AutoCodes – GMC – P133C 2018 GMC Sierra

P133C 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Cylinder 5 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit

Quick Answer

The Glow Plug Control Module has not learned the glow plug offset values. Common causes include Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure, Faulty Glow Plug 5, Glow Plug 5 harness is open or shorted. 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: P133C 2018 GMC Sierra indicates Cylinder 5 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit.
Common causes: Common causes include Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure, Faulty Glow Plug 5, Glow Plug 5 harness is open or shorted.
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 174

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 30, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P133C 2018 GMC Sierra Description

The Glow Plug Control Module has not learned the glow plug offset values. If a glow plug has been replaced and the glow plug learn was not performed, or if the Glow Plug Control Module experiences an Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) error or data corruption, this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) to set. The DTC will be set if the glow plug hot resistance is outside a predefined threshold.

OBDII Code P133C 2018 GMC Sierra - Cylinder 5 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit - AutoCodes.com — P133C 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Cylinder 5 Glow Plug Offset Exceeded Learning Limit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P133C 2018 GMC Sierra?

Perform Glow Plug Learn procedure
Faulty Glow Plug 5
Glow Plug 5 harness is open or shorted
Glow Plug 5 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P133C 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

If a Glow Plug was replaced, perform a Glow Plug Learn procedure with a Scan Tool.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P133C 2018 GMC Sierra 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 P133C 2018 GMC Sierra code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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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 P133C 2018 GMC Sierra Code

What does the OBDII code P133C mean on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The code P133C indicates that the glow plug offset for cylinder 5 has exceeded the learning limit, suggesting an issue with the glow plug system or its calibration.

What are common symptoms of the P133C code?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting the engine in cold weather, a check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, and rough idling.

What causes the P133C code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty glow plug, damaged glow plug wiring, a defective glow plug control module, or an issue with the cylinder offset calibration.

Can driving with a P133C code damage my engine?

While it may not cause immediate damage, prolonged driving with this code can lead to starting issues and inefficient engine operation, especially in cold conditions.

How can I diagnose the P133C code?

Diagnose it by scanning for trouble codes with an OBDII scanner, inspecting the glow plug and associated wiring for damage, and testing the glow plug control module.

How do I fix the P133C code?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty glow plug, repairing damaged wiring, recalibrating the glow plug offset, or replacing the glow plug control module if necessary.

What tools are needed to repair the P133C code?

Youâ€™ll typically need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to test electrical connections, and basic hand tools to replace the glow plug or wiring.

Is the P133C code specific to GMC Sierra trucks?

Although it is commonly associated with GMC Sierra vehicles, the code may also appear on other GM diesel vehicles with similar glow plug systems.

Can cold weather trigger the P133C code?

Yes, cold weather can exacerbate glow plug issues, making the P133C code more likely to appear due to increased reliance on the glow plug system.

How much does it cost to fix the P133C code?

The repair cost depends on the issue, ranging from $50 to $200 for a glow plug replacement to $300 or more if the glow plug control module needs replacement.