Contenu

• Function of the Glow Plug Relay and Glow Plug Control Module
• Difference Between Glow Plug Relay and Glow Plug Control Module
• Testing the Glow Plug Relay
• Replacing the Glow Plug Control Module

Model year 1999 and newer 7.3-liter Powerstroke Diesel Ford F-350 pick-up trucks that meet California emissions standards have a glow plug control module instead of the more common glow plug relay. Both the relay and the control module are on the passenger side engine valve cover behind the fuel filter housing, with brown and yellow wires attached.

Function of the Glow Plug Relay and Glow Plug Control Module

The glow plug control module or relay is responsible for turning the glow plugs on and off so that you can start your diesel engine when its cold. Unlike a gasoline engine, the diesel engine does not have spark plugs, so the fuel cant get hot enough to combust when the engine block is very cold. When sensors inside the engine show that its warm enough, the glow plug relay or control module turns the glow plugs off.

Difference Between Glow Plug Relay and Glow Plug Control Module

A normal glow plug relay only controls the function of the glow plugs. A glow plug control module is a requirement of California emissions regulations. It communicates with the powertrain control module (PCM) in addition to its normal duty of controlling the glow plugs. The glow plug control module senses faults in the glow plug system or individual glow plugs, and s the data to the PCM, where it can be read with diagnostic tools.

Testing the Glow Plug Relay

You can test the basic function of a glow plug relay with a test light. If you attach one test lead to each of the two large terminals, the test light should come on when you turn the key in the ignition. One of the two big terminals connects to the battery. When one test lead connects to the other big terminal and the second test lead connects to a ground, the light should once again come on when you turn on the ignition.

Replacing the Glow Plug Control Module

To replace the glow plug relay or control module, remove the wiring harness (in the case of the glow plug control module). Mark the position of the four wires attaching to the two large and two small terminals and remove the wires. Unbolt the relay or control module from the valve cover. Bolt the replacement unit into place, re-attach the wires to the terminals and plug in the wiring harness, if it is present.