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Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h00 ~100£
Estimated time 1h00
Estimated labour cost ~100£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
500 2007-2025 3
  • 1.3 16V 75 MultiJet Diesel (169A1000)
  • 1.3 16V 95 MultiJet Diesel (199B1000)
  • 1.3 16V 95 MultiJet Diesel (312B1000)

What is the role of Fiat 500 glow plugs?

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber before starting, particularly in cold weather. Unlike petrol engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesel engines rely on compression ignition. Modern glow plugs also remain active after starting to reduce emissions and noise during the warm-up phase.

When should you change your Fiat 500 glow plugs?

Generally, glow plugs last between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Symptoms of failing glow plugs include: difficulty starting in cold weather, white or grey exhaust smoke on start-up, rough idle during warm-up, the glow plug warning light remaining illuminated, and increased fuel consumption.

How do I know if the Fiat 500 glow plugs need changing?

Via the EOBD diagnostic system, faulty glow plugs will trigger fault codes (typically P0380–P0384 for glow plug circuit faults). Individual glow plug resistance can be measured with a multimeter (typically 0.5–2 ohms for a good plug).

Is it difficult to change Fiat 500 glow plugs?

Difficulty level 3/5: intermediate. Glow plugs can seize in the cylinder head over time due to heat and corrosion, making removal difficult and risking breakage. Key steps: warm the engine first, apply penetrating oil, use the correct glow plug socket, unscrew carefully (do not force — a broken glow plug requires specialist extraction).

2 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
500 1957-1977 1957-1977 500 4V D Petrol (120000), 500 4V F Petrol (110F000), 500 4V R Petrol (126A5000), 600 4V Petrol (111A000) Petrol
500 2007-2025 2007-2025 0.9 8V 105 TwinAir Turbo Petrol (199B6000), 0.9 8V 60 TwinAir Petrol (312A6000), 0.9 8V 65 TwinAir Petrol (312A4000), 0.9 8V 80 TwinAir Turbo Petrol (312A5000), 0.9 8V 85 TwinAir Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (312A2000), 1.0 6V 70 mHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (46341162), 1.2 8V 70, -LPG LPG,… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, LPG, Petrol