Change Car Glow Plugs Mercedes-Benz CLK
Change Car Glow Plugs
| Estimated time | 1h30–2h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~150–200£ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Vehicles |
CLK 2002-2009 4
|
What is the role of Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 1997-2002 | 1997-2002 | 200 Kompressor Cabriolet, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.956), 200 Kompressor, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.956), 230 Kompressor Cabriolet, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.982), 230 Kompressor, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.982), 55 AMG Cabriolet Petrol (113.984) | LPG, Petrol |
| CLK 2002-2009 | 2002-2009 | 200 Kompressor Petrol (271.942), 200 Kompressor, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.940), 200 Kompressor, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.955), 220 CDI Diesel (646.963), 220 CDI Diesel (646.966), 240, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.912), 270 CDI Diesel (612.967), 280, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.940), 320 CDI Diesel (64… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
