VOLVO
ECM-0380 - Glow plug relay. Faulty signal
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
4 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), V50 (2004–2013)
Show models by year and engine (10)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine D4204T only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2010Engine D4204T only · Transmission MMT6, MPS6 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008Engine D4204T only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2009–2010Engine D4204T only · Transmission MMT6, MPS6 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2004–2006Engine D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2007Engine D4204T only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008–2010Engine D4204T only · Transmission MMT6, MPS6 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2004–2006Engine D4204T, D4204T2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2007Engine D4204T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2010Engine D4204T only · Transmission MMT6, MPS6 only
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module (ECM) controls the glow plugs through a relay in the engine bay relay and fuse box. The fault is set when the circuit to the glow plug relay is outside its normal signal range, and it is checked with the ignition on. The glow plugs help the diesel engine start when it is cold, so the fault is mainly noticed on cold starts.
Possible causes
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connections
- Open circuit or short to ground or voltage in the signal wire to the relay
- Open circuit or short to ground in the supply wire to the glow plug relay
- Open circuit or short to voltage in the ground wire
- Damaged glow plug relay
What you can do
- 1Check that the fuses are intact. Their locations are shown in the instruction manual or on the fuse box cover
- 2Switch off the ignition and check the connector to the glow plug relay for contact resistance and oxidation
- 3Use a multimeter to check that the signal wire to the relay has no open circuit and is not shorted to ground or voltage
- 4If you have a diagnostic tool, activate the glow plug relay and listen for it to click when it switches on
- 5If the fault remains, have a workshop with diagnostic equipment check the wiring to the glow plugs, as this needs measurement
Symptoms you may notice5
- The engine is hard to start, especially when cold
- The engine cranks slowly
- The engine hesitates, surges or runs roughly, sometimes or all the time
- Poor performance and lack of power
- Cruise control does not engage
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.