What it means
The control module has detected an incorrect condition in the cylinder 6 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 glow plug in cylinder 6 warms the air in that cylinder to help a diesel engine start and run cleanly when cold. The control module monitors the cylinder 6 glow plug circuit and sets this code when its electrical response is incorrect; the code alone does not show that the plug type is wrong.
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
- Record freeze-frame data and check for related glow-plug or module codes to see when the cylinder 6 fault occurs and whether it is part of a wider problem.
- With the engine off and cool, inspect the cylinder 6 glow plug connector and nearby wiring for looseness, corrosion, heat damage, or chafing.
- Compare the cylinder 6 plug's resistance or current draw with the manufacturer's specification and, where possible, with the other cylinders.
- Check continuity and for unwanted shorts in the cylinder 6 wiring between the plug and its control circuit, following the vehicle wiring diagram.
- If the plug and wiring pass, test the glow-plug control circuit and module output under the manufacturer's procedure before replacing module components.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure the cylinder 6 glow plug connector.
- Repair damaged or corroded wiring in the cylinder 6 circuit.
- Replace the cylinder 6 glow plug if it fails the specified electrical test.
- Repair the glow-plug control circuit if its output or wiring test is faulty.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine starts and runs normally, a short trip may be possible, but cold starts can become difficult and warm-up emissions may rise. Avoid repeated cold-start attempts if it will not start; unburned fuel can cause white smoke and add strain to the starting system.
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.