A modern car is a complex device consisting of many parts. Each of them performs certain functions and ensures the operation of a whole host of mechanisms, including a glow plug relay. The article will discuss the purpose of the latter, location, features of verification and selection.
Purpose of the part
The glow plug relay is designed to freely start the vehicle’s diesel power unit in low temperature conditions. The purpose of the device is to activate the candles in case of starting the engine in frosty weather.
It is worth noting that it is not responsible for launching candles at certain time intervals. This function is performed by the engine control unit, which analyzes the information of the sensors before starting the car.
Where is the glow plug relay located?
For each car model, the location of such a part is individual. The most often component, which, by the way, looks massive and in comparison with other devices is much larger in size, is mounted in a niche under the car dashboard.
However, it is worth repeating that such an arrangement is not necessary at all. Each manufacturer has its own device. In order to find out where the glow plug relay is located, it is necessary to refer to the technical documentation of the vehicle.
Diagnostics
How to check the glow plug relay? Based on the foregoing, it should be noted that the breakdown of the relay, like any other part, is not at all a desirable phenomenon. If this situation occurs, you need to carry out diagnostic measures to identify the exact location of the malfunction. The cause of a device failure can be hidden both in the relay itself, and in glow plugs or wires.
The relay contains contacts from the coil winding and control contacts from the control unit. For diagnostics, it is necessary to remove the part of their terminal block and apply electrical voltage. To help you should use the device to measure it. If everything is OK, then the contacts will close. For monitoring, a light bulb is connected to the relay. Also, when a voltage is applied, a click occurs. If there are no signs of contact closure, then the relay coil is out of order.
Location in a Ford Transit car
The glow plug relay in the Ford Transit is located in the engine compartment. And to be more precise, in the front safety unit. Its connector is similar to that which is installed on the domestic Gazelle, so if necessary, a spare part from a domestic car is suitable. For long-term driving when replacing the glow plug relay, you need an original spare part.
Many car owners complain about the quality of insulation of their native wires. In theory, they can be replaced, for example, with Chinese or Turkish. But the main thing is not to violate their connection scheme. Otherwise, the engine in the winter season will start “with a jolt” or cease to function at all.
Part location on an Opel car
The part responsible for starting the engine in cold weather on Opel cars is located under the battery pad on the left side. In order to repair or replace the glow plug relay on the Opel, it is necessary to dismantle the fuel filter, the safety block and the platform for the battery itself. If access is still difficult, you will have to remove the bumper and left headlight.
In the process of replacing a burnt glow relay, you should put the original part or a high-quality analog. Cheap fakes cannot last long and reliably. Their use will sooner or later lead to a failure to start the diesel engine in cold frosty weather.
By car Mercedes
The glow plug relay box on the Mercedes is located under the battery pad, just like in Opel cars. In the event of failure, this part must be replaced.
In the process of repair work, it is worth considering not only the manufacturer of the spare part, but also the type of candles that are installed on the car. If they are ceramic, then the relay for metal candles will not function.
Of course, you can do it yourself and repair parts, for example, replace burnt wires with new ones. Or set another switch. But these manipulations can only aggravate the situation and lead to serious problems with the electrics of the car.
Volkswagen Relay for Glow Plugs
The device on Volkswagen cars is located behind the fuse box, which, in turn, is located in the vehicle compartment under the dashboard from the driver’s side. In order to dismantle the glow relay, this mechanism must be removed. These actions are carried out in the following sequence:
- The safety block is removed from the mounts.
- Turns counterclockwise.
- Fuses and glow relays are located in the interior of the structure.
The above actions are carried out not only for Volkswagen cars. When replacing a glow relay, it is necessary to take into account the country and the company that produced the replacement part. Chinese fakes will not last long, and their use can lead to more serious damage.
Part selection tips
The glow plug relay is a part in the event of which failure to start the engine in cool or frosty weather becomes impossible. Therefore, when a burnout occurs, the device must be replaced with a new one. In the process of acquiring a relay, you must adhere to the recommendations below.
What should I look for when choosing a glow plug relay? So:
- Country of origin and company.
Before purchasing a new spare part, it is necessary to clarify which brand was burnt. This will help to purchase an original part or a quality analogue. It should be noted that you should not try to install relays from other models. Each device operates in connection with the design features of the brand of car for which it was created. If you install, for example, on a Ford relay from the Gazelle, then in the best case, it will quickly burn out. And at worst, it will lead to malfunctions associated with the power supply of the entire unit.
The relay has many typologies. One of the main criteria for separation is the scope of their application for steel or ceramic glow plugs. When buying a new glow plug relay, you need to pay special attention to this. If you purchase a part intended for steel candles when ceramic is used in the car, then such a relay, accordingly, will not function. The same thing happens if you put a spare part for ceramic candles on a model with steel.
- The cost of the mechanism.
The price of original spare parts and high-quality analogues is quite high. However, it should be understood that in return the motorist receives a sufficiently reliable relay that will not fail in a difficult traffic situation. The use of low-quality cheap Chinese fakes will lead to a loss of time, and this is in the best case. In the worst case, a car may die out while driving, and this, accordingly, will lead to a dangerous situation on the road. Also, a poor-quality relay can cause a more serious breakdown in the car.
Conclusion
Summing up the above, it should be noted that the car glow plug relay plays a rather important role in its operation. The mechanism is responsible for starting the ignition of the diesel power unit in cold and frosty weather.
Its location for each car model is individual. The most common placement option is the engine compartment and interior (often the relays are located in the safety unit of the vehicle).
When the glow plug relay fails, it is necessary to diagnose not only the mechanism, but also its components, as well as the wiring of the car. If the problem lies in the part itself, then it needs to be replaced. Do not attempt to repair a failed spare part.
When replacing the device, you must also replace the candles and wires that connect them. Do not experiment and install parts from other models on the car. When choosing a glow relay, you need to pay attention to their purpose: for ceramic or steel candles.
Currently, in the automotive parts market, you can find many counterfeit parts. In order to buy an original relay or a spare part related to a high-quality analogue, you need to know the manufacturer of the new part, clarify what brand the previously installed glow plug relay was.
Also, do not flatter yourself with the low cost of the device. Details of unknown companies at an attractive price - fake. Their use will lead to repeated damage. Cheap fake parts can cause a more serious car malfunction.
The glow plug relay enables the engine to start in cold weather. Therefore, the quality and stable functioning of this part must be paid special, increased attention.