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P0673: Cylinder 3 glow plug: circuit fault

The ECU has detected a fault in the cylinder 3 glow plug of a diesel engine or its wiring, most often a glow plug that has burnt out.

Code P0673 at a glance
CodeP0673
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP06xx, Control unit and auxiliary outputs
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?Yes, no rush

What P0673 means

Each cylinder in a diesel has a glow plug that heats up red-hot for a few seconds to help cold starting. The ECU or glow plug module monitors how much current each one draws. This code means the plug in cylinder 3 is not drawing what it should, nearly always because it has burnt out or is not getting power.

Most common causes

  • Burnt-out glow plug in cylinder 3
  • Loose, corroded or burnt glow plug connector
  • Broken or chafed wire to glow plug 3
  • Glow plug module fault on that output

Symptoms

  • Slightly slower starting from cold
  • White smoke or rough running for the first few seconds
  • Engine or glow plug warning light on

Can you drive with P0673?

Yes, no rush You can carry on driving normally: with one glow plug out the engine usually still starts, just a little slower when cold. It can be fixed without rushing.

How to check it

A glow plug can be tested by measuring its resistance with a multimeter: an open circuit means it has failed. Removing it needs care and the correct torque, as it can snap inside the cylinder head.

How to read and clear P0673 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0673 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0673 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Kia, Nissan, Opel / Vauxhall, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0673 mean?

Each cylinder in a diesel has a glow plug that heats up red-hot for a few seconds to help cold starting. The ECU or glow plug module monitors how much current each one draws. This code means the plug in cylinder 3 is not drawing what it should, nearly always because it has burnt out or is not getting power.

Can you drive with P0673?

You can carry on driving normally: with one glow plug out the engine usually still starts, just a little slower when cold. It can be fixed without rushing.

How do you clear P0673?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0673 comes back.