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Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h30–2h00 ~50–200£
Estimated time 0h30–2h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–200£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
Combo E 2018-2025 5
  • 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DT (LQJ))
  • 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DTH (LQP))
  • 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DTL (LQJ))
  • 1.5 CDTi Diesel (DV5RCF (YHT))
  • 1.6 CDTi 8V Diesel (B16DT (LEK))
Combo Mk II 2001-2011 6
  • 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Y13DT)
  • 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z13DT (LN9))
  • 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z13DTJ (LDP))
  • 1.7 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z17DTH (LPZ))
  • 1.7 Di Diesel (Y17DTL (LK8))
  • 1.7 DTi Diesel (Y17DT (LR6))

What is the role of Vauxhall Combo 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 Combo 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 Combo 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 Combo 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
Combo E 2018-2025 2018-2025 1.2 SIDI Petrol (F12XHL (LES)), 1.2 SIDI Petrol (F12XHT (LEG)), 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DT (LQJ)), 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DTH (LQP)), 1.5 CDTi Diesel (D15DTL (LQJ)), 1.5 CDTi Diesel (DV5RCF (YHT)), 1.6 CDTi 8V Diesel (B16DT (LEK)) Diesel, Petrol
Combo Mk II 2001-2011 2001-2011 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Y13DT), 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z13DT (LN9)), 1.3 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z13DTJ (LDP)), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XEP (LJ2)), 1.6 8V Petrol (Z16SE (L55)), 1.6 CNG CNG,Petrol (Z16YNG (LR1)), 1.7 CDTi 16V Diesel (Z17DTH (LPZ)), 1.7 Di Diesel (Y17DTL (LK8)), 1.7 DTi Diesel (Y1… CNG, Diesel, Petrol