candles are connected directly to the battery, at the same time the corresponding light on the instrument panel lights up, after some time of preliminary heating this lamp goes out, which indicates that the engine is fully ready to start.

The first sign that a failure has occurred in the electrical heating system is an inoperative indicator.... This may indicate a failure of the fuse or the temperature sensor. Long-term burning of the indicator indicates the need to replace the thermal switch, and if this is ignored, then the thermal pin may burn out, and then the glow plugs will need to be replaced. True, the indicator sometimes may not signal a possible breakdown.

Also, a clear sign that some kind of candle is starting to "play naughty" is a problematic engine start. And in this case, an urgent need to check the glow plugs.