Glow a NO go

[phifer8390]

So last weekend my truck just stopped starting. I noticed that the glow plug light on the dash stopped lighting up and I am thinking that is where my problem is. It is an 1983 C30. I replaced the glow plug relay and still nothing. I have no idea what to try next. Please give me all your advice!

[phifer8390]

I found this, but when searching for a glow plug controller on auto part stores they say there is not one for my truck.?.?.?


The glow plug controller or power solenoid has likely failed. The solenoid is located on the driver's side inner fender. If the solenoid tests ok with the key in run, then replace the glow plug controller.

[Subzilla]

The controller sits on top of the engine right behind the air cleaner and has a bundle of wires coming out the top. These are known to malfunction and some members have totally bypassed it and installed a momentary push button switch.

Make sure you're getting power to your relay from the batteries. Then check to see if you're getting power from the controller. I've found some old, fraying, crusty wires on my '83 that have caused more than one problem.

Let us know what you find.

[phifer8390]

You would not happen to have any photos would ya?

[phifer8390]

You would not happen to have any photos would ya?
Here are some I took! If you could just point me in the right direction...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500001.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500001.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500002.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500002.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500003.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500003.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500004.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500004.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500005.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500005.jpg)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/th_TruckC3500006.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/phifer8390/TruckC3500006.jpg)

[Subzilla]

The controller is in the top picture with the wires running to it.

Did you check for power going to the solenoid?

[phifer8390]

The controller is in the top picture with the wires running to it.

Did you check for power going to the solenoid?


I did checck the power. On the side closest to the battery it was getting just over 12 volts and witht the key on or off every other post was getting nothing at all! Any advice?

[phifer8390]

I got a big duh when thinking about this yesterday at work. I got home and ran a jumper strraight from the battery to one of the smaller posts on the solenoid. I then ran a continuity check and both of the small wires showed up and grounded to the vehicle. I am going to get a cable tracer from work tomorrow and trace the wires back behind the dash. I think I may replace a lot of the old wiring while I am back there because my dash instruments keep blowing a fuse. But after I heard the solenoid clicking over I started the truck without any other issue. Thanks for the help and if you have any other suggestions I am all for them!

[sholsten]

The easiest way to fix this is to do like the above member wrote by running either a push button switch or a spring loaded toggle switch. Run one wire to the switch from a fuse that only has power with the key switch on. Run the other wire to the small connector on the battery side of the relay. It's easier and it puts you in control of the glow plugs. Don't ever hold the switch over 6 seconds or the plugs will burn out if you haven't upgraded them. I learned that my first time real qiuck like.