OBD
P0381
Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open
What it means
P0381 means Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open.
Check these first
- A burnt out glow plug indicator lamp
- An open in the indicator control wire
- A failed glow plug relay
- A bad PCM driver for the lamp
- Corrosion at the indicator connector
What to do next
- Command the glow indicator on with a scan tool and watch the lamp
- Test the indicator control wire for an open
- Check the glow plug relay operation
- Inspect the indicator connector for corrosion
- Replace the PCM if the lamp and wiring test good
- Clear the code and retest
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Updated
Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.