Best Glow Plug Relays of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Glow plug relays are essential components in diesel engines that help to start the engine in cold weather conditions. They work by heating up the glow plugs, which in turn warm the engine's combustion chamber, making it easier to ignite the fuel. Glow plug relays are designed to control the amount of current that flows through the glow plugs, ensuring that they don't overheat and cause damage to the engine. These relays are available in a range of designs and configurations to suit different types of diesel engines and applications. They are highly reliable and durable, making them a popular choice among diesel engine owners and mechanics.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Glow Plug Relays
Dorman 904-194 Diesel Glow Plug Relay
The Dorman 904-194 Diesel Glow Plug Relay is a direct replacement for the original relay in specified Ford models. This relay is a reliable solution for a damaged or failed original part, with durable construction from quality components. Backed by a team of US-based product experts with over a century of automotive experience, this relay ensures trustworthy quality. To ensure proper fit, input your vehicle's make, model, and trim level into the garage tool.
JDMSPEED Diesel Glow Plug Relay Solenoid
Upgrade your Ford diesel pickup with the JDMSPEED Glow Plug Relay for optimal performance. This high-quality relay is built to strict quality control standards, ensuring durability and reliability. With part numbers F81Z-12B533-AC, F7TZ-12B533-CA3, F7TZ-12B533-A3, it is a perfect replacement for Ford F Super Duty F-250 F-350 and F-450 F-550 Super Duty models with a 7.3L V8 DIESEL OHV Turbocharged engine. The JDMSPEED Glow Plug Relay is designed for professional installation and is highly recommended for a seamless fit. Experience the convenience and benefits of this reliable glow plug relay for your Ford diesel pickup.
GELUOXI DY-876 Diesel Glow Plug Relay
The GELUOXI Glow Plug Module is designed specifically for Ford diesel engines, providing an efficient replacement for your original control module. It ensures a perfect fit, making installation straightforward and hassle-free for you. Constructed with high-quality materials, this module can endure extreme temperatures and tough engine conditions, promising long-lasting reliability. Additionally, its compatibility spans various Ford models from 1999 to 2010, allowing you to confidently use it across different vehicles. With dedicated customer support available for six months after purchase, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing assistance is just a call away.
labwork 7.3L Glow Plug Relay
The labwork Glow Plug Relay is an essential replacement part for 1995-2002 Ford F-350 Econoline vehicles equipped with a 7.3L V8 engine. This relay ensures reliable operation, allowing your engine to start smoothly, especially in colder conditions. Its plug-and-play design makes installation straightforward, eliminating the hassle of complicated setups. Each unit comes in a sealed package, so you can trust that it's ready to install right out of the box. With part numbers that match several models, this glow plug relay is a practical choice for restoring your vehicle's performance.
Thomletha Glow Plug Relay for Ford 7.3L Diesel
The Thomletha Glow Plug Relay is designed specifically for Ford diesel engines from 1995 to 2002, including models like the F350 Econoline with a 7.3L engine. This relay serves as a direct replacement for several Ford part numbers, making it easy to find the right fit for your vehicle. Built with quality materials, it offers durability and dependable performance, so you can trust it to last through tough conditions. Installation is straightforward, allowing you to quickly get your glow plug system back in working order without hassle. This relay is a practical choice if you want a reliable and easy-to-install solution for your diesel engine’s glow plugs.
VORGENS Diesel Glow Plug Relay Module
The VORGENS Glow Plug Relay is designed for various Ford Super Duty models, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. It replaces several original equipment parts, making installation straightforward. This relay module effectively monitors and controls your engine's glow plugs, enhancing performance by optimizing their operation based on data from the engine control unit. Built to exceed OEM standards, it offers exceptional durability against wear and environmental damage. Plus, with a 180-day warranty, you can shop with confidence, knowing that your satisfaction is a priority.
TIKSCIENCE Glow Plug Relay Module for John Deere
The TIKSCIENCE Glow Relay is designed to fit a wide range of John Deere vehicles, including Gators, compact tractors, and riding mowers. This relay module helps your engine start quickly even in cold weather by preheating the engine to the right temperature. It also has built-in safety features like overload and short circuit protection, which help prevent electrical damage and keep your vehicle safe. Installation is simple and straightforward, requiring no special tools or modifications, so you can replace the part yourself and save time and money on maintenance.
