PowertrainP0381
SeriousSeverity: Serious - have it checked soon
Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open
Key terms: Catalytic converter: cleans the exhaust gases · SAE J2012: the standard generic code list · Powertrain: engine, transmission and emissions
1What it means in plain English
This range covers ignition and engine-speed signals, including misfires and crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.
2Common causes
- Worn or fouled spark plug
- Faulty ignition coil
- Vacuum or intake air leak
- Low fuel pressure
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- Low engine compression
3Can I drive?
A failing crankshaft or camshaft sensor can cut the engine without warning, and a flashing check-engine light points to a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. If the light is flashing, stop as soon as it is safe and have the car towed. Otherwise drive gently to a workshop; if it stalls or will not restart, have it towed.
This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.
4Brand data 32
| Brand | Code | Description | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashok Leyland CV | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| BAIC Motor | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| BMW | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| BYD | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Chery | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Chrysler | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Daewoo | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFS | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| DFFX | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| DFXK | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| EOBD | P0381 | Glødeplugg/varmer indikator styrekrets/åpen Brand | Powertrain |
| Geely | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| GM | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Great Wall | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Hafei | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Holden | P0381 | Wait to Start Indicator Control Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Honda | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Hyundai | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Isuzu | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Land Rover | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Mahindra | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Maserati | P0381 | Wait-to-Start Lamp Inoperative Brand | Powertrain |
| Mitsubishi | P0381 | Glow plug relay Brand | Powertrain |
| Opel | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Peugeot | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Control Circuit/Open SAE | Powertrain |
| Proton | P0381 | Glow plug relay Brand | Powertrain |
| Saab | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| MG (SAIC) | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Suzuki | P0381 | Glow Indi Lamp Crt High Volt Brand | Powertrain |
| Tata | P0381 | PPH Lamp Control Brand | Powertrain |
| Toyota | P0381 | Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit Brand | Powertrain |
| Volkswagen | P0381 | Glow plug/heater indicator circuit: implausible signal; Open circuit Brand | Powertrain |
Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.
5Extended variant codes 4
These 7-character codes are manufacturer-specific variants of P0381 and may be reported by some scan tools.
| Brand | Code | Description | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | P038100 | is set when 1)excessive voltage is detected or 2)no current is detected like open or short to ground in glow lamp control circuit for more than 0.9 sec. at glow lamp ON condition. This code is due to open in glow lamp control circuit or internal open in filament of glow lamp component Brand | Powertrain |
| Mercedes-Benz | P038113 | Die Vorglh-Kontrollleuchte hat Funktionsstörung. Es liegt eine Unterbrechung vor. Brand | Powertrain |
| Mercedes-Benz | P03811B | Die Vorglh-Kontrollleuchte hat Funktionsstörung. Widerstandsgrenzwert ist überschritten. Brand | Powertrain |
| Mercedes-Benz | P038196 | Die Vorglh-Kontrollleuchte hat Funktionsstörung. (Es liegt ein interner Komponentenfehler vor.) Brand | Powertrain |
6Related codes
Browse Pxxx codes or P038xx codes.