How to Test Glow Plugs

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Glow plugs preheat the air in the combustion chamber in diesel engines so that they start faster when they are cold. If your engine is having trouble starting or you see smoke coming from your exhaust, then one or more of your glow plugs might be failing. Testing the glow plug yourself can help you avoid a trip to the mechanic.

Things You Should Know

  • Set your multimeter to ohms.
  • Remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs.
  • Clip the multimeter’s negative lead to a ground point and the positive lead to the top of the glow plug.
  • Read the results on multimeter and check your vehicle's manual for the necessary specs.

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Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Testing Glow Plugs in the Engine

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  1. A multimeter is a black box of electronic circuitry used to test electrical wiring or devices. There is a large dial in the center of the multimeter where you can adjust the settings. The multimeter uses black (negative) and red (positive) leads to test electrical currency and resistance. These leads usually have metal clamps at the end of them. While the multimeter can seem daunting because of its many numbers and dials, you only need to use one setting for this test. [1]
    • Analog meters may apply higher voltage to the circuit than the digital meter, so use them with care. [2]
    • The first reading you get from a digital multimeter may not be accurate, since the current can fluctuate. Digital multimeters have a difficult time measuring current that is constantly changing. [3] Because analog multimeters have a changing display, they can show you the current fluctuations. However, analog multimeters are less accurate overall.
    • It is best to use a digital multimeter for this test. A digital multimeter shows the exact number result of the test. An analog multimeter is harder to read because every possible result is listed at the top. [4]
    • If you are using an analog multimeter, make sure to choose one with at least 20k ohm/V sensitivity. [5]
  2. The ohms setting will be denoted by a shape that resembles an upside down horseshoe. There will be two long vertical lines containing the range of the ohms.
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  3. Cross the two leads of the multimeter over each other and record the result. Make sure the metal clamps of the leads touch each other. If you are using a digital multimeter, then the reading will appear across the screen.
    • Subtract this amount from the glow plug reading.
    Refresh knowledge before a glow plug test. "Even though I worked on diesel engines over 30 years ago, I felt very rusty when faced with testing the glow plugs on my old pickup truck. The detailed instructions and images in this article provided a great refresher on the proper steps and meter settings to use. Following the specifics, like finding the right ohm setting and attaching the multimeter leads correctly, came right back to me. Now, I feel much more knowledgeable and confident to accurately test the glow plugs myself, just like I used to years ago." - Sanny M.
    Find the right glow plugs for older engines. "When I needed to replace the worn-out glow plugs on my old 1982 Mercedes 300D diesel, I wasn't sure specifically which replacement plugs to buy. Thanks to the helpful tip in this article about using quality original BERU plugs and reaming the pre-chamber with the proper tool, I was able to order the right parts online to get my classic diesel running smoothly again. The extra troubleshooting guidance made all the difference." - Alan M.
    Do diagnostics even if you are a beginner. "As someone entirely new to working on diesel engines, I found the step-by-step instructions and clear images extremely helpful for understanding how to properly test glow plugs. The article makes the process very accessible and easy to follow, even for novices like me with zero experience. I now feel much more knowledgeable and empowered to do basic glow plug diagnostics and maintenance on my diesel truck all on my own." - Azar K.
    Pinpoint issues on a balky tractor. "My older farm tractor was having trouble starting up and running, which was roughly related to failing glow plugs. With the very clear walkthrough provided in this article, I was able to diagnose the specific glow plug causing problems. After replacing just that one bad plug, my tractor starts right up again without issue. The instructions were invaluable for troubleshooting." - Mike L.
    We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here .
  4. Put your multimeter in DC Volt reading mode. Place the negative lead of your multimeter onto the negative terminal of the battery, and the positive lead onto the positive terminal. The reading should be close to 12.5 Volts when the car is off and close to 13 Volts when the car is running.
    • If this is not the case, check your battery or alternator before proceeding. Glow plugs will not work correctly if they do not have the correct voltage running into them.
  5. Consult the shop manual of your vehicle to find the location of the glow plugs in the engine. This will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle.
  6. There is usually a cover or cap over the glow plugs. Remove the cover or cap in order to apply the multimeter clamps to the glow plugs.
    • Look at the connector and pins for any signs of rust or corrosion and looseness. Take this opportunity to clean them.
  7. The main two ground points can be found by following the wire that leads from the negative battery terminal into the engine wall or following the wire that leads from the alternator into the engine wall. These wires are attached to bolts. Attach the negative lead onto one of these bolts for grounding.
    • Consult your owner’s manual to find the exact locations of the ground points.
    • If the multimeter's negative lead is still connected to the negative battery terminal, then you can leave it there.
  9. Refer to your shop manual to determine the test specs for your vehicle.
    • Subtract the resistance value of your multimeter from the resistance value of your glow plug. For example, if your plug's resistance measured .9 ohms and your meter's resistance measured .2 ohms, the real reading for the plug is .7 ohms. [6]
    • All the glow plugs in your engine should have similar readings. One glow plug with a higher resistance can affect your engine's performance--even if the plug is still good. [7]
  10. If one or more of the glow plugs is faulty, replace all of them. Never replace a single plug. [8] If the area around the glow plugs has dirt or buildup, clean it first.
    • Some manufacturers have special tools to clean out the bore where the glow plugs are inserted into the cylinder head. These tools clean out carbon buildup in the area inside the combustion chamber or precharge chamber. The tool also cleans the threads that the glow plug screws into. This tool is sometimes called a "reamer." [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Testing Removed Glow Plugs

