Do diesel glow plugs glow all the time?
No, diesel glow plugs do not glow all the time. Glow plugs are typically used to help start the engine in cold temperatures, and they remain activated for a short period during engine ignition. When the driver turns the key to start the engine, a signal travels to the glow plug controller, which then sends a current to the glow plugs. The plugs heat up for a few seconds, often around 2 to 5 seconds, and then shut off once the engine starts. Once the engine is running, the heat generated by the compression process is sufficient to keep the combustion chamber at the required temperature, so the glow plugs switch off. The engine control module (ECM) regulates the activation of glow plugs based on temperature sensors and various other input parameters to ensure optimal engine performance.