Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Circuit
The glow plug for cylinder 6 isn't heating up properly before engine start, like a faulty lighter that won't ignite. The ECU detected a circuit problem preventing the plug from warming the diesel fuel for combustion.
The ECU monitors voltage and current draw through the cylinder 6 glow plug circuit during the glow phase (before cranking). It checks for proper resistance, continuity, and power delivery to the heating element. A break in the circuit, short to ground, or failed plug prevents the expected current draw.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Glow plug circuit current | 10-15 amps during glow phase | Below 2 amps or open circuit detected |
| Glow plug relay voltage | 12-14V applied to circuit | No voltage or voltage drop below 10V |
Code P0676 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P0676 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.