Today my check engine light came on, so my husband checked it with his meter, and it said the problem was my glow plug short circuit. My car is a 2014 Santa Fe Sport. Any further explanation on this 
getting me worried.
A glow relay circuit, also known as a glow plug relay circuit, is a component of a vehicle’s engine system.
It is responsible for controlling the activation and deactivation of the glow plugs, which are used to preheat the engine’s combustion chambers in diesel engines before starting.
The glow plug control unit utilizes the glow plug relay to manage the flow of electrical current to the glow plugs.
The number of glow plugs monitored by the control unit determines the amount of current required for the circuit.
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A “Glow Relay Short Circuit” error in a Hyundai 2014 Santa Fe Sport commonly indicates an issue with the glow plug circuit.
The error code you might be seeing might be related to the knock sensor. This sensor detects vibrations that may indicate problems like excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It’s designed to alert the driver to potential engine issues
If you are experiencing this error, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a dealer, especially if the issue persists.
The “glow plug short circuit” error in your 2014 Santa Fe Sport indicates an issue with the glow plugs in your diesel engine, which is crucial for starting the engine in cold weather. This error can be caused by a faulty glow plug, damaged wiring, or issues with the control module. The impact could include difficulty starting the car in cold temperatures and possibly rough engine running at startup. To fix this, a mechanic can diagnose and replace the faulty glow plug(s) or address any wiring or control module problems. While the cost can vary, addressing the issue promptly can help avoid further complications.
Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to help warm the cylinders so the fuel will ignite properly when starting a cold engine. A short circuit in one of the glow plugs means there is an electrical issue that is causing it to not heat up like it should.
Some potential causes of a glow plug short circuit include:
- Worn or damaged glow plug: Over time, the heating element inside can degrade and fail, causing a short.
- Faulty glow plug control module: This module times the glow plug operation. If it’s faulty, it could cause a short.
- Wiring issue: Chafed, pinched or corroded wiring leading to the glow plug can disrupt the electrical circuit.
Symptoms of a bad glow plug may include rough idle, black smoke from the exhaust, or the engine being difficult to start when cold. The check engine light is alerting you to the specific glow plug short circuit code.
It’s a good idea to have a mechanic diagnose which glow plug is faulty. They can test each one and replace any that are bad. Getting it fixed will help your engine start reliably in cold weather. Let me know if you have any other questions! @Preme
That’s interesting! So basically, the glow relay circuit is crucial for diesel engines, helping preheat the combustion chambers before starting. It’s like the behind-the-scenes conductor orchestrating the glow plugs to ensure a smooth ignition process.
Thanks for sharing!
The Glow Relay Short Circuit message likely indicates an issue with the glow relay in a vehicle’s engine system.
The glow relay is responsible for controlling the glow plugs, which help start a diesel engine by heating the combustion chamber.
A short circuit in the glow relay could prevent the glow plugs from functioning properly, potentially leading to difficulty starting the engine or other electrical issues.
It is important to have this issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
A malfunction within the circuit controlling the glow plug relay resulting in a short circuit.