glow plug issue

shade tree mechanic · 10-06-2009, 07:50 PM

i have a 2006 Duramax and on cold startup i am getting a #4 glow plug circuit trouble code. Same as a problem the local dealer fixed last spring only that one was #8. they replaced the #8 glow plug. what would be causing these to go out so soon? it has only 64,000 miles. how hard is it to replace it and what do these glow plugs cost? i am just trying to decide if it is worth taking it in and paying the $100 deductible.

offroadwizard · 10-11-2009, 06:48 PM

im a mechanic and we have had a lot of these lately due to the colder temperatures but go to the dealer and ask them to see if it has the latest "reflashes" in your pcm. there is an updated flash that doesnt have your glow plugs stay on as long which prevents them from wearing out. same issue happened with my 2006 and i flashed it and have not had a problem since.

DuramaxSMOKE11 · 10-11-2009, 06:50 PM

i had one break off on my head. which you dont want that

WC911EOC · 10-18-2009, 09:16 PM

Number 4 is the second in from the grille on the drivers side. I just did mine this weekend (number 3). It's very easy to do depending on the location, some are in cramped quarters. I'm not sure how bad number 4 is to get to but it's just like changing a spark plug. Mine was 25 bucks from the stealer. If you decide to change it make sure you clean the contact well, mine was rusted over pretty bad. You can thank the Northeast PA salt for that

As DuramaxSMOKE11 mentioned, make sure the tip didn't break off in the head. Clear the code and you should be all set!!

dn3187 · 10-20-2009, 07:15 PM

just did #4,6,&8 today. I had to remove the steering shaft to get #4 in and out. Not too bad though.

kconnolly454 · 10-20-2009, 07:29 PM

Mine is going in on friday for # 7 plug. They said they will replace all of them but of course they have to do their diagnosis first to make sure the warranty will cover it....

dn3187 · 10-22-2009, 11:26 AM

The next day my CEL was off after replacing the 3 bad glow plugs. Guess that's a good thing. Still going to clear the old codes out of memory, so if the light comes on again, I will know where to start looking.

Maxx · 10-23-2009, 05:44 AM

How do you clear the codes?

**ob_1jr** · 10-23-2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shade tree mechanic

i have a 2006 Duramax and on cold startup i am getting a #4 glow plug circuit trouble code. Same as a problem the local dealer fixed last spring only that one was #8. they replaced the #8 glow plug. what would be causing these to go out so soon? it has only 64,000 miles. how hard is it to replace it and what do these glow plugs cost? i am just trying to decide if it is worth taking it in and paying the $100 deductible.

Hmm IIRC the glowplugs should be under the emissions warranty. Look in your warranty book. i know the controller is and that should be a 0 deductable.

dn3187 · 10-23-2009, 06:34 AM

To clear the codes you will need to go into the OBD plug with a reader and clear. Thought it was odd my CEL light went off, but sure the codes are still in memory. Going to clear it out, so next light will be what's actually wrong and not confuse me with some old codes popping up.