P0381 OBD-II: Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

P0381 Severity

Urgent

Should you fix P0381 yourself?

Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.

Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.

Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.

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P0381 Summary Find a Repair Shop P0381 Details Ask RepairPal CarGenius Other OBD-II Codes

What causes OBD-II fault code P0381?

Diesel engines use Glow Plugs to heat up the combustion chambers to enable a quicker cold start. If one or more glow plugs is not working properly, the engine control module (PCM) will set code P0381.

OBD II Fault Code

OBD II P0381

OBD-II Code Engine may not start is defined as a Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

Engine may not start Symptoms

Engine may not start
Hard engine start

Common Problems That Trigger the P0381 Code

Glow plug control module failure
Glow plug failure
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
Wiring issue

Common Repairs Needed for the P0381 Code

Glow Plug Replacement

OBD Code Resources

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OBD II Fault Code

OBD II P0381

OBD-II Code Engine may not start is defined as a Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

Engine may not start Symptoms

Engine may not start
Hard engine start

Common Problems That Trigger the P0381 Code

Glow plug control module failure
Glow plug failure
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
Wiring issue

Common Repairs Needed for the P0381 Code

Glow Plug Replacement

P0381 OBD-II: Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

Should you fix P0381 yourself?

What causes OBD-II fault code P0381?

Need a P0381 diagnosis? Trust our experts.

OBD II Fault Code

Engine may not start Symptoms

Common Problems That Trigger the P0381 Code

Common Repairs Needed for the P0381 Code

OBD Code Resources

Ask our experts about P0381.

Other OBD-II Codes

OBD II Fault Code

Engine may not start Symptoms

Common Problems That Trigger the P0381 Code

Common Repairs Needed for the P0381 Code