ApplianPar Glow Plug Relay for 7.3L Powerstroke
The ApplianPar Glow Plug Relay is designed to fit a range of Ford diesel trucks and vans from 1994 to 1999 with 7.3L Powerstroke engines. This relay supports various models including F-250, F-350, F Super Duty, and E-350 Econoline, making it a versatile replacement part. It ensures efficient operation of your vehicle's glow plugs, which are crucial for cold starts in diesel engines. With this relay, you can expect reliable and consistent performance, helping your engine start smoothly even in cold weather. This product is a convenient choice if you want to maintain or improve your diesel engine's starting reliability.
QWORK Glow Plug Relay Solenoid Replacement
The QWORK Glow Plug Relay Solenoid is a high-quality replacement part for Ford F250, F350, F450, E250, and E350 van 1994-2003 models. Made from durable plastic and metal, it meets OEM specifications, and is easy to install with plug and play design. It replaces Ford part numbers F81Z12B533AC, F7TZ12B533CA3, F7TZ12B533A3, DY861, Prestolite 15-288, and SAZ4201J. The relay solenoid has a flat mounting base, 4 terminals, and voltage of 12. A 100% satisfaction guaranteed service is offered for one month.
LLYZFED E7TZ-12B533-A Glow Plug Controller Relay for Ford Diesel Trucks
The LLYZFED Glow Plug Relay is designed specifically for various Ford diesel trucks from the late '80s to mid-'90s, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. It replaces many original part numbers, which means you can trust it as a reliable substitute without compatibility concerns. Made from durable, heat-resistant materials, this relay performs well even under harsh conditions, giving you confidence in its longevity. Additionally, it offers precise control over voltage and temperature, helping your glow plugs heat up quickly and maintain smooth engine starts during cold weather. This means less hassle and more dependable starts when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the symptoms of a faulty glow plug relay?
Symptoms of a faulty glow plug relay include a flashing glow plug dashboard light or a check engine light when starting the car, difficulty starting the car, and the presence of white smoke until the engine warms up.
2. What does a glow plug relay do?
A glow plug relay is used by the glow plug control unit to switch the current on and off for the glow plugs. When there are multiple glow plugs, they are often distributed across two circuits with two glow plug relays to reduce the current needed.
3. Do I need a relay for glow plugs?
Yes, a relay is an essential part of the glow plug ignition system. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the glow plugs, especially in cold weather. If you need a replacement relay, you can find a selection of them at competitive prices.
4. What happens when your glow plug control module goes bad?
A bad glow plug control module or damaged glow plugs can cause white smoke during engine startup. Other possible causes of excess white smoke include low engine cranking speed, low compression, and air in the fuel system.
5. What will a bad glow plug cause?
A bad glow plug can negatively affect your engine's performance or even cause it to stop running. Unlike gasoline engines that rely on spark plugs, diesel engines use glow plugs to warm up the fuel/air mixture for combustion.
6. Can you start a diesel without glow plugs?
Yes, diesel engines can start without glow plugs. Most large diesel engines do not have glow plugs inside them. Glow plugs are not responsible for triggering the combustion process in a diesel engine. Their purpose is to warm up the fuel/air mixture to allow it to combust on its own.
7. Can faulty glow plug damage engine?
Yes, faulty glow plugs can harm your engine's performance or cause it to stop running. It is crucial to ensure that the glow plugs are in good working condition to maintain the proper functioning of the engine.
8. What tells glow plugs to come on?
The glow plugs are controlled by a glow plug control module. This module is located on the engine and receives input from the engine control unit. It uses a microprocessor to analyze this input and determine when to activate the glow plugs.
9. Are glow plugs just for starting?
No, glow plugs serve several important functions throughout the entire cycle of a diesel engine. They are not only used during initial ignition but also play a crucial role in the background of the engine's operation.
10. Can you drive with a bad glow plug control module?
You can drive with a bad glow plug control module, but it is not recommended. It is best to have it replaced as soon as possible to avoid continued poor performance and potential engine misfires.
11. How do you test a glow plug control relay?
To test a glow plug control relay, start by checking the battery voltage to the control module. If there is a voltage drop of over a half volt or more, it is a sign that the control module should be replaced.
During our glow plug relay research, we found 24 glow plug relay products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,704 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glow plug relays list. We found that most customers choose glow plug relays with an average price of $29.09.
The glow plug relays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glow plug relays, including Dorman, JDMSPEED, GELUOXI, labwork, Thomletha. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.