Mercedes Glow Plug Light Stays On? Here’s What You Need To Do
Mercedes’ glow plug light stays on!!! There is something about this warning light that can freak anyone out. A typical cause for such a warning indicator to come on is a faulty glow plug. But, there are many different things — besides a bad glow plug — that can result in the appearance of this light. In this blog post, we will discuss some of them. In the meantime, let’s talk about glow plugs — how they function, and what would happen if they malfunction.
Glow Plugs- Why Are They So Important To The Engine?
Powered by electricity, a glow plug radiates heat when activated. How does it do this, you asked? Well, upon being electrified, its heating element (made of silicon nitrate) emits heat and visible light, hence the name. You won’t find these pencil-shaped devices on a vehicle powered by a gasoline engine (or Otto engine). Diesel engines are the only ones that require glow plugs.
The point is- properly functioning glow plugs are essential if you intend to keep your car engine in good working order. However, wear and tear affects all the engine parts — including glow plugs. And, defective glow plugs can render the engine inefficient. Fortunately, there are warning signs to watch out for that can help you know when to replace the glow plugs- one of which is a flashing glow plug light.
Here’s What Problems Can a Faulty Glow Plug Cause
Hard starting engine
For a diesel engine to start, run well, and function reliably, its glow plugs must be in good condition. If your engine cranks too long before starting, the problem may be with your glow plugs. To fix the issue, you have to replace the defective glow plugs.
Engine misfire
Engine misfire has all sorts of causes- one of which is a faulty glow plug. Glow plugs are generally trouble-free, but can start to malfunction over time. And, bad glow plugs can take a toll on engine performance; as a result of which it may run rough and misfire.
Could fail an emissions test
Yep… if there is something wrong with your Mercedes’ glow plugs, it may fail an emissions test. Because flaws with the glow plugs can make your car engine run rich. A rich-running engine is likely to pump out a large amount of harmful exhaust gases, which may cause you to fail an emissions test.
Now that you know how glow plugs function and what would happen if they malfunction, let’s explore possible reasons for a flashing glow plug light.
Is Your Glow Plug Light On? Here’s What It Could Mean
A flashing glow plug light could be the result of a number of different causes. Some of them are listed below.
Glow plug is at fault
If the glow plugs are not working as they should and the ECU senses this, it will activate the glow plug warning light. That’s why… In the event that the glow plug light on your Mercedes starts flashing, your first step should be to have someone check on the glow plugs.
Bad relay or timer
There is a computerized mechanism in place to control the functionality of a vehicle’s glow plug. This mechanism determines when to activate or deactivate the glow plugs. One of the major parts of this mechanism is a timer or relay. If for any reason the timer becomes defective, this will affect the functionality of the glow plug — the ECU may activate the glow plug light in response.
Electrical issue
Glow plug, in layman’s terms, is a device that can convert electrical energy to thermal energy with the help of an electric resistor (made of silicon nitride). If for some reason, the electricity supply to the glow plugs gets interrupted, they will not heat up glow plug warning indicator will come on as a result.
Summing Up
Glow plugs are something that we often take for granted. But, the fact is, they play a very important role in the overall functionality of a vehicle. And, if they start malfunctioning, you will encounter many problems ranging from engine misfire to high fuel consumption. That’s why if your Mercedes’ glow plug light is flashing, check its glow plugs right away. If they are damaged, replace them immediately; because that’s in your best interest.
