P0380 Code Definition
Glow Plug/Heater Circuit “A”
What Does the Engine Code P0380 Mean?
Character "P" in the first position of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) represents the powertrain system (engine and transmission), "0" in the second position means that this is a generic OBD-II (OBD2) DTC. "3" in the third character position in a DTC indicates that the ignition system or misfire is experiencing a malfunction. The last two characters "80" is DTC number. OBD2 Diagnostic Trouble Code P0380 means that GLow Plug /Heater Circuit has been detected.
Repair How To's for related faults
Carly's expert mechanics have identified the following related fault codes. With the information for these fault codes it is often possible to identify and better repair your faulty part/system:
Contents
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What Is the Cause of P0380?
There can be several damages/failures causing the underlying problem of the OBD2 DTC P0380. To find the root cause of P0380, unlock the “Smart Mechanic" feature in the Carly app.
What Are the Symptoms of the Code P0380?
Symptoms and additional consequences for this error
Higher load on the vehicle battery
Faster clogging of the DPF (diesel particulate filter)
Higher wear of the turbocharger, as the DPF is not released for regeneration
How much does it cost to diagnose P0380?
Visiting a car repair shop and letting them perform a diagnostics check can cost you $60-$100. For almost the same price you can get Carly. Its advanced features can cover what a professional automotive scanner that costs over $3,000 would, and more!
Carly OBD2 ScannerHow To Diagnose and Clear the Code P0380?
Performing a diagnostics check with a diagnostic scanner helps you identify a particular problem area that is outside the normal range and shows where a fault might be occurring. This helps you to detect errors before they cause more damage to your vehicle. In comparison to generic OBD devices that only provide OBD-level engine-related data, Carly can run advanced manufacturer-level diagnostics, check all your ECUs in your car (like ABS, airbag, multimedia) and get deeper insights. You can find additional information about the trouble code and understand the severity of the problem. With the new Smart Mechanic feature, you get additional professional insights and tips from expert mechanics. You are able to check components and their mechanics, find detailed repair tips, and learn about potential future damage. After you have fixed the problem you can easily clear the fault codes with Carly, too. Also, the diagnostic results are safely stored inside the app or as convenient PDF reports you can share with your friends or a mechanic.
Common Mistakes when diagnosing the P0380 code
The most common mistake is to look and try to fix each individual OBD2 (OBD-II) code without having a holistic understanding and approach. Understanding the interrelationship of different systems is crucial to determining the root cause of the problem and finding the right solution. The new Carly Smart Mechanic feature provides a look at the whole system, not just one individual code. Enable Smart Mechanic in your Carly app and get a holistic solution-focused approach when diagnosing the code P0380.
How Serious Is the Code P0380?
For now, this issue is not serious. Carly recommends you to check this issue on a regular basis and check if it gets worse later on.
How to fix the P0380 Code
P0380 is a generic fault code but the repair steps may vary depending on the root cause and the make/model of your vehicle. Get the Smart Mechanic in your Carly app to learn more and receive guidance.
Estimated Cost of Repair for the P0380 Code
The cost very much depends on the root cause of the issue. To find more information about causes, possible solutions, and potential repair costs, unlock “Smart Mechanic" content on the Carly app.
Get Carly NowLearn more about the P0380 Code
Task of glow plugs in the vehicle
Diesel engines igniting themselves. This means the injected fuel does not need a spark to ignite. To support the ignition of injected fuel during cold start, the cylinder combustion chamber in the engine is heated to 700-900 °C. Once the engine is started, the glow plugs are no longer required to run the engine. In diesel engines high compression heats up the air inside the combustion chamber until it ignites (compression ignition). However, this does not mean the glow plugs in a modern direct-injection diesel engine are only used for starting. In addition, the glow plugs glow during engine operation if the engine control unit detects suboptimal combustion. In part-load operation, the combustion chambers are simply too cold for optimum. For this reason, it should not be ignored, if there is glow plug fault displayed. Even if the vehicle starts normal when cold, a defective glow plug can cause further damage. For example, the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter cannot take place and, which can result in turbocharger damage due to excessive exhaust gas pressure in the diesel particulate filter.
How the glow plugs work
All glow plugs in the vehicle are controlled by a glow control unit. When starting the glow control unit energizes the glow plugs until a specific target value is reached. This is specified by the engine control unit. The glow control unit is connected to the engine control unit via a cable harness. It exchanges information with the glow control unit during engine operation for example to initiate intermediate glowing if certain values are below thresholds (exhaust gas temperature, intake air temperature, etc.).
Explanation of the error code
This error code means that the glow plug on cylinder 6 in on malfunction. As a result, the glow plug on cylinder 6 does not heat when the engine starting from cold. Especially at cold temperatures the engine will start much worse.
*Every car is unique. The Carly Features that your car supports depend on the model, build year, hardware, and software in the car. Plug the scanner in the OBD2 port, connect to the app, run your first diagnostics, and check which features are available for your car. Also, keep in mind that any information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should be used at your own risk. Mycarly.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results stemming from the use of this information.
