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A standard glowplug.
For the similar device used in model aircraft engines, see Glow plug (model engine).

A glowplug (alternatively spelled as glow plug or glow-plug) is a heating device used to aid starting diesel engines. In cold weather, high speed diesel engines can be difficult to start because the mass of the cylinder block and cylinder head absorb the heat of compression, preventing ignition due to the higher surface-to-volume ratio. Pre-chambered engines make use of small electric heaters inside the pre-chambers—glowplugs—while the direct-injected engines have these glowplugs in the combustion chamber. The glowplug is a pencil-shaped piece of metal with a heating element at the tip. This heating element, when electrified, heats due to its electrical resistance and begins to emit light in the visible spectrum, hence the term "glow"-plug. The effect is very similar to that of a toaster. Heat generated by the glowplugs is directed into the cylinders, and serves to warm the engine block immediately surrounding the cylinders. This aids in reducing the amount of thermal diffusion which will occur when the engine attempts to start.


Glow plugs, beneath the contact bar, on a small Kubota engine.

Diesel engines, unlike gasoline engines, do not use spark plugs to induce combustion. Instead, they rely solely on compression to raise the temperature of the air to a point where the diesel will combust spontaneously when introduced to the hot high pressure air. The high pressure and spray pattern of the diesel ensures a controlled, complete burn. The piston rises, compressing the air in the cylinder; this causes the air's temperature to rise. By the time the piston reaches the top of its travel path, the temperature in the cylinder is very high. The fuel mist is then sprayed into the cylinder; it instantly combusts, forcing the piston downwards, thus generating power. The pressure required to heat the air to that temperature, however, necessitates the use of a large and very strong engine block.

The problem solved by the glow plug occurs when starting a diesel engine from cold, especially in cold ambient temperatures, when the thermal mass of the metal comprising the combustion chambers (cylinder block, cylinder head, piston) more readily absorbs the heat energy created by the compression of the incoming air such that the combustion chamber temperature is insufficient to support self-combustion. In these conditions, the glowplug is temporarily activated to add a hotspot within the combustion chamber until the residual temperature of the combustion chamber achieves the level required to support self-combustion.

For that reason indirect injected diesel engines are manufactured with glow-plugs in each prechamber, and direct injected diesel engines are manufactured with glow-plugs in each combustion chamber.

Method of operation[edit]


"Wait-to-Start" light (glowplug indicator light) in a diesel car.

In older generation diesel-engine vehicles, unlike in a gasoline-engine vehicle, the operator did not simply turn the key to the "start" position and have the engine immediately start. Instead, the operator turned the key to the "on" position for a long duration; the glowplug relay switches the glowplugs on, and a light (see picture at right) on the instrument cluster illuminates. This process is called "pre-heating" or "glowing". According to Bosch: "Older engines used a glow period of up to 21 seconds whereas more modern engines use around a 6 to 8 second heat period and provide after glow at a reduced voltage".[1]


When a pre-set time has elapsed, the glowplug relay switches off the "wait-to-start" light. A pre-heating cycle usually lasts for 2 to 5 seconds. The operator then proceeds to turn the key to the "start" position. The relay switches off the glowplugs after the engine is running (or, in older cars, at the same time the "wait to start" light goes out). In some cars, glow plugs continue to operate for up to 180 seconds after engine start to keep the engine within emissions regulations, as combustion efficiency is greatly reduced when the engine is very cold.

Warm engine start[edit]

If the car had been running very recently, or if the ambient temperature was hot, the "wait to start" light might not come on. In this case, the operator may proceed to turn the key to the "start" position and start the engine without having to wait.


A glowplug resembles a short metal pencil. The heating filament is fitted into its tip. Glowplug filaments must be made of certain materials, such as platinum and iridium, that are resistant to both oxidation and high temperature.

Model engines[edit]

The glow plugs used in model engines are significantly different from those used in full-size diesel engines. In full-size engines, the glow plug is used only for starting. In model engines, the glow plug is an integral part of the ignition system because of the catalytic effect of the platinum wire.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Robert Bosch GmbH (2010-03-24). "Glow Plugs". Bosch. Retrieved 2012-07-07.