Where is the glow plug relay located?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Modern car is a complex device, consisting of many parts. Each of them performs certain functions and ensures the operation of a whole assembly of mechanisms, including a glow plug relay. The article will discuss the purpose of the latter, location, features of verification and selection.

Purpose of the part

The glow plug relay is designed for the smooth start of a diesel power unit of a car in low temperatures. The purpose of the device is to activate the candles in case the engine is started in frosty weather.

It is worth noting that it is not responsible for the launch of candles at certain time intervals. This function is performed by the engine control unit, which analyzes the sensor information before starting the car.

Where is the glow plug relay located?

For each car model, the location of such a part is individual. Most often, the component, which, by the way, looks massive and, in comparison with other devices, is much larger in size, is mounted in a niche under the dashboard of a car.

Howeverit is worth repeating that such an arrangement is not at all necessary. Each manufacturer arranges the device in its own way. In order to find out where the glow plug relay is located, you need to refer to the technical documentation of the vehicle.

Diagnosis

How to check the glow plug relay? Based on the foregoing, it should be noted that the breakdown of the relay, like any other part, is not at all a desirable phenomenon. If this situation occurs, you need to carry out diagnostic measures to identify the exact location of the malfunction. The reason for the breakdown of the device can be hidden both in the relay itself and in the glow plugs or wires.

The relay has contacts from the coil winding and control contacts from the control unit. For diagnostics, it is necessary to remove the part of their terminal block and apply electrical voltage. To help you should use a device to measure it. If everything is in order, then the contacts will close. For monitoring, a light bulb is connected to the relay. Also, when voltage is applied, a click occurs. If there are no signs of contact closure, then the relay coil is out of order.

Location in Ford Transit car

The relay for glow plugs in the Ford Transit is located in the engine compartment. And to be more precise, in the front safety block. Its connector is similar to the one that is installed on the domestic Gazelle, so if necessary, a spare part from a domestic car will do. For long-term driving when changing the spark plug relayfilament needs a genuine part.

Many car owners complain about the quality of insulation of native wires. In theory, they can be replaced, for example, with Chinese or Turkish ones. But the main thing is not to violate the scheme of their connection. Otherwise, the engine in the winter season will start "with a push" or stop functioning altogether.

Location of the part on the car "Opel"

The part responsible for starting the engine in cold weather on Opel cars is located under the battery platform on the left side. In order to repair or replace the glow plug relay on the Opel, it is necessary to dismantle the fuel filter, the safety block and the battery platform itself. If access continues to be difficult, the bumper and left headlight will need to be removed.

In the process of replacing a burned-out glow relay, you should supply an original part or a high-quality analogue. Cheap fakes will not be able to last long and reliably. Their use will sooner or later lead to a failure to start the diesel engine in cold frosty weather.

Drive a Mercedes car

The glow plug relay unit on the Mercedes is located under the battery platform, just like in Opel cars. In case of failure, this part must be replaced.

In the process of repair work, it is worth considering not only the manufacturer of the spare part, but also the type of candles that are installed on the car. If they are ceramicrelay for metal plugs will not function.

Of course, you can do your own repairs of spare parts, for example, replace burned-out wires with new ones. Or install another switch. But these manipulations can only aggravate the situation and lead to serious problems with the car's electrics.

Volkswagen glow plug relay

The device on Volkswagen cars is located behind the fuse box, which, in turn, is located in the vehicle interior under the dashboard on the driver's side. In order to dismantle the glow relay, this mechanism must be removed. These actions are carried out in the following sequence:

1. The safety block is removed from the mounts.
2. Turns counterclockwise.
3. Fuses and glow relays are located in the depth of the structure.

The above actions are carried out in relation to not only Volkswagen cars. When replacing a glow relay, it is necessary to take into account the country and the company that produced the replacement part. Chinese fakes will not last long, and their use can lead to more serious damage.

Tips for choosing a part

The glow plug relay is a part that fails to start the engine in cool or frosty weather. Therefore, if the device burns out, it must be replaced with a new one. In the process of purchasing a relay, you mustfollow the guidelines below.

What should I look for when choosing a glow plug relay? So:

Producer country and company

Before purchasing a new spare part, you must definitely clarify what brand the burnt one was. This will help to purchase an original part or a high-quality analogue. It is worth noting that you should not try to install relays from other models. Each device functions in connection with the design features of the brand of car for which it was created. If you install, for example, a relay from a Gazelle on a Ford, then at best it will burn out quickly enough. And at worst, it will lead to malfunctions associated with the electrical supply of the entire unit.

Relay type

Relay has many typologies. One of the main criteria for separation is the scope of their application for steel or ceramic glow plugs. When buying a new glow plug relay, you need to pay increased attention to this. If you purchase a part designed for steel candles when ceramic ones are used in the car, then such a relay, accordingly, will not function. The same will happen if you put the ceramic candle part on the model with steel ones.

Mechanism cost

The price of original spare parts and high-quality analogues is quite high. However, it should be understood that in return the motorist receives a fairly reliable relay that will not fail in a difficult traffic situation. The use of poor qualitycheap Chinese fakes will waste your time, and that's at best. In the worst case, the car can stall right while driving, and this, accordingly, will cause a dangerous situation on the road. Also, a poor-quality relay can cause a more serious breakdown in the car.

Conclusion

Summarizing the above, it should be noted that the glow plug relay of a car plays a rather important role in its operation. The mechanism is responsible for starting the ignition of the diesel power unit in cold and frosty weather.

Its location for each car model individually. The most common placement option is the engine compartment and interior (often the relay is located in the vehicle's safety unit).

When the glow plug relay fails, it is necessary to diagnose not only the mechanism, but also its components, as well as the vehicle wiring. If the problem lies in the part itself, then it must be replaced. Do not attempt to repair a failed part.

When replacing the device, you must also replace the candles and the wires that connect them. Do not experiment and install parts from other models on the car. When choosing a glow relay, you need to pay attention to their purpose: for ceramic or steel candles.

Currently, there are many counterfeit parts in the auto parts market. In order to buy an original relay or a quality spare partanalogue, you need to know the manufacturer of the new part, to clarify what brand the previously installed glow plug relay was.

Also, do not be deceived by the low cost of the device. Details of unknown companies at an attractive price - a fake. Their use will lead to repeated failure. Cheap counterfeit parts can cause a more serious car malfunction.

The glow plug relay ensures that the engine starts in cold weather. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the quality and stable functioning of this part.