P1399

Glow Plug Circuit High Input (Bank #2)

Powertrain Ignition System Glow plug control 🟡 Moderate — Fix within a week ⚠️ Drive with Care
💬

What This Actually Means

In plain language — no jargon

The glow plug circuit for cylinder bank #2 is detecting a voltage that's higher than expected, like a heating element that's getting too much electrical current. This prevents proper diesel engine cold-start assistance on that bank.

Symptoms You May Notice

3 known symptoms for this code
Hard starting in cold weather
Rough idle after cold start
Glow plug warning light illuminated
🔬

How Your ECU Detects This

Technical sensor logic and voltage thresholds

The ECM monitors the voltage drop across the glow plug circuit for bank #2 during the glow plug warm-up cycle. It expects a controlled voltage draw as the plugs heat up; an abnormally high voltage reading indicates either excessive current draw or a wiring/connector fault causing resistance changes.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

ParameterNormal RangeFault Condition
Glow plug circuit voltage 11-14V with controlled current draw Above 14.5V or excessive current detected
Circuit resistance 0.5-2 ohms per plug Below 0.3 ohms (short) or erratic readings
🔧

Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide

Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
Battery terminals and connectors
Clean corrosion from battery posts and glow plug harness connectors with a wire brush to restore proper electrical contact.
2
Glow plug wiring harness (bank #2)
Inspect for damaged insulation, pinched wires, or loose connections along the glow plug circuit and reseat all connectors firmly.
3
Glow plugs (bank #2 set)
Replace all glow plugs on bank #2 if they show continuity resistance below 0.3 ohms or visible damage.
⚠️

When to See a Professional Mechanic

Not all fault codes are safe to DIY

Code P1399 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.

Safety note: OBD-II codes identify the system or circuit where a fault was detected — they do not always identify the exact failed component. A professional mechanic using live sensor data will diagnose the root cause more accurately than replacing parts based on the code alone.
🔄

How to Clear Code P1399

What happens after you fix the fault

Once the fault is repaired, P1399 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.

✅ Safe to Clear When
  • Fault has been diagnosed and repaired
  • You want to confirm the repair worked
  • Code appeared after a sensor was cleaned
⚠️ Do Not Clear When
  • Preparing for an emissions/PUC test
  • Root cause is still undiagnosed
  • Check engine light is flashing
Emissions test note: Clearing codes resets OBD readiness monitors. Most vehicles need 50–100 km of mixed driving before monitors complete. Do not clear codes immediately before an emissions or PUC inspection.