AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit

Quick Answer

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Wait To Start indicator. Common causes include Faulty Instrument Cluster, Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted, Instrument Cluster 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: P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Instrument Cluster, Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted, Instrument Cluster 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 277

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Description

Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the Wait To Start indicator. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the lamp by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which is monitored by the ECM. When the ECM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low, near zero volts. When the ECM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high, near battery voltage. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects an open circuit on the Wait To Start Indicator Control circuit for greater than 0.2 s.

OBDII Code P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Wait To Start Indicator Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Faulty Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster harness is open or shorted
Instrument Cluster circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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.

Need more information about the P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P0381 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0381 mean on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

P0381 indicates an issue with the "Wait to Start" indicator control circuit, which is part of the diesel engine's glow plug system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0381 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Symptoms may include the "Wait to Start" light not illuminating, hard starting, extended cranking time, or poor engine performance in cold weather.

3. What causes the P0381 code to appear on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a faulty "Wait to Start" indicator bulb, damaged wiring or connections, a defective glow plug control module, or a failing engine control module (ECM).

4. Can a blown fuse cause the P0381 code on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Yes, a blown fuse in the glow plug system circuit could trigger the P0381 code by disrupting the "Wait to Start" indicator control.

5. Is it safe to drive a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with the P0381 code?

While the truck may still operate, driving with this code can lead to hard starting in cold weather and potential damage to the glow plug system if not addressed.

6. How is the P0381 code diagnosed on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the "Wait to Start" bulb, check for wiring issues, and test the glow plug control module.

7. What repairs can fix the P0381 code in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty indicator bulb, repairing damaged wiring, replacing the glow plug control module, or updating/replacing the ECM if necessary.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0381 code on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost varies depending on the issue, ranging from $50â€“$100 for a bulb replacement to $300â€“$600 for a new glow plug control module.

9. Can I fix the P0381 code myself on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

If you have basic automotive knowledge, you can check and replace the indicator bulb or inspect wiring, but more complex issues like replacing the glow plug control module may require professional help.

10. Does clearing the P0381 code solve the issue on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.