StartingSeverity Medium: diagnose soon

P0380Glow Plug/Heater Circuit "A"

What it means

The ECU or glow plug module sees a fault in the glow plug supply circuit. Several or all glow plugs may not be heating.

Symptoms

Hard cold start
White smoke and rough running after a cold start
Glow plug warning light flashing

Common causes

Faulty glow plug relay or control module
Blown glow plug fuse (often a large fuse)
Open supply wire
Several failed glow plugs

What to check first

Check the glow plug fuse and the supply to the plugs during pre-glow
Measure each glow plug's resistance
Check the module control signal and ground

Can I drive with P0380? Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

How to test the parts behind P0380

Diesel glow plugsWiring, typical values, multimeter and scope tests

Cases with P0380 (0)

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P0380: questions and answers

What does P0380 mean?

P0380: Glow Plug/Heater Circuit "A". The ECU or glow plug module sees a fault in the glow plug supply circuit. Several or all glow plugs may not be heating.

What are the symptoms of P0380?

Hard cold start. White smoke and rough running after a cold start. Glow plug warning light flashing.

What causes P0380?

Faulty glow plug relay or control module. Blown glow plug fuse (often a large fuse). Open supply wire. Several failed glow plugs.

How do you diagnose P0380?

1. Check the glow plug fuse and the supply to the plugs during pre-glow 2. Measure each glow plug's resistance 3. Check the module control signal and ground

Can I drive with P0380?

Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.