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All warning lights

Glow Plug Warning Light (Diesel)

Informational - status, not a fault

diesel glow plug light · coil warning light

What it means

On diesel engines, this coil-shaped light shows the glow plugs are preheating the combustion chambers before starting - completely normal. It becomes a fault indicator only if it flashes or stays on after the engine is running.

Common causes

  • Normal preheat cycle before starting (a few seconds, longer in cold weather)
  • Failed glow plug(s) if the light flashes or stays on while driving
  • Faulty glow plug control module
  • Wiring or fuse fault to the glow plug system

What to do

If it lights up and goes off before or right as you start the engine, no action needed. If it flashes or stays on while driving, have the glow plug system tested - cold starts will get progressively harder until it is fixed.

Can you keep driving?

Yes if it behaves normally during startup. If it flashes while driving, the car is still driveable now but expect hard starting, especially in cold weather, until repaired.

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Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

Related symptoms

This warning light sometimes appears alongside these symptoms:

Related warning lights