Petrol engines use spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber during the power stroke of the engine. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs.They rely on cylinder pressure and temperature to ignite the fuel mixture. Since temperature can be considerably lower during cold starts and in cold weather conditions, glow plugs are used to help warm up the engine cylinders to an adequate temperature that will allow for proper combustion.

They are called glow plugs because they will glow a bright orange color when current is applied to them.

When the glow plugs have an issue,they can usually cause problems with the driveability of the vehicle. Usually bad or failing glow plugs will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

1. Hard starting
Faulty glow plugs won't provide the additional heat required to help the engine start normally.it causes starting problem with the engine, which may be especially pronounced during cold starts and in cold weather. The engine may require more cranks than normal before it starts
So if the fuel system and battery are working fine, it is likely that the glow plug is at fault.


2.Glow Plug Light comes on



Another symptom with diesel glow plugs or their timer is an  illuminated glow plug light. This indicator on the instrument cluster that will illuminate or flash if the computer detects an issue with the glow plug system. The indicator is usually a line in the shape of a spiral or coil, reminiscent of a wire filament, and amber in color.

3. Check Engine Light comes on
An illuminated Check Engine Light is another symptom of faulty glow plugs. If the computer detects an issue with the circuit or signal of any of the glow plugs, or the timer, it will set off the Check Engine Light in order to notify you of the issue.

The light will usually come on after the vehicle has already begun to experience starting issues. This Check Engine Light can also be activated by a wide variety of other issues.

While replacing the glow plug is not generally considered routine maintenance, glow plugs usually have a recommended interval that they should be serviced at in order to avoid potential issues.

If your vehicle is displaying any of the symptoms above, have the car checked by your mechanic.

Source https://autojosh.com/signs-symptoms-bad-failing-glow-plugs-diesel-cars/

Cc Lalasticlala Mynd44

Okay

Wow thanks OP

Very educative. Cars are meant to run smoothly just as we take care of our health also

Very educative

K

What about in diesel generators does this same analogy apply.

anthony86:
What about in diesel generators does this same analogy apply.

Yes but not all Diesel generator as a functioning glow plugs, Perkins Diesel gen as but most of them are not connected but the Japanese Diesel Generator as and are always connected. But people usually Mistake a bad glow plug as an injector pump problem

Hello OP and thanks for the insight.

Please I have a question if you can only take a little of your time to answer. Why are diesel private cars not much in Nigeria and readily discouraged.

Late last year I wanted to buy a family car and had hoped for a diesel GL but was put off by my mechanic. He made assertions from no good mechanics for it to bad diesel in filling stations everywhere. Also, looking for naija used or even tokunbo diesel GL on every available naija sale site came out with no result.

I personally still have interest in it and will one day acquire it. Even if na only me dey drive am for the whole Nigeria no problem. Thanks.

God bless you op for this post.

essegis:
Hello OP and thanks for the insight.

Please I have a question if you can only take a little of your time to answer. Why are diesel private cars not much in Nigeria and readily discouraged.

Late last year I wanted to buy a family car and had hoped for a diesel GL but was put off by my mechanic. He made assertions from no good mechanics for it to bad diesel in filling stations everywhere. Also, looking for naija used or even tokunbo diesel GL on every available naija sale site came out with no result.

I personally still have interest in it and will one day acquire it. Even if na only me dey drive am for the whole Nigeria no problem. Thanks.

Oga don't let anyone discourage you,if you can get!
I. Currently use a Golfplus TDi diesel engine car,manual transmission! For over 2years now... so far so good I see no disadvantage in it and the respect people will have for you,you self will be dazed,i have never queued for fuel....the worst,i have bought diesel for 260 naira per. litre!and I didnt die!I have travelled with it round-about Nigeria and I must tell you the experience is fantastic!
Great fuel economy too!!

Any good mechanic that does diesel engine can fix whatever fault for you,and the engine hardly gives issues!

Nice...

sheypian:



Oga don't let anyone discourage you,if you can get!
I. Currently use a Golfplus TDi diesel engine car,manual transmission! For over 2years now... so far so good I see no disadvantage in it and the respect people will have for you,you self will be dazed,i have never queued for fuel....the worst,i have bought diesel for 260 naira per. litre!and I didnt die!I have travelled with it round-about Nigeria and I must tell you the experience is fantastic!
Great fuel economy too!!

Any good mechanic that does diesel engine can fix whatever fault for you,and the engine hardly gives issues!

Thanks my brother. The cost of diesel has never been a problem for me. Whatever it is it beats the petrol hassles.

I have promised myself I'll get so no shakes.

Please who is your VW Diesel mechanic (Lagos)? Recommend please.

sheypian:



Oga don't let anyone discourage you,if you can get!
I. Currently use a Golfplus TDi diesel engine car,manual transmission! For over 2years now... so far so good I see no disadvantage in it and the respect people will have for you,you self will be dazed,i have never queued for fuel....the worst,i have bought diesel for 260 naira per. litre!and I didnt die!I have travelled with it round-about Nigeria and I must tell you the experience is fantastic!
Great fuel economy too!!

Any good mechanic that does diesel engine can fix whatever fault for you,and the engine hardly gives issues!

[quote author=arabanbi007 post=67418483]Please who is your VW Diesel mechanic (Lagos)? Recommend please.

Sorrrry i'm just getting this! I am based in Ibadan.

sheypian:



Oga don't let anyone discourage you,if you can get!
I. Currently use a Golfplus TDi diesel engine car,manual transmission! For over 2years now... so far so good I see no disadvantage in it and the respect people will have for you,you self will be dazed,i have never queued for fuel....the worst,i have bought diesel for 260 naira per. litre!and I didnt die!I have travelled with it round-about Nigeria and I must tell you the experience is fantastic!
Great fuel economy too!!

Any good mechanic that does diesel engine can fix whatever fault for you,and the engine hardly gives issues!

Please, I need the contact of your mechanic in Ibadan.