Drive with caution — fix soon.
This code indicates a malfunction in the glow plug heater circuit "A," which warms the engine to help it start in cold conditions. It's usually caused by a bad glow plug control module, a faulty glow plug, or damaged wiring in the circuit. It's a common diesel code and is normally repaired by fixing the circuit or replacing the failed glow plug or controller.
$150 – $700
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Yes, in most cases, since the engine usually still runs fine once started. The main downside is harder cold starts, so plan to fix it before winter or before the cranking gets noticeably worse.
Repairs typically run $150 to $700. Replacing a single glow plug or fixing wiring is cheaper, while a full set of glow plugs or a control module is more expensive.
It's moderate. It doesn't usually harm the engine, but a failing glow plug system can eventually leave you unable to start, especially in cold climates.
It can. Glow plugs help fully ignite the fuel on a cold start, and when they're weak some fuel burns incompletely, producing white smoke that usually clears as the engine warms up.