Change Car Glow Plugs Vauxhall Astra
Change Car Glow Plugs
| Estimated time | 0h30–1h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–150£ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Vehicles |
Astra K 2016-2022 8
Astra Mk III (F) 1992-2001 3
Astra Mk IV (G) 1998-2007 7
Astra Mk V (H) 2004-2012 11
Astra Mk VI (J) 2010-2018 11
|
What is the role of Vauxhall Astra 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 Vauxhall Astra 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 Vauxhall Astra 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 Vauxhall Astra 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).
5 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astra K 2016-2022 | 2016-2022 | 1.0 12V Petrol (B10XFL (LE1)), 1.0 12V Petrol (D10XFL (LE1)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHL (LIH)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHR (LIH)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHT (LIH)), 1.4 16V Petrol (B14XE (LV7)), 1.4 Turbo Petrol (B14XFL (LE2+PL5)), 1.4 Turbo Petrol (B14XFT (LE2)), 1.4 Turbo Petrol (… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Astra Mk III (F) 1992-2001 | 1992-2001 | 1.4i 16V Petrol (X14XE), 1.4i Petrol (14SE), 1.4i Petrol (C14NZ), 1.4i Petrol (X14NZ), 1.4S Petrol (14NV), 1.4Si Petrol (C14SE), 1.6i 16V Petrol (X16XEL), 1.6i Petrol (16LZ2), 1.6i Petrol (16NZR), 1.6i Petrol (C16NZ), 1.6i Petrol (X16SZ), 1.6i Petrol (X16SZR), 1.6S Petrol (16SV)… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Astra Mk IV (G) 1998-2007 | 1998-2007 | 1.2 16V Petrol (X12XE), 1.2 16V Petrol (Z12XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (X14XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XEP), 1.6 16V CNG CNG,Petrol (Z16YNG), 1.6 16V Petrol (X16SZR), 1.6 16V Petrol (X16XEL), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XEP), 1.6 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z16XE), 1.6, -LPG LPG,Pe… | CNG, Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Astra Mk V (H) 2004-2012 | 2004-2012 | 1.2 16V Petrol (Z12XEP), 1.3 CDTi 16V (DPF) Diesel (Z13DTH), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XEL), 1.4 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z14XEP), 1.6 16V Petrol (A16LET (LLU)), 1.6 16V Petrol (A16XER (LDE)), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16LET), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XE1), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XEP), 1.6 16V, -LPG LPG,Pet… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Astra Mk VI (J) 2010-2018 | 2010-2018 | 1.3 CDTi Diesel (A13DTE (LSF)), 1.4 16V Turbo Petrol (A14NEI (LUV)), 1.4 16V Turbo Petrol (A14NEL (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo Petrol (B14XER (LDD)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (A14NET (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (B14NEL (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (B14NET (LU… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |