AutoCodes – Generic – P1396

P1396 Code - Glow Plug Monitor Fault Bank 2

Quick Answer

The glow plug system is monitored when the glow plugs are commanded on for more than 35 seconds and battery voltage is between 11.5-14 volts. Common causes include Faulty glow plug relay, Faulty glow plug shunt, Faulty glow plugs. 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: P1396 indicates Glow Plug Monitor Fault Bank 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty glow plug relay, Faulty glow plug shunt, Faulty glow plugs.
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 18,304

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 Aug 17, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1396 Description

The glow plug system is monitored when the glow plugs are commanded on for more than 35 seconds and battery voltage is between 11.5-14 volts.

OBDII Code P1396 - Glow Plug Monitor Fault Bank 2 - AutoCodes.com — P1396 Code - Glow Plug Monitor Fault Bank 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1396?

Faulty glow plug relay
Faulty glow plug shunt
Faulty glow plugs
Glow plugs harness is open or shorted
Glow plugs circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1396?

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

California trucks it has a GPCM (Glow Plug Control Module) instead of a GPR (Glow Plug Relay).

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1396 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 P1396 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P1396 BMW — Crankshaft Position Sensor Segment Timing Plausibility
P1396 Buick — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 Cadillac — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 Chevrolet — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 Ford — Glow Plug Monitor Fault Bank 2
P1396 GMC — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 MINI — Crankshaft Position Sensor Segment Timing Plausibility
P1396 Pontiac — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 Saab — Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected Random Fuel Level Low
P1396 Saturn — Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
P1396 Suzuki — WSSD Rough Road System Fault
P1396 Volkswagen — Engine Speed Sensor Missing Tooth

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.