Best West Hills Garage To Fix Your Mercedes’ Glow Plug Relay

If your diesel engine starts slower than usual or you have a check light that is associated with the glow plugs, you may be experiencing a glow plug relay failure. Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to heat the cylinders before ignition of fuel takes place. The glow plug relay regulates power supply to these plugs to ensure that your engine starts as it should.

When the relay fails, the glow plugs do not heat correctly, and your vehicle might be difficult to start, or might not start at all. This issue is common in Mercedes diesel models, and failure to address it will lead to poor performance of the engine.

What Leads to Glow Plug Relay Failure?

• Wear and Tear: Just as a light switch that is used frequently becomes weak after some years, the same goes for the glow plug relay. What you may not know is that each time you turn on the ignition of your car, the relay is subjected to a heating cycle. After so many starts, the internal parts get worn out and failure is bound to happen.
• Moisture and Corrosion: Since the glow plug relay is located in the engine compartment, it is prone to corrosion by moisture, dust, and fluctuating temperatures. Over time, the terminals of the relay may develop a layer of rust which affects the flow of electricity and makes it difficult for it to function as it should.
• Wiring Problems: The wiring between the relay and the glow plugs may be damaged or frayed, disrupting the power supply. If the relay is not receiving the correct electrical signal, it may not operate as it should, or it may cease to work altogether.
• Overheating Issues: Glow plug relays are designed to withstand heat, but sometimes excessive heat from the engine or poor connections can cause the glow plug relay to overheat. Exposure to excessive heat also poses a problem because it tends to affect the internal components of the relay, making it wear out much earlier than it is supposed to.

How To Troubleshoot And Repair A Faulty Glow Plug Relay

• Inspect the Glow Plug Relay: The first thing that you need to do when troubleshooting a glow plug relay is to inspect the relay. A mechanic can check the relay by using a multimeter to determine whether the relay is supplying power to the glow plugs.
• Replace the Glow Plugs: Sometimes the problem is not in the relay but the glow plugs themselves. If one or more of the glow plugs are faulty, they should be replaced at the same time as the relay to avoid future issues.
• Check the Wiring and Connections: Another way in which a relay can fail is through damaged wiring or connections. Checking on the wiring and replacing any faulty part guarantees that there is proper connection between the relay and the glow plugs.
• Replace the Glow Plug Relay: If you find that the relay is the problem, then the only solution is to replace it. A new glow plug relay will fix the problem with the glow plug system and your Mercedes will start smoothly whether it’s cold or not.
• Reset Warning Signal: Sometimes after replacing the relay, it is necessary to reset the check engine light. This can be done with a diagnostic scanner, which will make your Mercedes’ onboard system identify the new relay.

Bring Your Mercedes Diesel Engine Problems To Our Certified Auto Service Center

At Bavarian Workshop, we specialize in German cars, and can easily fix any problems affecting the glow plug system in Mercedes diesel cars. Our skilled technicians can identify and repair any problems with the glow plug relay, making sure that the vehicle starts and operates as it should. Based in West Hills, CA, we are pleased to offer our services to Woodland Hills, Agoura, and Calabasas Mercedes owners.  Many vehicles develop problems that can include poor starting, warning indicators on the dash, or excessive smoke coming from the car; our technicians will diagnose and repair all these issues professionally. Just call or message us to request a Mercedes inspection and our expert technicians will attend to your car’s needs.