My apologies in advance for starting another glow plug thread. The search feature did not lead me to a thread it seemed pertinent to post my recent experiences in.

As some will know, replacing the 7 volt ceramic glow plugs with the 5 volt metal Bosch versions, WITHOUT CHANGING THE GLOW PLUG CONTROLLER AND ECM REFLASH, is a common repair / replace. In fact, one of my CRD's had two 5 volt glow plugs and two 7 volt ceramic versions installed. No doubt by a stealership.

Recent experience: 2 years, 30000km since second timing belt change, which included replacing all glow plugs with 5 volt Bosch units. Recently threw a P1263 code, which indicates glow plug #2 circuit low (on my code reader). No drive-ability issues as we are now into warmer weather. Investigation led to the glow plug harness checking out fine (more on that later). Then onto the glow plugs themselves. Number 3 plug turned out to be open. Yes, the glow plug harness was installed backwards. Of course #3 plug requires the removal of the intake FCV and inlet elbow to access. Fortunately I had a spare 5 volt glow plug left over as well as an intake gasket. Just a bunch of labour to rectify. Oh, and I did correct the glow plug harness installation as well. Time will tell if this is going to be a recurring issue. With the exception of #3, the glow plugs are somewhat easy to change if the alternator is removed first.

Just wanted to relay some real world experience.

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2006 KJ Sport CRD, 2006 KJ LTD CRD, 2013 Subaru BRZ 6spd., 1994 Ford F150 XLT, 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 4spd. (Yes it's a Hemi).

Conversely If you get a code indicating glow plug 3 is bad pull the number 2 glow plug wire and see if it throws a code if it doesnt maybe you lucked out and dont have to get to number 3.

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05 Blu LIM, OME GDE Tbo, wk II 245/75/17, KC Lights, bull bar, 195K H TC
05 Blu Lim, Dayton, GDE HT, 255/75/18 , 210K , H TC
06 Bla Lim, GDE Eco, Destination AT 245/75/17, 151K, H TC
06 D Khaki Lim 126K wkII Eur TC
05 D khaki Lim 145k refurbishing
All CRDS: Fumoto, Lift , Fan Shroud mod, fuel head Gen II, SAMCOS,self TB, 2 Mic filt, Hayden