Change Car Glow Plugs Kia Sorento

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45–1h30 ~75–150£
Estimated time 0h45–1h30
Estimated labour cost ~75–150£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
Sorento 2002-2009 2
  • 2.5 CRDi (120/125kW) Diesel (D4CB)
  • 2.5 CRDi Diesel (D4CB)
Sorento 2010-2015 2
  • 2.0 CRDi Diesel (D4HA)
  • 2.2 CRDi Diesel (D4HB)
Sorento 2020-2025 1
  • 2.2 CRDi Diesel (D4HE)

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

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4 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Sorento 2002-2009 2002-2009 2.4 16V Petrol (G4JS), 2.5 CRDi (120/125kW) Diesel (D4CB), 2.5 CRDi Diesel (D4CB), 3.3 V6 Petrol (G6DB), 3.5 V6 Petrol (G6CU) Diesel, Petrol
Sorento 2010-2015 2010-2015 2.0 CRDi Diesel (D4HA), 2.2 CRDi Diesel (D4HB), 2.4 GDi Petrol (G4KJ), 2.4 MPi, -LPG LPG,Petrol (G4KE), 3.5 V6 MPI Petrol (G6DC) Diesel, LPG, Petrol
Sorento 2015-2020 2015-2020 2.0 CRDi Diesel (D4HA), 2.2 CRDi Diesel (D4HB), 2.4 GDi Petrol (G4KJ), 3.3 V6 MPI Petrol (G6DF), 3.5 V6 MPI Petrol (G6DC) Diesel, Petrol
Sorento 2020-2025 2020-2025 1.6 T-GDi HEV Petrol (G4FT), 1.6 T-GDi PHEV Electricity,Petrol (G4FT), 2.2 CRDi Diesel (D4HE), 2.5 MPi Petrol (G4KM) Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

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