glowplug light

**chris1804** · 12th October 2009, 20:54

how long should the glowplug light stay on for because today after going to start car (cars been sitting for 9 hours ) soon a turned the key the light came on for just about half a second is this normal? ive noticed the light dont stay on as long as my old diesel that was a 1996 vectra b tho

**Big Dave** · 12th October 2009, 20:59

With all due respect, a 2005 Vectra-C is going to have a much better electrical system than a 1996 Vectra-B system.

Also, the glow plugs are only required when the outside temperature is something like 4 deg C or less. If above that, then I don't think the light comes on at all.

**chris1804** · 12th October 2009, 21:02

Originally Posted by Big Dave

With all due respect, a 2005 Vectra-C is going to have a much better electrical system than a 1996 Vectra-B system.

Also, the glow plugs are only required when the outside temperature is something like 4 deg C or less. If above that, then I don't think the light comes on at all.

yea i thought that would be the case just wanted to ask, never had a newish car that done this lol

**John LE** · 12th October 2009, 21:05

It'll stay on a bit longer in the winter trust me, it's still pretty quick though

**chris1804** · 12th October 2009, 21:09

ive been watching it everytime i start the car and it goes off str8 away ive never seen plugs warm up so fast

**nokiaman1978** · 12th October 2009, 22:09

isnt that the dpf self cleaning function, it will not function until the engine reaches operating temp and will take around 20 min of driving speed dependant for it to clear.

**nokiaman1978** · 12th October 2009, 22:10

sorry quickly read the first post, please ignore the last post

**the-wizard** · 13th October 2009, 13:29

although the light comes on/off quickly a elec meter will show that there is still voltage there, quick pre heat at full temp and a lower voltage for a period of time.

**m8internet** · 13th October 2009, 13:54

Originally Posted by john.robertson2

It'll stay on a bit longer in the winter trust me, it's still pretty quick though

I am very surprised at how little "extra" it stays on (even with a 6 cylinder diesel)
During the spring / summer / autumn it can be up to half a second
In the winter I expected it to be nearer two seconds, but during the last two winters I can only recall three days where it was even anywhere other than normal!

One thing it does do though is always come on, even when the engine is warm
I've had some cars in the past where it woud never come on with a warm engine, then contnued looked at the instrument panel expecting the glowplug light to go off, only to realise it was NEVER on in the first place!