P0381 OBD II Trouble Code Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Malfunction

Symptoms of P0381 OBD II Trouble Code

  • Delayed engine start up, especially during periods of extremely cold weather
  • Excessive smoke from the exhaust
  • No glow plug indicator illumination
  • Constant glow plug indicator illumination

Common Causes of P0381 OBD II Trouble Code

  • Defective glow plug indicator lamp bulb
  • Faulty glow plug/heater relay
  • Glow plug/heater controller malfunction
  • Open or shorted glow plug/heater indicator circuit
  • Bad instrument panel circuit board

Severity of P0381 OBD II Trouble Code

Glow plug operation will likely be disabled if a code P0381 is stored, therefore it should be considered a severe condition.