AutoCodesFord – P0678 Ford

P0678 Ford Code - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault

Quick Answer

The glow plug system is used to assist in providing the heat required to begin combustion during cold engine temperatures. Common causes include Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug, Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0678 Ford indicates Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug, Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 20,327
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 18, 2022
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Code P0678 Ford Description

The glow plug system is used to assist in providing the heat required to begin combustion during cold engine temperatures. The glow plugs are heated before and during cranking, as well as initial engine operation. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the glow plug ON times by monitoring coolant temperature and glow plug voltage. The California Glow Plug system has eight individual glow plug supply circuits between the controller and the glow plugs. If the feedback voltage from the controller to the ECM is not within range, the ECM sets the OBDII code.
OBDII Code P0678 Ford - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com
P0678 Ford Code - Cylinder 8 Glow Plug Circuit Fault

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0678 Ford?

  • Faulty cylinder #8 glow plug
  • Cylinder #8 glow plug harness is open or shorted
  • Cylinder #8 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty glow plug module

How to Fix the DTC P0678 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0678 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0678 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0678 mean on a Ford vehicle?

P0678 indicates a fault in the cylinder 8 glow plug circuit, meaning the glow plug isn't functioning properly or there's an issue with its electrical system.

2. What are the symptoms of code P0678 on a Ford?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting the engine in cold weather, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and an illuminated check engine light.

3. What causes the P0678 code on a Ford?

Common causes include a faulty glow plug, damaged glow plug wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning glow plug control module, or corrosion in the circuit.

4. Can I drive with the P0678 code on my Ford?

While you can drive with this code, it's not recommended, especially in cold weather, as starting issues and potential engine damage may occur.

5. How do you diagnose the P0678 code on a Ford?

Diagnosis typically involves using a multimeter to test the glow plug’s resistance, inspecting the wiring and connectors, and checking the glow plug control module for faults.

6. How do you fix the P0678 code on a Ford?

Repairs may include replacing the cylinder 8 glow plug, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning corrosion, or replacing the glow plug control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P0678 code on a Ford?

Costs can range from $50 to $200 for a glow plug replacement, while wiring or module repairs may cost more depending on labor and parts.

8. What tools are needed to fix the P0678 code on a Ford?

You’ll typically need a multimeter, basic hand tools, and possibly an OBDII scanner to diagnose and clear the code.

9. Can a bad glow plug cause engine damage in a Ford vehicle?

While rare, prolonged issues with glow plugs may lead to hard starts and increased wear on the engine, especially in cold climates.

10. How can you prevent the P0678 code from occurring on a Ford?

Regular maintenance, including inspecting glow plugs and wiring for damage or corrosion, can help prevent this code from appearing.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0678 Ford OBDII Code

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