What it means
The control module has detected an incorrect condition in the cylinder 2 glow plug circuit. The code does not by itself establish that the wrong plug type was fitted.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The cylinder 2 glow plug preheats its cylinder to help the diesel engine start and burn fuel cleanly when cold. The control module monitors the cylinder 2 circuit and stores this code when its response indicates an incorrect electrical condition; it does not by itself establish that the wrong plug was installed.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Faulty glow plug
- Damaged or corroded wiring or connector
- Glow plug control circuit fault
Symptoms
- Glow plug warning light on (often orange coil symbol)
- Hard cold start or no start in cold weather
- White smoke from exhaust during warm-up
How to diagnose it
- Check freeze-frame and live data for the conditions that triggered the cylinder 2 fault, comparing its glow plug response with the other cylinders.
- Inspect the cylinder 2 glow plug and connector for looseness, corrosion, heat damage, or harness chafing.
- Test the cylinder 2 glow plug with the manufacturer's procedure and compare it with the manufacturer's specification.
- Confirm the cylinder 2 plug is the specified type, then check its circuit wiring and connections for continuity using the wiring diagram.
- If the plug and wiring are correct, test the controller's cylinder 2 output and related control circuit.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure the cylinder 2 glow plug connector.
- Repair corroded terminals or damaged wiring in the cylinder 2 circuit.
- Replace a failed or incorrect cylinder 2 glow plug with the specified type.
- Repair the glow plug controller or cylinder 2 output circuit if testing identifies a fault.
Can I keep driving?
The vehicle may be driven if it starts and runs normally, but cold starting may worsen and warm-up smoke may increase. Avoid repeated attempts if the engine will not start, as they can drain the battery; fix the fault before cold-weather use.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.