Change Car Glow Plugs Kia Cerato

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h30 ~150£
Estimated time 1h30
Estimated labour cost ~150£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
Cerato 2001-2009 3
  • 1.5 CRDi Diesel (D4FA)
  • 1.6 CRDi Diesel (D4FB)
  • 2.0 CRDi Diesel (D4EA)

What is the role of Kia Cerato 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 Kia Cerato 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 Kia Cerato 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 Kia Cerato 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).

View all compatible products →
View your Cerato maintenance plan (keep the Cerato token) →

2 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Cerato 2001-2009 2001-2009 1.5 CRDi Diesel (D4FA), 1.6 16V Petrol (G4ED), 1.6 16V Petrol (G4FC), 1.6 CRDi Diesel (D4FB), 2.0 16V CVVT Petrol (G4GC), 2.0 CRDi Diesel (D4EA) Diesel, Petrol
Cerato 2009-2014 2009-2014 1.6 Petrol (G4FC) Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 6h00–9h00
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h30
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 0h45
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h45–1h00
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h45
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h45–1h30
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 2h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 1h30–3h00
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 4h00–8h00
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 3h00–6h00
View the service schedule for your Cerato →