Powertrain
generic / SAE
P0381
Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Malfunction
Electrical fault in the glow plug indicator lamp or relay circuit. The ECU monitors driver feedback to ensure the dashboard indicator can be commanded; an open or shorted circuit triggers this code.
SystemPowertrain
Typegeneric / SAE
GroupP0
Range / number3 / 81
Possible causes
- Indicator bulb or LED failed medium
- Wiring or connector fault medium
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
Inspection / repair
- Difficulty: easy
- DIY: possible
- Estimated cost: 20–200 €
- Estimated time: 0.2–1.5 h
- Component: glow plug indicator
- Component: indicator wiring
- MIL / check engine light
Sources
References
sae:J2012