P0673: Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit
An electrical fault is present in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 3. The glow plug control module cannot drive this plug correctly — open circuit, short, or out-of-range resistance — so cylinder 3 is not pre-heated. On a cold start this causes hard starting, white smoke, and a misfire-like rough run until the engine warms. Causes: a failed glow plug, a broken supply lead to that plug, corrosion at the plug connector, or a faulty module output for cylinder 3.
What P0673 means
P0673 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the misfire & ignition group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Glow plug warning light on (often orange coil symbol)
- Hard cold start or no start in cold weather
- White smoke from exhaust during warm-up
Common causes
- 01Glow plug element openMost likely
Can I drive with P0673?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0673
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0673. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0670, P0671, P0672, P0674. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the glow plug and glow plug wiring for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Glow plug element open. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0673 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Glow plug
- Glow plug wiring
P0673 FAQ
What does P0673 mean?
P0673 means “Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit”. An electrical fault is present in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 3. The glow plug control module cannot drive this plug correctly — open circuit, short, or out-of-range resistance — so cylinder 3 is not pre-heated. On a cold start this causes hard starting, white smoke, and a misfire-like rough run until the engine warms. Causes: a failed glow plug, a broken supply lead to that plug, corrosion at the plug connector, or a faulty module output for cylinder 3.
Is P0673 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0673 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P0673?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Glow plug element open. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0673?
Typical labor is about $65–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0673 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0673 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.