AutoCodesGeneric – P0676

P0676 Code - Cylinder 6 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 #6 glow plug, Cylinder #6 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #6 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
P0676 indicates Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Circuit Fault.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty cylinder #6 glow plug, Cylinder #6 glow plug harness is open or shorted, Cylinder #6 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 13,756
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 P0676 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 P0676 - Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com
P0676 Code - Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Circuit Fault

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0676?

  • Faulty cylinder #6 glow plug
  • Cylinder #6 glow plug harness is open or shorted
  • Cylinder #6 glow plug circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty glow plug module

How to Fix the DTC P0676?

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 P0676 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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Information for Specific Makes

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 P0676 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0676 mean?

P0676 indicates a fault in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 6, meaning the glow plug is not heating properly or there’s an electrical issue in the circuit.

2. What are the symptoms of a P0676 code?

Common symptoms include hard starting in cold weather, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

3. What causes the P0676 code?

The most common causes are a faulty glow plug, damaged wiring or connectors in the glow plug circuit, a defective glow plug control module, or corrosion in the circuit.

4. Can I drive with a P0676 code?

Yes, you can usually drive with a P0676 code, but it may cause hard starts in cold weather and could lead to further engine performance issues if left unaddressed.

5. How do I diagnose a P0676 code?

Start by inspecting the glow plug and its wiring for damage or corrosion, test the glow plug with a multimeter, and check the glow plug control module for proper operation.

6. How do I fix a P0676 code?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty glow plug, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or replacing a defective glow plug control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix a P0676 code?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing a glow plug typically costs $50–$150 per plug, depending on parts and labor. More extensive wiring or module repairs may cost more.

8. Can a P0676 code damage my engine?

While the code itself won’t directly damage your engine, prolonged starting issues can strain the starter and battery, and extended neglect can lead to further complications.

9. How do I prevent a P0676 code?

Regular maintenance, such as inspecting the glow plugs and their circuits during scheduled service intervals, can help prevent this issue.

10. Will clearing the P0676 code fix the problem?

Clearing the code will turn off the Check Engine Light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.

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