Honda 2.2 cdti glow plug failure - replace all 4?

[Matt_T]

I have a 2009 Honda Accord 2.2 cdti with 150,000 miles. Recently one of the glow plugs failed, my local friendly Honda mechanic diagnosed and replaced the glow plug for about £160 including labour.

My question is - should I replace all 4 now? Will having one new glow plug and 3 old crusty glow plugs cause any issues?

Thanks in advance...

[rallycross]

I’d suggest not to as if they brake due to being stuck in the head it becomes a horrible and expensive job so if they work leave them ( you don’t even need them on that model except in extreme cold starts).

[Richard-D]

Same as above. If you snap a working one off in the head you'll kick yourself. Hard.

[Matt_T]

rallycross said:

...you don’t even need them on that model except in extreme cold starts.

I didn't know that... on start up, when I put the key in the ignition, there is a glow coil symbol that goes out after 3 seconds - I assumed this was the glow plugs pre-heating to avoid soot build up / give a cleaner first fire.

Even on a hot day, the glow coil light comes on for a second before going out.

Can you explain this better please rallycross...

[stevieturbo]

Matt_T said:

I didn't know that... on start up, when I put the key in the ignition, there is a glow coil symbol that goes out after 3 seconds - I assumed this was the glow plugs pre-heating to avoid soot build up / give a cleaner first fire.

Even on a hot day, the glow coil light comes on for a second before going out.

Can you explain this better please rallycross...

No, most diesels, the glow plug is an essential part of enabling the car to start. Some may start without, most won't

And certainly on more modern cars, the glow plugs can run for some time after that initial start.