P0382 code meaning
Glow Plug/Heater Circuit B
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0382 means
P0382 is the counterpart of P0380 for glow plug circuit B – depending on the manufacturer the second group of plugs, glow relay 2 or feedback line B of the glow plug control module. A code-specific manufacturer description exists from Saab: the 3.0 TiD V6 diesel in the 9-5 (2002) reads two feedback lines from its glow plug control module, and if line B stays above 4.0 V for more than 3 s while glowing, the module is reporting a fault in the second group of plugs; the check runs once per drive cycle, the warning lamp comes on and there is no further system reaction. Newer GM and Ford diesels report single plugs under P0671 ff and do not use P0382. CARB requires glow plug circuits to be monitored for correct current and voltage drop. The typical consequence is a poor cold start with smoke.
P0382 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0382
- Hard starting when cold, long cranking
- White or blue smoke and rough running after a cold start
- Glow plug light or check engine light on or flashing
Common causes of P0382
- Most likelyGlow plug(s) in circuit B burnt out
- PossibleGlow plug control module or glow relay 2 faulty
- PossibleFeedback line B, plug connector or busbar faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Glow plugGlow plug control moduleGlow plug relayGlow plug wiring
What each part of P0382 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 82 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0382 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0382
What does P0382 mean?
P0382 means "Glow Plug/Heater Circuit B". P0382 is the counterpart of P0380 for glow plug circuit B – depending on the manufacturer the second group of plugs, glow relay 2 or feedback line B of the glow plug control module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0382?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0382 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0382 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0382 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0382 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.