VOLVO
ECM-P038400 - Glow Plug Control Module 1 Control Circuit High. 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 powers the glow plugs through the GCU and its built-in relay. The fault is set when a signal that is too high in the control circuit. It can be caused by the signal cable touching the supply voltage, or by a fault in the power supply or charging system.
Possible causes
- Signal cable short-circuited to supply voltage
- Glow plug power supply cable short-circuited to supply voltage
- Damaged glow plug relay
- Damaged power supply or charging system
- This code may be a follow-on fault from ECM-P056300 and ECM-P056100
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 it comes back
- 3If the codes ECM-P056300 or ECM-P056100 are present, deal with them first, since this code may be a follow-on fault from them
- 4Check that the battery is charged and that the charging works, since the power supply is among the possible causes
- 5Measure with a multimeter whether the signal cable to the glow plug control module has voltage with the ignition off, which would point to a short to the supply
- 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
What the fault can affect1
- The glow plugs are deactivated
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.