Chevy/GMC 6.2L and 6.5L Discussion of Chevy and GMC Trucks with 6.2L and 6.5L Diesel Engines

Glow Plugs Help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-15-2010, 02:39 AM
smoking62's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: spokane,wa
Posts: 34
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ATTN Glow Plugs Help

hey my golw plug controller went out after i changed my injector pump and now when i turn my headlights on or hit my brake lights the glow plug lamp is lit dim but if the highbeams are on it gets brighter please help
 
  #2  
Old 08-16-2010, 08:35 PM
Woody35's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 2,856
Received 124 Likes on 117 Posts
Default

i bet you crossed some wires or missed a ground
 
  #3  
Old 09-18-2010, 05:28 PM
mvtofino's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default This might help...

The glow plug controller is a very sensitive device, and once it blows it has to be replaced (not repaired), and it isn't cheap!

Mine has blown twice, and I only replaced it once at $365.00. I had heard about wiring a manual bypass switch for under $15.00, and that has worked perfectly ever since.

You need to purchase a good quality momentary switch (push button SPST will do fine), two appropriately sized ring terminals, and sufficient 14 or 16 AWG wire for the return run from the switch (say dash mounted for example) to the glow plug relay and back to the switch.

You attach one of the bypass switch wires to the small terminal on the glow plug relay and the other to a 12vdc source. Then when you press the manual switch, the glow plug relay is energized which then connects battery voltage to the glow plugs.

You can leave the blown controller installed as it is because it is no longer functioning as designed.

Hope this helps!
JT
 
  #4  
Old 09-18-2010, 06:25 PM
Woody35's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 2,856
Received 124 Likes on 117 Posts
Default

glowplug controllers are like 90 bucks, bought one from the dealer
 
  #5  
Old 09-18-2010, 10:01 PM
mvtofino's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

...not where I live they aren't! The only supplier I could find who even listed it in a catalogue was Lordco, our local parts retailer, and in addition, I got charged an extra $20 for them to ship it from a branch in Osoyoos, BC to my Surrey, BC branch. The full list price was $368.00 if I recall correctly...

JT
 
  #6  
Old 09-19-2010, 09:57 AM
Woody35's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 2,856
Received 124 Likes on 117 Posts
Default

that sucks you got ripped off. but i guess every thing in canada is more expensive
 
  #7  
Old 09-19-2010, 06:51 PM
mvtofino's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Woody35
...i guess every thing in canada is more expensive
Everything except the natural resources! I didn't realize I could operate the glow plugs manually or else I wouldn't have wasted the money on the controller. But like my Father once told me: "...son, when they got you by the *****, your heart and mind will follow!"

That sums up my GP experience.

Regards,
JT
 
  #8  
Old 09-19-2010, 08:08 PM
Woody35's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 2,856
Received 124 Likes on 117 Posts
Default

i understand i went to ontario for vacation and everything was very expensive. beautiful country though.
 
  #9  
Old 09-19-2010, 08:23 PM
mvtofino's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

I was born and raised in BC, but spent a couple years in Toronto during the mid-70s. While Ontario is a beautiful province, it cannot compare to BC especially the lower mainland, south coastal regions. It is simply awesome. So awesome that it justifies another Canadian vacation, but this time to Vancouver. Expensive yes, but all things considered, it's a bargain at half the price!

Consider this a personal invitation on behalf of the 3 million of us who live here. It's truly God's country!

JT
 
  #10  
Old 09-19-2010, 09:24 PM
slodiesel's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 15
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mvtofino
The glow plug controller is a very sensitive device, and once it blows it has to be replaced (not repaired), and it isn't cheap!

Mine has blown twice, and I only replaced it once at $365.00. I had heard about wiring a manual bypass switch for under $15.00, and that has worked perfectly ever since.

You need to purchase a good quality momentary switch (push button SPST will do fine), two appropriately sized ring terminals, and sufficient 14 or 16 AWG wire for the return run from the switch (say dash mounted for example) to the glow plug relay and back to the switch.

You attach one of the bypass switch wires to the small terminal on the glow plug relay and the other to a 12vdc source. Then when you press the manual switch, the glow plug relay is energized which then connects battery voltage to the glow plugs.

You can leave the blown controller installed as it is because it is no longer functioning as designed.

Hope this helps!
JT
That happened to me. The glow plug controller on my 6.2L Chevy went out twice, a couple of years apart. The second time it took all of my glow plugs with it!! I did exactly as you described and it works beautifully!! $3.65 at the hardware store and less work than replacing the controller. I measured the current draw of the GP relay and it is only draws about 2 amps, so you don’t even need a big bulky switch.
 


Quick Reply: Glow Plugs Help



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:42 AM.