Glow plug controler clicks on and off really fast , new glow plugs and controler are installed

Did you replace all the glow plugs ?, if not one could be shorting out, I always check new plugs with a OHMS meter , I have found a odd one that was shorted out, Corroded battery terminals or discharged battery can also cause clicking.

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Hi Margaret , Does the glow plug wait to start indicator light on the dash come on ? And then go off after a couple of min. ? Check fuse K 20 amp in the under hood fuse box .This is one of three B+ power supplies to the glow plug control module > Two fusible link's are also B+ power supplies to the module . There is a 10 amp fuse located in the inside fuse box , fuse # 17 , this is power for the indicator light !

That usually indicates a burnt out glow plug, new or not..

wow, no year, nor country car was sold. wow.!
lots really.
but i cant do my testing,with my tools.
did you scan it yet?
the glow plugs dont work all by them selves they need power to do that. ( controller) I have this ammeter, i clam on the glow plug wires. and see heater current , if zero then the plug is open or
the controller is malfing.
i presume the car starts warm and runs all day .... but all I have is one word :cold to assume that....
does engine start with diesel starter spray.?
Yes/no
if yes, then the glow plugs are the issue,
if not , its fueling issues.
why not scan it first. and not waste time and cash on good parts.


what does
and new ignition? mean?
the key switch?

just because. the glow plugs are new, does not mean they work correctly, not at all. (yes, they can have weak or now power to them)
1: glow plugs work. really.
2: fueling correct. (fuel filter new, ?)
3: hearty battery and starter cranks nice and fast.

1,2,3, if not scan it.

I copied this from my GM service manual for 1982 6.2 diesel.

1. If the glow plug relay is not clicking on and off then turn the ignition to the RUN position and connect a 12V test light to ground and touch the pink/black wire in the glow plug relay connector.

2. If the light is off repair the open cicuit in the pink/black wire to the splice.If the light is on then touch the light blue at the glow plug relay connector.

3. If the light is off replace the glow plug relay. If the light is on, disconnect the connection at the thermal controller and touch the black wire in the connector.

4. If the light is off, repair the open circuit in the light blue wire from the thermal controller to the glow plug relay. If the light is on repair open circuit in black wire back to a splice. If no trouble is found replace the controller.



You should also get your hands on this Haynes book. Diesel Engine Repair Manual, part # 10330. Excellent coverage on the 6.2 and 6.5. In it, they say that early 82\'s have a hole at the number 2 hole on the pin connector of the wire harness for the thermal controller. this allows dirt in there and corrodes the pins. Remove the connector and clean thoroughly the pin area on the connection and controller. Seal the hole with some silicone. If things are still acting up, replace the wire harness connector.



Hope some of this helps.

Hello philkatkiele: My name is Roger and I will help you. First thing you need to check is the glow plugs. They will need tested individually. Un plug all 8 glow plugs. Take a test light and hook end to the positive battery cable. Touch opposite end of test light to the terminal end of the glow plug. The test light should light. Touch all 8 glow plugs. Ant that do not light are bad and will need replaced. If glow plugs are burnt out then the controller will flash wait light to early or very fast. The wait light should be on for approximately 10 seconds.If al glow plugs check ok then I would suspect the glow plug controller as the problem. Also if the temperature out side is below 40 degrees the truck should be plugged in. This will help to make the engine start easier. Should you need further help please just ask.Please rate the answer as this way I know it was helpful. Thank You for using Fix Ya. Roger

what voltage u getting ?. did it just stop and then not restart. if its getting fuel and glow plugs are working the next two items id look at is the cam shaft and crank shaft position sencors. also make sure ur battery is in good condition, so starter motor is turning fast enough to build up the correct pressure on the rail.

if you need connectors and terminals for the glow plug connections under the valve cover, Ford sells then so you don't need a whole $600 harness.

info for your use

Section 03-07B: Glow Plug System 1996 F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty Equipped with 7.3L Diesel Engines Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Glow Plug System The 7.3L diesel engine uses a glow plug system which preheats air in the combustion chamber to improve cold engine starting. The system consists of eight glow plugs, the glow plug control module (12B533), powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650), engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor and barometric pressure sensor (BARO sensor) (12A644). The glow plug system is electronically controlled by the powertrain control module. The powertrain control module energizes the glow plugs immediately after the key is placed in the ON position and then determines how long the glow plugs will be on according to the engine oil temperature and the barometric pressure. The required time for the glow plugs to be energized decreases as the engine oil temperature and barometric pressure increase. The glow plugs are self-regulating, and the powertrain control module controls relay ON time. The powertrain control module protects the glow plugs by energizing them for short durations if the battery voltage is abnormally high.

