What is the P0384 fault number? What is the Glow Plug Control Module Circuit high error code? How can I fix P0384 fault? What are the symptoms and causes for the P0384 fault code
What is the P0384 Fault code? What does it all mean?
If the powertrain control module (PCM), detects a voltage signal from the glow plug control circuit that is 10% above the manufacturer-programmed value, a code P0384 will trigger. This code is only valid for diesel-powered vehicles.
Diesel engines don’t require spark plugs to ignite the mixture of air and fuel, which is a big advantage over gasoline engines. Diesel engines have a longer compression stroke than gasoline engines. The high compression can cause the temperature inside the cylinders above 600 degrees. This is enough to ignite diesel gasoline. High pressure fuel is injected into a combustion chamber once the piston has reached the top of the cylinder. The superheated oxygen ignites the fuel instantly, causing the piston to be pushed down. The crankshaft rotates and the vehicle is able to move thanks to this cycle.
It is difficult for the engine to warm the air when it is below 0 degrees Celsius. A component known as a glow plug is used to warm diesel engines. The glow plugs are pencil-shaped and heat the air entering the pistons.
Modern cars are equipped with a glow plug control module, which can detect individual glow plug resistances. The control module can modify the electrical current supplied to each glow plug. This ensures that all glow plugs reach the same temperature within the same time. The heating process can take as long as ten seconds in older systems than it takes in electronic control systems. However, the process is completed within a matter of seconds. This increases engine start-up speed at sub-zero temperatures. It also extends the lifespan of components, such as glow plugs.
Modern glow plug control systems have become quite complex. While there is a control module to monitor and manage the system, it is not the only one that needs to know everything going on inside the glow plug control circuit. It can then manage overall fuel delivery and other engine management strategies. Through dedicated communication circuits, the PCM closely monitors the glow control module and associated circuits. The PCM will activate the check engine lamp if it detects high voltage signals on the glow plug control module circuit.
The P0384 fault code can affect vehicles of all makes and models, including Ford, Mazda Fiat, Ford Hyundai, Dodge Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Volkswagen, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet.
What is the P0384 Fault Code?
Below are some reasons to set fault code P0384:
- – A defective one or more glowplugs
- – A defective glow plug relay
- – A defective timer or control module for glow plug control
- – Broken, melted or damaged wires in the glow-plug wiring harness.
- – Worn, worn, rusty, and loose connectors
- – Blownfuses (a malfunction could cause the fuse to blow).
- Low battery voltage
- – Sub-industry and low quality glow plug control modules
- – A PCM is not working properly or has to be reprogrammed
What are the symptoms of P0384 Malfunction Code?
These symptoms may be present in vehicles with code P0384.
- – Check that the engine light has been turned on (some applications may require multiple failures).
- – The glow plug fault lamp could be lit continuously
- Difficulty starting cold engines (especially if there are more than two glowplugs that are defective)
- Cold may cause engine to stall or misfire.
- – Acceleration loss of power
- – White smoke from the exhaust
- – The engine might run noisy until it reaches the operating temperature.
- – Higher fuel consumption
- – Other fault codes can be set
How to Fix the P0384 Fault Code
It is a common error to replace the glow plug control modules and relays without conducting the necessary checks. It is important to inspect the wiring, connectors, and glow plugs before replacing these components. Most often, these parts are responsible for the problem.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0384 fault code.
- Repair of damaged, melted or snapped, short-circuited wiring and loose, rusty connections to the glow plug control circuit circuit
- Repair of damaged, shorted, or fused wires/connectors in glow plug heater circuit
- – Replacing a dead or weak battery
- – Replacing blown fuse
- Relay for a defective glow plug
- – Replacing defective glow plugs
- – Replacing a faulty timer or glow plug control module
- – Reprogramming and replacing the PCM (rarely).
How serious is the P0384 fault code?
The number of defective glow plugs will determine the severity of the code. Only one or two defective glow plugs can cause the vehicle to not start. Your car may not start if more than one glow plug is defective. It will also run very hard in cold weather. Exercising your car for too long can damage the starter motor and cause it to wear down. No matter the issue, it’s important that you take your vehicle to a mechanic right away.