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  1. Check your owner’s manual to locate the glow plugs and find the best way to remove them. This will vary based on the model and make of your vehicle.
  2. Use the lowest ohms setting. If the measurement of the glow plug is too high for the setting of the multimeter, then the plug is bad.
  3. Cross the two leads of the multimeter over each other and record the result.
    • Subtract this amount from the glow plug reading.
  4. Make sure you do no not place the negative lead higher than the nut.
  5. The tip is exposed when you pull the glow plug cap off.
  6. Check your shop manual for your vehicle's test specs.
    • Subtract the resistance value of your multimeter from the resistance value of your glow plug. For example, if your plug's resistance measured .9 ohms and your meter's resistance measured .2 ohms, the real reading for the plug is .7 ohms.
    • All the glow plugs from your engine should have similar readings. One glow plug with a higher resistance can affect your engine's performance--even if the plug is still good. [10]
  7. If one or more of the glow plugs is faulty, replace all of them. Never replace a single plug. [11]
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How Do You Test Glow Plugs?


Tips

  • Test any new plugs before putting them in your engine.
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    Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Before you check the glow plugs, check the resistance from the negative battery terminal to the engine block. High resistance in the cable to the engine block will complicate your results.
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  • Remove glow plugs when the engine is hot. It's much harder to remove glow plugs when the engine is cold.
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Things You'll Need

What you need:

  • Multimeter
  • A 10-12 amp Battery Charger
  • Safety glasses

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/how-to-use-a-multimeter/view-all
  2. ↑ http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h4.pdf
  3. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/Multimeters-Buying-Guide-/10000000177627218/g.html
  4. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/Multimeters-Buying-Guide-/10000000177627218/g.html
  5. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/Multimeters-Buying-Guide-/10000000177627218/g.html
  6. ↑ http://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/idi-glow-plug-troubleshooting.html
  7. ↑ http://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/idi-glow-plug-troubleshooting.html
  8. ↑ http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/GlowPlugs.shtml
  9. ↑ https://www.ngk.de/en/technology-in-detail/glow-plugs/installation-tips/removing-carbon-deposits-with-a-reamer/
  1. ↑ http://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/idi-glow-plug-troubleshooting.html
  2. ↑ http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/GlowPlugs.shtml

About This Article

Article Summary X

To test glow plugs, start by getting a multimeter and setting it to ohms. Then, cross the 2 leads of the multimeter over each other and write down the result you get. Next, remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs and connect the negative multimeter lead to a ground point in the engine. Once the negative lead is secure, attach the positive lead to the top of the glow plug. Finally, subtract the result you wrote down earlier from the glow plug's reading to determine its actual reading. To learn how to test glow plugs when they're outside of the engine, scroll down!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Sanny M.

    Jul 28, 2016

    "Even though I worked on diesel engines over 30 years ago, I felt very rusty when faced with testing the glow plugs ..." more
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