VOLVO
ECM-P038300 - Glow Plug Control Module 1 Control Circuit Low. General Failure Information. No sub type information
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
This fault code has different meanings depending on model, model year or engine. Select the meaning that applies to your car.
Applies to the following models:
11 modelsC30 (2007–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2011–), S80 (2007–), V40 (2013–), V40 Cross Country (2013–), V50 (2004–2013), V60 (2011–), V70 (2008–), XC60 (2009–), XC70 (2008–)
Show models by year and engine (17)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2011–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2011–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2014–2015Engine D4162T, D4204T5 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2012–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2014–2015Engine D4162T, D4204T5 only
- Volvo V40 (2013–)2013–2014Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V40 (2013–)2015Engine D4162T, D4204T14 only
- Volvo V40 Cross Country (2013–)2013–2014Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V40 Cross Country (2013–)2015Engine D4162T, D4204T14 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2011–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2014–2015Engine D4162T, D4204T5 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2012–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2014–2015Engine D4162T, D4204T5 only
- Volvo XC60 (2009–)2014–2015Engine D4204T5 only
- Volvo XC70 (2008–)2014–2015Engine D4204T5 only
What does this fault code mean?
The ECM switches the glow plugs through the glow plug control module (GCU) and its built-in relay. The code is set when a signal that is too low is found in the control circuit between the relay, the GCU and the ECM.
Possible causes
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connections and connectors
- Signal cable short-circuited to ground
- Glow plug power supply cable short-circuited to ground
- Damaged glow plug relay or damaged glow plug control module
- Damaged fuse
- Open circuit in the signal cable
What you can do
- 1Check that the fuses are intact; their locations are in the instruction manual or the fuse chart
- 2Read and clear the fault code, then cold-start the engine and see whether the starting problems come back
- 3Check that the connectors at the glow plug relay and the glow plug control module are secure and not oxidised
- 4Check that the wiring to the glow plugs and the signal cable is not chafed or resting against the body
- 5Measure with a multimeter that the signal cable has no contact with ground (the body)
- 6If you have a diagnostic tool, activate the glow function and check that the glow relay engages
Symptoms you may notice2
- Engine is hard to start or cranks slowly on cold starts
- Starting problems at all times, or it is unclear when they occur
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.