Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit
The P0671 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $500 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Cylinder 1 glow plug not heating
- Reduced system performance
- Warning indicators on dashboard
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed glow plug in Cylinder 1 Very High
- Wiring damage or corrosion in the circuit High
- Poor electrical connection at module or component Moderate
- ECM or control module internal failure Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Use a scan tool to read data related to Cylinder 1 Glow Plug
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Inspect all related wiring, connectors, and grounds for damage, corrosion, or loose connections
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Measure circuit voltage, resistance, and continuity to identify the fault type
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Check for technical service bulletins related to this code for your specific vehicle
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0671 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2001-2010 Chevy/GMC HD Duramax 6.6L (LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM) hard DIY
P0671 = Glow Plug #1 circuit (driver-side front on Duramax). The plug has failed open or shorted. Replace all 8 glow plugs as a set -- doing one is false economy because the others will fail within months. Use AC Delco 12663045 (updated OE) or NGK Y-505J. Torque to 11 ft-lb. Access is tight -- upper intake removal helps on some years.
Labor: 3-4 hours (all 8)2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Power Stroke hard DIY
6.0L P0671 is glow plug #1 (passenger side front on Ford, because Ford numbers from passenger side). If P0671 is present, check for broken-off glow plug tips with a borescope before replacing -- a tip broken off into the cylinder will destroy the piston. Motorcraft ZD-11 is the correct plug. Replace all 8.
Labor: 4-6 hours (all 8)2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Power Stroke hard DIY
6.4L P0671 is glow plug #1. Access is blocked by the high-pressure fuel pump and other components -- cab removal is often recommended for a full set. Motorcraft ZD-13 is the correct plug. If only one code is present, you can try swapping plug 1 with plug 8 to confirm the code moves with the plug (confirming it's the plug, not the harness).
Labor: 6-10 hours (cab-off recommended)Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when Cylinder 1 glow plug fails?
A single failed glow plug in Cylinder 1 may cause hard starting in cold weather and rough running until the engine warms up. In mild temperatures, you may not notice any symptoms. Multiple failed glow plugs cause progressively worse cold starting.
How much does a glow plug replacement cost?
Individual glow plugs cost $15 to $50 each. Labor is the main expense as some glow plugs are difficult to access. A single glow plug replacement typically costs $100 to $300. Many shops recommend replacing all glow plugs at once.
Can a glow plug break off during removal?
Yes, especially on high-mileage diesel engines. Carbon buildup and corrosion can seize the glow plug in the cylinder head. Special extraction tools exist for broken glow plugs. Applying penetrating oil days before removal helps.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0671 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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