P0381: Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open
What to do
The car will start normally if the plugs are healthy. Without the indicator you have no cue to wait before cranking, so on cold mornings turn the key to the on position and pause a few seconds before starting.
What this code means
A fault in the dashboard indicator that tells the driver the glow plugs are pre-heating and to wait before cranking. The plugs themselves may be working perfectly — what is lost is the instruction to the driver, which on a cold morning means cranking too early and a harder start than necessary.
Likely causes
Start here
- Failed indicator bulb or instrument cluster fault · moderate
- Open circuit in lamp wiring · moderate
Less common
- Failed glow plug control module · moderate
- Corroded or loose connector · easy
Symptoms
Components involved
Information, not instruction
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Have anything you intend to act on checked by a trained person against the manufacturer's own procedure for your vehicle. Nothing here replaces that procedure.
Community experience
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