Promo banner

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h00–2h30 ~100–250£
Estimated time 1h00–2h30
Estimated labour cost ~100–250£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
C3 2002-2013 5
  • 1.4 HDi 16V Diesel (DV4TED4 (8HY))
  • 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HX))
  • 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HZ))
  • 1.6 HDi Diesel (DV6ATED4 (9HX))
  • 1.6 HDiF Diesel (DV6TED4 (9HZ))
C3 2009-2016 9
  • 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HZ))
  • 1.4 HDi Diesel (DV4C (8HP))
  • 1.4 HDi Diesel (DV4C (8HR))
  • 1.6 BlueHDi Diesel (DV6FD (BHY))
  • 1.6 BlueHDi Diesel (DV6FE (BHW))
  • 1.6 HDi Diesel (DV6ATED4 (9HX))
  • 1.6 HDiF Diesel (DV6C (9HD))
  • 1.6 HDiF Diesel (DV6CTED (9HR))
  • 1.6 HDiF Diesel (DV6DTED4 (9HP))
C3 2016-2023 4
  • 1.5 BlueHDi Diesel (DV5RCF (YHT))
  • 1.5 BlueHDi Diesel (DV5RD (YHY))
  • 1.6 8V BlueHDi Diesel (DV6FD (BHY))
  • 1.6 8V BlueHDi Diesel (DV6FE (BHW))

What is the role of Citroen C3 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 Citroen C3 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 Citroen C3 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 Citroen C3 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).

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
C3 2002-2013 2002-2013 1.1 8V Petrol (TU1A (HFX)), 1.1 8V Petrol (TU1JP (HFX)), 1.4 16V Petrol (ET3J4 (KFU)), 1.4 8V Bioethanol (E85),CNG,Petrol (TU3JP (KFV)), 1.4 8V Petrol (TU3A (KFV)), 1.4 HDi 16V Diesel (DV4TED4 (8HY)), 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HX)), 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HZ)), 1.6 Bioethan… Bioethanol (E85), CNG, Diesel, Petrol
C3 2009-2016 2009-2016 1.0 VTi Petrol (EB0 (ZMZ)), 1.1 8V Petrol (TU1A (HFV)), 1.2 THP Petrol (EB2DT (HNZ)), 1.2 VTi Petrol (EB2 (HMZ)), 1.4 HDi 8V Diesel (DV4TD (8HZ)), 1.4 HDi Diesel (DV4C (8HP)), 1.4 HDi Diesel (DV4C (8HR)), 1.4 i Petrol (TU3AE5 (KFT)), 1.4 VTi LPG LPG,Petrol (EP3C (8FN)), 1.4 VTi … Diesel, LPG, Petrol
C3 2016-2023 2016-2023 1.2 PureTech 110 Petrol (EB2ADT (HNP)), 1.2 PureTech 83 Petrol (EB2FA (HMR)), 1.2 THP Petrol (EB2DT (HNZ)), 1.2 THP Petrol (EB2DTM (HNV)), 1.2 VTi LPG LPG,Petrol (EB2F (HMX)), 1.2 VTi Petrol (EB2F (HMZ)), 1.2 VTi Petrol (EB2FAD (HMM)), 1.2 VTi Petrol (EB2FB (HMP)), 1.5 BlueHDi D… Diesel, LPG, Petrol