View glow plug dash light

[Wandering_Storm]

Is it unusual, in teen to below zero weather, to have the glow plug symbol light up for thirty or so seconds after the engine starts and then go out? We have a 2009 Winnebago View therefore a Mercedes 3500 sprinter. First time in cold weather(newbies)!!!! Thanks

[Old-Biscuit]

ronfisherman wrote:
Doing a quick search on Google brought up info that you may have a bad glow plug or controller causing the light to come back on.

Should throw a CEL (Check Engine Light) and have a readable code if glow plug is/was bad.

[ronfisherman]

Doing a quick search on Google brought up info that you may have a bad glow plug or controller causing the light to come back on.

[mpfireman]

Your bigger concern should be your fuel. With this really cold weather, you should use a fuel additive or have use the winter blend diesel fuel. These winter blend fuel is common in the northern states, but might not be that available in our southern states. I think that the winter blend fuel contains some kerosene.

[ScottG]

Yes, when it's very cold it will come back on and stay on for about 30 seconds. It may continue to cycle even after it has run for a while to keep cyl. temps up if it's extremely cold.
The same is true for glow plug and grid heater systems.

BTW, your not really supposed to post the same thing in multiple forums.

[Old-Biscuit]

The indicator light should come ON then go OFF when you turn ignition key to 'ON' position (not start). Wait for light to go off BEFORE you start engine

After starting the indicator light may come back on then go back off.

The glow plugs are controlled by a relay.....they come on for 2 minutes 30 seconds. The light can go out quickly (warm weather) or stay on longer (cold weather).

Do you have a 'block heater'? If so.....plug it in when temps drop below 20*F for about an hour prior to starting engine. Warms up the coolant/oil (depends on where it is installed) and makes it easier on engine. Just use a timer to turn it on/off.

[SailingOn]

Makes sense that it should; its purpose is to make sure the fuel ignites when the engine is cold. See Bosch glow plug explanation.