Possible Causes: Insufficient glow plug ON time will not allow enough heat to accumulate in the combustion chamber to easily facilitate starting. If the glow plug system ON time does not meet any of the specifications in the accompanying chart the problem is most likely a faulty wire harness connection, ground connections or glow plug relay.

If the glow plug resistance to ground is high, the most likely causes are an open UVC (under valve cover) harness or open glow plug.
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Relay Operation
Install a DVOM on the glow plug feed side of the glow plug relay (large stud with two wires connected). Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not attempt to start. Note the time in seconds from when the key is turned on and the glow plug relay energizes until the glow plug relay de-energizes. The glow plug relay makes a loud click noise which is easily heard when it energizes and de-energizes. The dome light will dim and the dash voltmeter will dip when the glow plugs are drawing current from the battery. Compare the times measured to the table (time will be affected by engine temperature, battery condition and vehicle altitude). The voltage at the glow plug feed terminal may vary from 9 to 12 volts depending upon battery condition.
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If battery voltage not present check for B+ at power supply terminal (terminal with single large wire). Power for glow plug power supply is supplied from starter relay through two fusible links at solenoid.
Glow Plug Operation
Disconnect all of the glow plug/injector harness connectors from the valve cover gaskets. With the pigtail installed, measure glow plug resistance to ground (preferably B-). A resistance measurement of .1 to 6 ohms indicates a good glow plug.



Glow Plug Harness Continuity
Measure for continuity from the connector harness to the glow plug feed terminal on the glow plug relay. Resistance should be less than 5 ohms.
Incorrect measurements will result if all glow plug/injector connectors to valve cover are not disconnected.

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Glow Plug Relay The glow plug relay (12A343) has a plastic base and two mounting bolts. It is operated by the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) which senses engine oil temperature, PCM voltage and barometric pressure. When the engine oil temperature or the barometric pressure is low, the PCM activates the glow plug relay and the glow plugs. If the PCM voltage is too high, the powertrain control module deactivates the glow plug relay and the glow plugs immediately energize for a shorter duration, decreasing the modulation of the duty cycle.
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Glow Plug Removal

1. WARNING: THE RED-STRIPED WIRING HARNESS CARRIES 115V DC. SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY BE RECEIVED. DO NOT PIERCE.
   Remove valve cover (6582). Refer to Section 03-01D .
   

1. Disconnect glow plug electrical connector using a pair of pliers.
   

1. Remove glow plug using 10mm socket.
   

1. Clean and inspect glow plug tip for damage. Replace if damaged.
   

Installation

1. Install glow plug and tighten to 19 Nm (14 lb-ft).
   

1. Connect glow plug electrical connector. Make sure glow plug wiring is routed to avoid moving parts.
   

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Glow Plug Control Glow plugs are used to warm the cylinders to improve cold-engine starting. The PCM uses the engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor and barometric pressure (BARO) sensor to determine how long the glow plugs will be on. The PCM energizes the glow plugs longer if the engine is very cold or if the barometric pressure is low at high altitudes.
The PCM controls the relay that supplies power to the glow plugs with the glow plug control (GPC) signal. When the GPC signal is grounded by the PCM the relay closes, turning the glow plugs on.
The glow plugs are controlled by the following sequence:

1. PCM energizes the glow plugs.

1. The PCM energizes the glow plugs immediately after the ignition is placed in the ON position.

1. The PCM then determines how long glow plugs will be on based on EOT sensor and the BARO sensor. The required time to warm up the cylinder decreases the engine oil temperature and barometric pressure increases at low altitudes.

Glow Plug Lamp Control The glow plug lamp (GPL) signal controls the WAIT TO START light located on the instrument panel. This light is used to indicate when to start the engine. The cylinders are being warmed by the glow plugs during and after this light is lit. The PCM energizes the glow plug lamp longer if the engine is very cold or if the barometric pressure is low.
When the GPL signal is brought low, the "Wait to Start" lamp is turned on.
The glow plug lamp is controlled by the following sequence:

1. PCM lights the WAIT TO START light after a key on reset occurs.

The PCM determines the glow plug lamp activation time based on engine oil temperature, barometric pressure and battery voltage.

1. PCM turns off the WAIT TO START light.

The glow plug lamp is turned off when the timer counts to the number of seconds specified by the PCM. The glow plugs will normally remain on longer than the "Wait to Start" lamp.
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