What is the fault code P0676? What is the Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Circuit/Open Malfunction? How can I fix the fault code P0676? What are the causes and symptoms of the P0676 error code?
What is the P0676 Fault code? What does it all mean?
A P0676 code is an acronym for “Cylinder 6-Glow Plug Circuit / Off” . This code is set by the powertrain control module, PCM when it detects a problem in the cylinder 6 glow-plug circuit. Mistake code P0676 will trigger if the glow plug voltage of the cylinder 6 is greater than 10% below the manufacturer set value.
When the engine is cold, compressed air temperature quickly loses its heat. A glow plug, which is a preheating element, is used to solve this problem. One glow plug is typically per cylinder. These are installed directly through the cylinder head, as close as possible to the combustion chamber.
The powertrain control modules (PCMs) are responsible for controlling glow plugs. They monitor coolant, oil and transmission temperatures. If the PCM senses cold engine, the PCM will activate the glow plug to help with starting. Code P0676 is activated if the PCM detects the glow plug not heating up. This code indicates that the circuit is faulty and points to the glow-plug of cylinder #6.
Glow plugs are not required when the engine heats up. To prevent damage to the engine and glow plugs, the PCM switches off the glow control system once the coolant temperature has reached a certain threshold.
What is the P0676 Fault Code?
Fault code P0676 can be triggered by the following common causes:
- – Defective glow bulb (Cylinder 6).
- – A defective timer or control module for glow plug control
- – Defective, corroded, or damaged wires, harnesses, and any associated connectors in the glow bulb circuit
- Defective glow-plug relay
- – Blown fuse
What are the symptoms of P0676 Malfunction Code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has the code P0676:
- – Illumination and control of the check engine light
- – Too long waiting to start the engine
- In cold weather, the engine might not start at all
- – The Preheat light doesn’t turn on or stay on constantly
- – When the vehicle is starting, white smoke comes from the exhaust
- – You may experience a loss in power until your engine warms up.
- – Unusually loud noises from the engine
- Engine misfire
How do I fix the P0676 fault code?
Diagnose this code first if you find a P0670(Glow Plug Control Module Circuit Malfunction code) along with the code.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0676 fault code.
- – Repair or replacement damaged, corroded, fused and loose wires
- – Repair or replacement bent or damaged pins in electric connectors
- Repairing short or open circuit problems and replacing blown fuse
- – Replacing defective glow plugs in cylinder 6
- Relay for a defective glow plug
- – Replacing a defective glow plug control module, or timer
- Clear all codes, test your vehicle and check the PCM again to make sure that there are no errors.
How serious is the P0676 Fault code?
A code P0676 is not likely to prevent a vehicle starting. The engine can still run if only one spark plug has failed. The engine will start more difficult in colder weather, as the temperature changes and time passes. This can lead to a decrease in power and acceleration.
