P0381: Glow plug indicator circuit

What does it mean?

System

Powertrain (engine and transmission)

Subsystem

Ignition and misfires

Type of code

Generic code: means the same on every make.

How urgent?

No immediate danger, but have it checked at the next opportunity: fuel use and emissions can rise, and the car can fail its inspection.

Possible causes

• Failed glow plug
• Glow plug relay or module
• Wiring or connector

Tip: don’t just clear the code. Clearing a code doesn’t fix the cause. It often comes back, and the stored data that helps us find the cause is then gone.