Glow System (Diesel)
P0380Glow Plug/Heater Circuit A Malfunction
It doesn't stop you driving. The car is just hard to start in cold weather and may smoke white for the first few minutes.
It may be recorded as a defect as long as the warning light is on. Best to go to inspection after replacing the plugs and clearing the code.
01 / 06
What does P0380 mean?
The ECU sees that one of the glow plugs, or the relay that feeds them, isn't working. You won't notice in summer; it shows up as hard starting on winter mornings. Usually one or two plugs have burnt out; cheap and quick to fix.
On diesels, the glow plugs that heat the combustion chamber for cold starts are powered via a relay or control unit. The ECU monitors circuit current. P0380 is stored when a plug goes open circuit, the relay doesn't work or a wire is broken.
02 / 06
How to fix P0380
Steps are ordered from cheapest to most expensive. If a step doesn't solve it, move to the next one, and don't let a garage replace parts blindly.
- 1
Measure the plugs with an ohmmeter
DIYUnplug the connectors and measure each plug's resistance. A plug showing open circuit has burnt out.
- 2
Check connectors and wiring
DIYCorroded connectors are cleaned and broken wires repaired.
- 3
Replace the faulty plug
Pro jobGlow plugs may be seized. Remove them on a warm engine, with the correct torque and without rushing. A snapped plug may require removing the cylinder head.
- 4
Test the glow plug relay
Pro jobIf the plugs are fine, the relay or control unit is replaced.
Don't replace these first
- Starter motor
- Battery
- Injectors
These parts are often replaced unnecessarily for P0380. Don't spend money on them before doing the checks above.
03 / 06
P0380 symptoms
- Hard starting in the cold, long cranking
- White smoke on first start
- Rough idle on a cold engine
- Glow plug light flashing on the dashboard
04 / 06
What causes P0380?
- Burnt-out glow plugVery high
- Faulty glow plug relay / control unitMedium
- Corroded glow plug connector or broken wireMedium
05 / 06
Which cars commonly get P0380?
- Citroen Berlingo 2 1.6 HDi 92DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Citroen C-Elysee 1.6 HDi 92DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Citroen C4 1.6 e-HDi 112DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Dacia Dokker 1.5 dCi 90K9K
- Dacia Duster 1 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Dacia Logan 2 1.5 dCi 90K9K
- Dacia Sandero 2 1.5 dCi 90K9K
- Fiat Doblo 1.3 Multijet 901.3 Multijet
- Fiat Egea 1.3 Multijet 951.3 Multijet II
- Fiat Fiorino 1.3 Multijet 751.3 Multijet
- Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet 951.3 Multijet
- Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet 751.3 Multijet
- Ford Focus 3 1.6 TDCi 115DV6C (1.6 TDCi)
- Mercedes-Benz A Serisi A180 CDIOM607 (K9K)
- Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Opel Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90Z13DTH (1.3 Multijet)
- Peugeot 208 1.6 HDi 92DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Peugeot 3008 I 1.6 HDi 112DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Peugeot 301 1.6 HDi 92DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Peugeot 308 1.6 BlueHDi 120DV6C (1.6 BlueHDi)
- Peugeot Partner 1.6 HDi 92DV6 (1.6 HDi)
- Renault Captur 1 1.5 dCi 90K9K
- Renault Clio 3 1.5 dCi 86K9K
- Renault Clio 4 1.5 dCi 90K9K
- Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Renault Megane 4 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Renault Megane 3 1.5 dCi 110K9K
- Renault Symbol 1.5 dCi 90K9K
06 / 06
Frequently asked questions
What does fault code P0380 mean?
P0380 stands for “Glow Plug/Heater Circuit A Malfunction”. The ECU sees that one of the glow plugs, or the relay that feeds them, isn't working. You won't notice in summer; it shows up as hard starting on winter mornings. Usually one or two plugs have burnt out; cheap and quick to fix.
Can I drive with code P0380?
Yes, drivable. It doesn't stop you driving. The car is just hard to start in cold weather and may smoke white for the first few minutes.
Will a car with code P0380 pass vehicle inspection?
Risky. It may be recorded as a defect as long as the warning light is on. Best to go to inspection after replacing the plugs and clearing the code.
Should all glow plugs be replaced together?
Not necessarily. But since they're the same age, if one has gone the others aren't far behind. At high mileage, replacing them as a set saves repeat labour.