P0381Medium urgency

Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Malfunction

Engine · Diesel Cold Start

⚠️ Fix soon — cold start indicator not functioning.

What this means

The glow plug wait-to-start indicator lamp circuit has a fault. The dashboard light that illuminates during glow plug warm-up before starting a diesel engine is not working correctly.

Likely causes

Failed glow plug indicator bulb or LEDMost common
Wiring fault in indicator circuitCommon
Failed glow plug controllerCommon

Estimated repair cost

Indicator circuit repair$50 – $150

Glow plug controller replacement$100 – $350

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Frequently asked questions

What does P0381 mean?

The glow plug wait-to-start indicator lamp circuit has a fault. The dashboard light that illuminates during glow plug warm-up before starting a diesel engine is not working correctly.

Is P0381 serious?

Fix soon — cold start indicator not functioning.

How much does it cost to fix P0381?

Repair costs for P0381 range from $50 – $150 depending on the root cause and your vehicle.

Can I drive with P0381?

You can drive short distances but should have it repaired within 1-2 weeks to prevent further damage.