Most people are not familiar with what glow plugs are and how they work. If you are driving a Mercedes Sprinter or any diesel-engine Mercedes, it is an important part of your engine. In a Mercedes Sprinter, the parts that help generate enough power differ from those in most vehicles, utilizing a glow plug rather than a spark plug.
During cold weather, you may have often noticed a slow start or difficulty starting the engine. If you have encountered such problems, then your Mercedes Sprinter’s glow plug timer relay could be one of the culprits. A glow plug, resembling a pencil-shaped piece of metal, is responsible for quickly heating the engine. The “glow” in the plug happens when the heating element at the tip of the plug becomes electrified if the engine is not warm enough for combustion, which accelerates the fuel ignition process.
A faulty plug timer relay affects the engine’s starting ability, causing a delay and other engine problems. Knowing what signs to look for can help you save your engine before any significant damage occurs. In this guide, the Sprinter Gurus, serving the Norcross, Georgia, area, will discuss the functions of a glow plug timer relay and how to determine when it is due for replacement.
How Glow Plug Timer Relay Functions
As discussed, glow plugs are the main source of heat for the engine cylinders, and when glow plugs are not working properly, the cylinders won’t fire. Glow plugs use a timer relay so that they know exactly what time frames and intervals to remain active for. This cuts down on unnecessary wastage of power, but it also makes sure that the glow plug remains active for the appropriate amount of time, allowing it to generate maximum heat for combustion. Without a time relay, the glow plug will not function properly, and you will likely run into some serious performance hiccups.
Common Signs to Indicate a Faulty Glow Plug Timer Relay in a Mercedes
Difficulty in Starting the Engine
One of the major symptoms of a faulty glow plug timer relay is when the Mercedes Sprinter’s engine does not start easily. It could take several key turns or pushes of the button for ignition to happen. This is because a faulty timer relay could cause a delay in the preheating process, preventing the glow plugs from heating the air-fuel mixture properly. If you are facing such difficulties, drive into our garage near you in Norcross, GA.
Excessive Exhaust Smoke Production
Once you notice dense white smoke coming out of your car’s exhaust, it could be that it’s time to inspect the glow plug timer relay. A timer relay failure usually affects the heating process of the glow plugs, leading to incomplete combustion. This usually results in the production of excessive smoke from the affected Sprinter’s exhaust. Do not neglect the smoke production. Visit us immediately at Sprinter Gurus, serving the Greater Fulton County Area and Norcross, Georgia.
Dashboard Warning Lights
As with many other car faults, a damaged glow plug timer relay can trigger a warning light on the dashboard to come on. The dashboard glow-up light could illuminate once there is a fault with your Mercedes Sprinter’s glow plug timer relay. Visit us for a detailed inspection at our garage near you in Norcross, GA.
Reduced Fuel Economy
As a Mercedes Sprinter owner, if you notice that your diesel consumption has increased without a corresponding increase in your travel distance, it could be due to a faulty glow plug timer relay. A faulty timer relay affects the ignition process, which places a greater load on the engine, thereby increasing its fuel demand.
Where to Go in Norcross, GA, for Your Mercedes Sprinter Glow Plug Timer Relay Replacement
Suppose you are a resident of Norcross, GA, or nearby areas. In that case, we recommend speaking with our team of certified expert mechanics as soon as you notice a drop in performance or any of the above-mentioned issues at Sprinter Gurus. As our name suggests, we are experienced and familiar with the various problems that the glow plug system can develop, and we will be able to quickly assess and rectify the issue, allowing you to return to the road safely and much quickly. Call or visit us today to book an appointment convenient for your schedule. We are confident that we can address the issue accurately, efficiently, and affordably.